An independent civil society organisation representing and empowering Kurdish refugees returned from Europe since 2011.
The Association works in partnership with the Kurdistan Regional Government, the Government of Iraq, international organisations, diplomatic missions, humanitarian agencies, civil society, and the Kurdish diaspora to promote sustainable reintegration and protect the rights of returnees.
Who we are
The Association of Returned Migrants from Europe to the Kurdistan Region is an independent, non-profit civil organisation dedicated to representing, supporting, and empowering Kurdish returnees who have voluntarily come back from Europe and other countries to the Kurdistan Region.
The Association is guided by the principles of equality, integrity, transparency, professionalism, accountability, respect for human dignity, and public service. Through collaborative partnerships and evidence-based initiatives, it works to strengthen social cohesion, encourage civic participation, and maximise the knowledge, experience, and expertise acquired by Kurdish refugees during their years abroad.
The Association remains committed to serving returned refugees with integrity, professionalism, and impartiality — ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to contribute to the future of the Kurdistan Region while preserving their rights, dignity, and cultural identity.
Our values
Integrity
Honest, evidence-based work in every service and communication.
Equality
Fair and equal treatment for every returnee, without discrimination.
Transparency
Open decision-making, accountable use of resources, clear reporting.
Professionalism
Competent, respectful service grounded in international best practice.
Human dignity
Every beneficiary treated with respect at every point of contact.
General objectives
- 01Represent and unite Kurdish refugees who have voluntarily returned from Europe and other countries under a single, inclusive, and representative organisation.
- 02Protect and promote the legal, civil, social, economic, and property rights of returned refugees, and advocate for the restoration of rights and lawful recovery of assets lost through displacement.
- 03Support successful reintegration through equal access to employment, education, healthcare, housing and public services so returnees can rebuild their lives with dignity and independence.
- 04Harness the knowledge, qualifications, professional expertise and international experience of returnees to support innovation, institutional development and public sector improvement across the Kurdistan Region.
- 05Encourage employment, entrepreneurship, vocational training, investment and workforce development so returnees can contribute meaningfully to the economy and society.
- 06Advocate for the fair reinstatement or appropriate re-employment of eligible former public sector employees, in line with applicable laws and government procedures.
- 07Promote education, culture, science, arts and public awareness initiatives that strengthen Kurdish identity, preserve heritage and foster active civic engagement.
- 08Build strong national and international partnerships with governments, diplomatic missions, the Kurdish diaspora, humanitarian and development agencies, universities and civil society.
- 09Facilitate the exchange of international knowledge, innovation, technology, governance and best practice to support the modernisation and sustainable development of the Kurdistan Region.
- 10Support initiatives that address the social, economic and psychological impacts of displacement, and promote resilience, wellbeing, inclusion and equal opportunity for all returnees.
- 11Work with the competent authorities of the Kurdistan Region, the Republic of Iraq, embassies, consulates and international organisations to facilitate the lawful recovery of personal belongings, documents and property left behind during displacement.
- 12Strengthen cooperation between domestic and international institutions, humanitarian and development partners and the private sector to deliver sustainable development, institutional reform and capacity-building programmes.
- 13Promote good governance, transparency, accountability, equality, professionalism and respect for the rule of law across every initiative of the Association.
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Learn more about how the Association is led and how it delivers its work.