Displaced families face ongoing challenges
Since the mass exodus that began in 2006, Iraqi refugees have found themselves in a perilous position, facing daunting obstacles and increasingly desperate and looking for help. The unique feature of this crisis is that the majority of the displaced Iraqis settled in neighboring regions and states, namely Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. The absence of refugee laws in the three countries of asylum makes UNHCR’s humanitarian mission that much more complicated. Despite a decline in violence in the second half of 2007, only a small number of Iraqis can expect resettlement approval. Those that remain abroad have little prospect of community integration or even gaining residency rights, both of which have been ruled out by the authorities. Internal displacement presents an enormous humanitarian challenge for both the displaced and the Iraqi families trying to help them in host communities. Caring for these vulnerable people puts undue strain on war torn areas already suffering from lack of infrastructure. Since the beginning of 2007, the UN Refugee Agency has expanded its operations in the region. UNHCR has registered more than 300,000 Iraqis in countries neighboring Iraq, 15 percent of who are in need of special assistance, including victims of torture. Since July 2008, UNHCR and its Iraqi partners have rehabilitated some 5,000 homes for returnees and internally displaced people, with another 20,000 planned by the end of this year.  Between security concerns and the general lack of resources, the massive internal displacement has led to a growing number of impoverished shantytowns without proper access to clean water and food. UNHCR is working to address the needs of those displaced through the construction of schools, clinics and community centers, and through providing counseling and special care for the most vulnerable. Your immediate support can provide emergency aid to these innocent men, women and children escaping violence and persecution. The number of Iraqis fleeing to neighboring countries also remains high. According to government figures, some 1.2 million Iraqis are now displaced in Syria, up to 500,000 in Jordan, 50,000 in Egypt and some 50,000 in Lebanon. To assist Iraqi refugee families, UNHCR is appealing for support to provide essential medical, health, basic assistance to the most vulnerable inside and outside the country. Please join our campaign to protect and assist Iraqi refugees |
