august 2012 fact sheet-en
TRANSCRIPT
Microsoft Word - August 2012 fact sheet-En.docUNHCR in Iraq
UNHCR has been present in Iraq since the 1980s, working with the
Government of Iraq (GoI) to protect and/or assist, as appropriate,
refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and
returnees. Iraq is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention
and its 1967 Protocol. However, the country has for many years
hosted and assisted, with UNHCR’s support, refugees of Palestinian,
Iranian and Turkish origin. The fall of the previous regime, coupled
with sectarian violence that erupted in 2006, resulted in various
waves of internal displacements. Consequently, UNHCR’s activities
were expanded to respond to the protection and assistance needs
of IDPs throughout the country.
Refugees
The 40,170 refugees and asylum seekers in Iraq are scattered in
camps, settlements and urban settings, mainly in Ninewa and Anbar
governorates, the Kurdistan Region, as well as Baghdad, where
some 10, 000 reside.
through voluntary repatriation, resettlement or local integration.
Owing to fighting and increased violence in Syria, since January
2012, thousands of Syrian nationals have been fleeing their homes
to seek safety in neighbouring countries, including Iraq, where by
the end of August 2012 their number has reached 18,680. (See
specific updates).
Iraqis continue to live in displacement throughout Iraq, mostly in
Baghdad, Diyala and Ninewa governorates. Most of them had fled
their homes owing to fear in connection with sectarian violence
triggered by the bombing of the Samara shrine in February 2006.
IDPs live either with families, in rented accommodations or in
informal settlements. Some 467,000 persons – comprising of IDPs,
returnees and squatters - remain in more than 382 settlements
throughout the country, with 191,163 of them living in 125 illegal
settlements in the capital, on public land or in public buildings,
facing harsh living conditions, with limited access to electricity,
adequate sanitation, schools, as well as job opportunities, in
addition to being at risk of eviction by the authorities.
UNHCR has been working with the GoI on a Comprehensive Plan to
end displacement. The plan incorporates the development of
integration policies regarding livelihood and employment
opportunities, as well as shelter programmes in areas of
displacement or in new land allocated by the GOI. Ensuring security
and access to basic services in areas of displacement or of return
remains a major challenge.
UNHCR facilitates the return of people who have decided to
voluntarily go back home on an individual basis. UNHCR has
recorded 1,007,350 Iraqi refugee and IDP returnees between
2008 and July 2012. IDPs constitute some 85% of the returnee
population, and 90% of them have returned to Baghdad and
Diyala areas. By end of July UNHCR has registered some 148,925
Iraqi refugees in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and other neighbouring
countries. In Iraq, returnees receive assistance from MODM in
addition to support provided by UNHCR through its Return,
Integration and Community Centres (RICCs). The continuous
unrest in Syria as prompted an increasing number of Iraqi
refugees in that country to return to Iraq.
Stateless persons
An estimated 120,000 persons are believed to be stateless in
Iraq. These comprise mainly Faily Kurds and Bidoons. This figure
is gradually decreasing with increasing numbers of Faily Kurds
regaining their Iraqi citizenship in accordance with the
Nationality Law of 2006. UNHCR is assisting in the identification
of stateless persons, raising awareness about their problems and
facilitating their access to ID and other legal documents.
Population of Concern –July Individuals
Refugees- July 35,310
Iraqi refugee & IDPs returns registered in 2012 201,680
Iraqi refugee returns registered in 2012 43,950
New Syrian refugees fleeing conflict in Syria- (End
of August) 18,682
UNHCR presence
The Iraq Operation is managed from a Country office in
Baghdad, sub offices in Erbil, Field presence in Sulaymaniah,
Dahuk, Kirkuk, Basra, Diyala, Baqubah, Babylone, Hilla, Kut,
Wassit, Karbala, Najaf, Missan and Liaison office in Amman.
A total of 47 international and 152 national staff members
are engaged in the Operation.
