Harikar Conducts Legal Awareness Campaign on Presidential Decree No. 13 for Syrian Refugees and Asylum-Seekers in Duhok Governorate

Following the announcement of Presidential Decree No. 13 concerning the naturalization of Kurds in the Syrian Arab Republic, Harikar NGO's Legal Unit conducted a targeted legal awareness campaign to ensure that Syrian refugees and asylum-seekers from the stateless (Maktoum) category received timely and accurate information regarding the decree and its potential implications.

The campaign was implemented across Domiz 1 Camp, Domiz 2 Camp, Gawilan Camp, and Akre Settlement through a series of in-person awareness sessions. To reach individuals living outside camps, Harikar's legal team also conducted phone-based counselling with beneficiaries residing in Duhok Centre, Domiz Urban, Zakho, Bardarash, Amedi, and other urban locations.

During the awareness sessions, Harikar's lawyers explained the available information related to the decree, responded to beneficiaries' questions, and provided individual legal counselling to help participants better understand the available procedures and their potential options. The sessions also created an opportunity for community members to raise concerns and seek clarification on issues affecting them and their families.

Throughout the campaign, participants shared a range of questions and concerns, including the practical challenges associated with travelling to Syria, the limited timeframe available for completing the required procedures, and personal, economic, and security considerations that could affect their decisions. These discussions enabled Harikar to better understand the concerns of the affected population and to share relevant observations with UNHCR to support ongoing protection analysis and coordination.

This initiative reflects Harikar's continued commitment to ensuring that refugees and asylum-seekers have access to timely legal information, quality legal counselling, and informed decision-making when faced with significant legal and administrative developments affecting their rights and future.