29 May2026 PRESS RELEASE – For Immediate Release

 The International Federation of Iraqi Refugees (IFIR) is issuing an urgent warning following the detention of eight Iraqi refugees in Hanover airport, Germany who now face imminent deportation to Iraq.  They have been told they will be returned to Iraq on Tuesday 2 June.

IFIR stresses that Iraq remains unsafe for forced returns. Armed groups, militias, and extremist organisations continue to operate with impunity across the country, while state protection remains weak and inconsistent. Deporting individuals to Iraq places them at serious and foreseeable risk of persecution, violence, and instability.

The individuals currently detained in Germany include long-term residents who have rebuilt their lives, integrated into their communities, and contributed to German society. Several fled Iraq after receiving threats linked to family connections, political activity, or perceived opposition to armed and extremist groups. Their cases reflect the broader dangers faced by many Iraqi returnees.

Iraq Remains Unsafe for Deportations

The political and security situation in Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region, remains deeply unstable. Militia activity, political fragmentation, corruption, restrictions on freedom of expression, and weak civilian protections continue to endanger vulnerable people.

Women and girls continue to face widespread violations of their rights, while workers, activists, and critics of political authorities are frequently subjected to intimidation and repression. In these conditions, forcibly returning asylum seekers places them at immediate and unacceptable risk.

IFIR Calls on the German Authorities To:

1. Immediately suspend all planned deportations to Iraq.

2. Reassess the asylum claims of the eight detained individuals in light of the current security and political situation.

3. Guarantee access to legal representation and the opportunity to submit updated evidence.

4. End cooperation agreements that facilitate the forced return of Iraqi asylum seekers who have established their lives in Germany.

Statement from Dashty Jamal, Secretary of IFIR

“Iraq is not a safe country. Armed groups continue to threaten civilians, and the political and security situation remains deeply unstable. Deporting people to Iraq (especially those who have rebuilt their lives in Europe) exposes them to serious and preventable harm. IFIR calls on the German authorities to halt these deportations immediately and suspend the shameful agreement between the Iraqi and German authorities that enables the forced return of Iraqi refugees. Human lives should never be treated as political bargaining tools.” 

End