UNHCR Iraq budget 2012: $US 190,500,000
Currently allocated$US: 65,000,000
Construction of shelters in Diyala
UNHCR Iraq Fact Sheet August 2012
Latest developments
To respond to the needs of Syrian refugees entering Iraq through Al Qa’im border point, a camp has been established, with 613 (out of planned 700) tents having been erected. Once completed, the camp shall accommodate 3,500 refugees. The installation of the rub-hall and Oxfam tank has also been completed. On July 31, UNHCR started registration and counselling of refugees, and total of 407 cases (1,692 individuals) have been registered. In Domiz camp, a total of 105 tents have been erected in the transit area.
A press conference on Iraqi Returnees and Refugees from Syria was organized on August 7 jointly
by UNHCR and UNAMI. The conference highlighted the ongoing joint efforts of the United Nations and
the Government of Iraq to respond to the needs of Iraqi returnees and Syrian refugees in Iraq. The
conference received wide media coverage.
4 workshops have been organized in the southern governorates attended by government officials,
NGOs and UNHCR people of concern. The workshops addressed a number of issues, such as ”Violence
against women and legal protection” in Chibayish ,”The dangers of violence against women and the
legal guarantees” in Mithanna .” Suffering of Widows and Divorced Women in the Iraqi Community “
in The Qar and “ Children’s future and their role to build society” in Mayssan
In Basra, UNHCR’s IP conducted 5 days training for 11 heads of households on how to manage their
income as fishermen. Following the training, the participants received fishing kit and boats in the
presence of representatives from the provisional council, DRC, and UNHCR. In Missan, UNHCR’s IP, in
collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sport, organized a one month plumbing training for 30
IDP heads of households
UNHCR and partners are implanting 39 projects in 5 Governorates in the south of Iraq, including a
project of a pedestrian pathway, protected by a fence, to avoid accidents in an area hosting 200
mostly IDP families in Basra. In The-Qar, 60% of project included rehabilitation of 75 m accessible
and filling up of a swamp area has been accomplished .
An IDP low-cost shelter construction project is under implementation in Saba’ al-Bour, north of
Baghdad. The ground levelling and compacting as well demarcation of the housing units have started.
Beneficiaries of this project will be 384 IDP families currently living in informal settlements in
Baghdad. August 8 was the date of ceremony for laying the foundation for UNHCR project of low cost
shelter in Sabee Al-bour, Baghdad .The land allocated to construct 385 shelters for IDPs returnees.
The event was attended by the representative of MoDM ,local authorities, UNHCR team and IP
teamIDP low cost shelter will also be constructed at three other locations, including two in Babylon
and one in Mosul governorates.
In the Kurdistan region of Iraq, UNHCR, jointly with IRC, provided training to partners, the
Department of Displacement and Migration (DDM) and UNHCR team working in Domiz camp on
gender issues and protection mainstreaming.
Vocational training for persons of concern in sewing, hair dressing, computer and English courses
were completed in Kirkuk, benefiting 94 individuals. The trained graduates received certificates from
the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, together with starter kits from UNHCR. UNHCR IP Qandil has
conducted a second session on empowerment of women NGOs in Kirkuk.
At the request of MODM and in preparation for a possible influx of Syrian refugees, should the
situation deteriorate in Aleppo, the establishment of a camp in KASAK, Mosul, is under consideration.
UNHCR has visited the proposed site. Initially 100 tents will be erected on that site.
6 Syrian refugees detained in Ninewa were released, with UNHCR intervention, and transferred to
Dmoiz camp .
39 Iraqi Returnees repatriated from Iran, through Kermanshah, on August 5. UNHCR covered the
returnees transportation from the Iraqi – Iranian border to their final destinations in Baghdad.
