Hol Camp, located in North and East Syria, has long been considered one of the most dangerous places in the world due to the persistent threat posed by ISIS mercenaries. According to data from the camp authorities, there are 10,084 families currently living in the camp. These include 9 families of unknown nationality, 3,829 Iraqi families, 4,351 Syrian families, and 1,895 families of foreign origin. The total population of the camp stands at 35,323 individuals, consisting of 9 people of unknown nationality, 13,124 Iraqis, 15,805 Syrians and 6,385 foreigners.

As part of the voluntary return process launched in cooperation with the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria, the Hol Camp Administration, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other local civil society organizations, the first group of 178 people from 42 families set off for Aleppo this morning.

Prior to the departure of the convoy, a protocol was signed between the Hol Camp Administration, the Autonomous Administration's Social and Labor Affairs Committee, the Syrian Research Center, the Aleppo Stability Support Union, UNHCR representatives, and the Autonomous Administration's Foreign Relations Office, which included cooperation between the parties.

A joint statement read by Cihan Henan, Co-Chair of the Hol Camp Administration, emphasized that the return was implemented in accordance with the decision taken by the Autonomous Administration on January 23, 2025.

“Following the requests of Syrian IDPs displaced due to the civil war, and in accordance with international legal norms, permission has been granted for 178 individuals to return to Aleppo. This process was entirely voluntary, and no pressure was exerted on anyone to leave the camp.”

The statement added that efforts would continue to ensure that other Syrians in in Hol Camp could return to their regions safely and with dignity.

According to information provided by camp management, around 11,000 Syrian IDPs are currently sheltered in Hol Camp. The aim is to gradually expand the return process to include these individuals as well.