UNHCR Iraq External Relations Unit: [email protected]
UNHCR partners
Government
(MoDM), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry
of Interior, Ministry of Human Rights,
Implementation and Follow up Committee
for national reconciliation (IFCNR), Bureau of
Displacement and Migration (BDM)
operational partners
(UNAMI), World Food Programme, UNICEF,
UN-Habitat, IOM, WHO, OCHA
Humanitarian Organization, Resurrecting
and Development, Iraqi Humanitarian League
for Human Rights, Save the Children
Federation, Iraqi Salvation Humanitarian
International Rescue Committee, Islamic
Relief Worldwide, HARIKAR, Norwegian
Refugee Council, Association Development
Recruitment Program,Women Development
Organization, International Organization for
Baghdad, UNHCR and its partners work to ensure
that IDPs and returnees are able to enjoy their
fundamental rights. Lawyers in the Centres as
well as 43 mobile teams provide legal assistance,
interventions and referrals on behalf of the
persons of concern. Inter alia, UNHCR teams are
following up closely on potential evictions of
IDPs from informal settlements. The total
number of the legal cases opened solved, closed
without solutions, cases in progress or pending)
in July is 765 (43,66%females 56,34%males).The
cases categorized as 360 concerning IDPs,134
IDP returnees, 179,refugees and refugee
returnees,1 asylum seekers , 2 deported and 89
vulnerable community members. (MoDM) has addressed a letter to Baghdad
Governorate Master-Planning Department to obtain final approval of the detailed site plan for the 200-shelter project that will be implemented for IDPs in Nahrawan, south-east of Baghdad.
IP Qandil has completed the expansion of three schools and handed them over to the Education Department in Kirkuk.
Since March 2012, 4,719 IDs have been distributed to refugees in Makhmour camp (Erbil)
UNHCR distributed a total of 797 NFI kits to Iraqi returnees from Syria through its six RICCs in Baghdad.
A total of 32,876 Iraqis returned from Syria
Iraqi between 18 July and end August 2012. Of
these, 5,997 returned by air, mostly on
government-assisted flights.
released, on UNHCR intervention, and
transferred to Dmoiz camp
UNHCR has been present in Iraq since the 1980s, working with the
Government of Iraq (GoI) to protect and/or assist, as appropriate,
refugees, asylum seekers, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and
returnees. Iraq is not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention
and its 1967 Protocol. However, the country has for many years
hosted and assisted, with UNHCR’s support, refugees of Palestinian,
Iranian and Turkish origin. The fall of the previous regime, coupled
with sectarian violence that erupted in 2006, resulted in various
waves of internal displacements. Consequently, UNHCR’s activities
were expanded to respond to the protection and assistance needs
of IDPs throughout the country.
Refugees
The 40,170 refugees and asylum seekers in Iraq are scattered in
camps, settlements and urban settings, mainly in Ninewa and Anbar
governorates, the Kurdistan Region, as well as Baghdad, where
some 10, 000 reside.
through voluntary repatriation, resettlement or local integration.
Owing to fighting and increased violence in Syria, since January
2012, thousands of Syrian nationals have been fleeing their homes
to seek safety in neighbouring countries, including Iraq, where by
the end of August 2012 their number has reached 18,680. (See
specific updates).
Iraqis continue to live in displacement throughout Iraq, mostly in
Baghdad, Diyala and Ninewa governorates. Most of them had fled
their homes owing to fear in connection with sectarian violence
triggered by the bombing of the Samara shrine in February 2006.
IDPs live either with families, in rented accommodations or in
informal settlements. Some 467,000 persons – comprising of IDPs,
returnees and squatters - remain in more than 382 settlements
throughout the country, with 191,163 of them living in 125 illegal
settlements in the capital, on public land or in public buildings,
facing harsh living conditions, with limited access to electricity,
adequate sanitation, schools, as well as job opportunities, in
addition to being at risk of eviction by the authorities.
UNHCR has been working with the GoI on a Comprehensive Plan to
end displacement. The plan incorporates the development of
integration policies regarding livelihood and employment
opportunities, as well as shelter programmes in areas of
displacement or in new land allocated by the GOI. Ensuring security
and access to basic services in areas of displacement or of return
remains a major challenge.
UNHCR facilitates the return of people who have decided to
voluntarily go back home on an individual basis. UNHCR has
recorded 1,007,350 Iraqi refugee and IDP returnees between
2008 and July 2012. IDPs constitute some 85% of the returnee
population, and 90% of them have returned to Baghdad and
Diyala areas. By end of July UNHCR has registered some 148,925
Iraqi refugees in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and other neighbouring
countries. In Iraq, returnees receive assistance from MODM in
addition to support provided by UNHCR through its Return,
Integration and Community Centres (RICCs). The continuous
unrest in Syria as prompted an increasing number of Iraqi
refugees in that country to return to Iraq.
Stateless persons
An estimated 120,000 persons are believed to be stateless in
Iraq. These comprise mainly Faily Kurds and Bidoons. This figure
is gradually decreasing with increasing numbers of Faily Kurds
regaining their Iraqi citizenship in accordance with the
Nationality Law of 2006. UNHCR is assisting in the identification
of stateless persons, raising awareness about their problems and
facilitating their access to ID and other legal documents.
Population of Concern –July Individuals
Refugees- July 35,310
Iraqi refugee & IDPs returns registered in 2012 201,680
Iraqi refugee returns registered in 2012 43,950
New Syrian refugees fleeing conflict in Syria- (End
of August) 18,682
UNHCR presence
The Iraq Operation is managed from a Country office in
Baghdad, sub offices in Erbil, Field presence in Sulaymaniah,
Dahuk, Kirkuk, Basra, Diyala, Baqubah, Babylone, Hilla, Kut,
Wassit, Karbala, Najaf, Missan and Liaison office in Amman.
A total of 47 international and 152 national staff members
are engaged in the Operation.
UNHCR Iraq budget 2012: $US 190,500,000
Currently allocated$US: 65,000,000
Construction of shelters in Diyala
UNHCR Iraq Fact Sheet August 2012
Latest developments
To respond to the needs of Syrian refugees entering Iraq through Al Qa’im border point, a camp has been established, with 613 (out of planned 700) tents having been erected. Once completed, the camp shall accommodate 3,500 refugees. The installation of the rub-hall and Oxfam tank has also been completed. On July 31, UNHCR started registration and counselling of refugees, and total of 407 cases (1,692 individuals) have been registered. In Domiz camp, a total of 105 tents have been erected in the transit area.
A press conference on Iraqi Returnees and Refugees from Syria was organized on August 7 jointly
by UNHCR and UNAMI. The conference highlighted the ongoing joint efforts of the United Nations and
the Government of Iraq to respond to the needs of Iraqi returnees and Syrian refugees in Iraq. The
conference received wide media coverage.
4 workshops have been organized in the southern governorates attended by government officials,
NGOs and UNHCR people of concern. The workshops addressed a number of issues, such as ”Violence
against women and legal protection” in Chibayish ,”The dangers of violence against women and the
legal guarantees” in Mithanna .” Suffering of Widows and Divorced Women in the Iraqi Community “
in The Qar and “ Children’s future and their role to build society” in Mayssan
In Basra, UNHCR’s IP conducted 5 days training for 11 heads of households on how to manage their
income as fishermen. Following the training, the participants received fishing kit and boats in the
presence of representatives from the provisional council, DRC, and UNHCR. In Missan, UNHCR’s IP, in
collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sport, organized a one month plumbing training for 30
IDP heads of households
UNHCR and partners are implanting 39 projects in 5 Governorates in the south of Iraq, including a
project of a pedestrian pathway, protected by a fence, to avoid accidents in an area hosting 200
mostly IDP families in Basra. In The-Qar, 60% of project included rehabilitation of 75 m accessible
and filling up of a swamp area has been accomplished .
An IDP low-cost shelter construction project is under implementation in Saba’ al-Bour, north of
Baghdad. The ground levelling and compacting as well demarcation of the housing units have started.
Beneficiaries of this project will be 384 IDP families currently living in informal settlements in
Baghdad. August 8 was the date of ceremony for laying the foundation for UNHCR project of low cost
shelter in Sabee Al-bour, Baghdad .The land allocated to construct 385 shelters for IDPs returnees.
The event was attended by the representative of MoDM ,local authorities, UNHCR team and IP
teamIDP low cost shelter will also be constructed at three other locations, including two in Babylon
and one in Mosul governorates.
In the Kurdistan region of Iraq, UNHCR, jointly with IRC, provided training to partners, the
Department of Displacement and Migration (DDM) and UNHCR team working in Domiz camp on
gender issues and protection mainstreaming.
Vocational training for persons of concern in sewing, hair dressing, computer and English courses
were completed in Kirkuk, benefiting 94 individuals. The trained graduates received certificates from
the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, together with starter kits from UNHCR. UNHCR IP Qandil has
conducted a second session on empowerment of women NGOs in Kirkuk.
At the request of MODM and in preparation for a possible influx of Syrian refugees, should the
situation deteriorate in Aleppo, the establishment of a camp in KASAK, Mosul, is under consideration.
UNHCR has visited the proposed site. Initially 100 tents will be erected on that site.
6 Syrian refugees detained in Ninewa were released, with UNHCR intervention, and transferred to
Dmoiz camp .
39 Iraqi Returnees repatriated from Iran, through Kermanshah, on August 5. UNHCR covered the
returnees transportation from the Iraqi – Iranian border to their final destinations in Baghdad.
UNHCR Iraq External Relations Unit: [email protected]
UNHCR partners
Government
(MoDM), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry
of Interior, Ministry of Human Rights,
Implementation and Follow up Committee
for national reconciliation (IFCNR), Bureau of
Displacement and Migration (BDM)
operational partners
(UNAMI), World Food Programme, UNICEF,
UN-Habitat, IOM, WHO, OCHA
Humanitarian Organization, Resurrecting
and Development, Iraqi Humanitarian League
for Human Rights, Save the Children
Federation, Iraqi Salvation Humanitarian
International Rescue Committee, Islamic
Relief Worldwide, HARIKAR, Norwegian
Refugee Council, Association Development
Recruitment Program,Women Development
Organization, International Organization for
Baghdad, UNHCR and its partners work to ensure
that IDPs and returnees are able to enjoy their
fundamental rights. Lawyers in the Centres as
well as 43 mobile teams provide legal assistance,
interventions and referrals on behalf of the
persons of concern. Inter alia, UNHCR teams are
following up closely on potential evictions of
IDPs from informal settlements. The total
number of the legal cases opened solved, closed
without solutions, cases in progress or pending)
in July is 765 (43,66%females 56,34%males).The
cases categorized as 360 concerning IDPs,134
IDP returnees, 179,refugees and refugee
returnees,1 asylum seekers , 2 deported and 89
vulnerable community members. (MoDM) has addressed a letter to Baghdad
Governorate Master-Planning Department to obtain final approval of the detailed site plan for the 200-shelter project that will be implemented for IDPs in Nahrawan, south-east of Baghdad.
IP Qandil has completed the expansion of three schools and handed them over to the Education Department in Kirkuk.
Since March 2012, 4,719 IDs have been distributed to refugees in Makhmour camp (Erbil)
UNHCR distributed a total of 797 NFI kits to Iraqi returnees from Syria through its six RICCs in Baghdad.
A total of 32,876 Iraqis returned from Syria
Iraqi between 18 July and end August 2012. Of
these, 5,997 returned by air, mostly on
government-assisted flights.
released, on UNHCR intervention, and
transferred to Dmoiz camp