U.N. Refugees Mission in IRAQ

PENTAGON NEWS CHANNEL: FREEDOM JOURNAL IN IRAQ

Working environment

The context

    The complexity of the operational, logistical and political environment in Iraq makes it a challenge for UNHCR to implement its protection and assistance programmes in the country.

    Of the countries neighbouring Iraq, only Iran and Turkey are signatories to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol. However, Jordan and the Syrian Arab Republic host the largest numbers of Iraqi refugees. Despite the significant socio-economic burden, both countries have been generous to Iraqi refugees, allowing them access to public services, including health care and education.

    Nonetheless, the situation of Iraqi refugees throughout the region continues to deteriorate, as most of them do not have the right to work and cannot access the limited informal job market. Their needs are increasing as their savings have been depleted by prolonged displacement and hikes in the prices of basic commodities in the host countries.

    Conditions inside Iraq are not yet conducive to safe and dignified mass returns. However, limited spontaneous returns are taking place, often driven by the economic hardships experienced in displacement. Reports from Iraq suggest that some people are returning to the areas where their religious or ethnic groups are the majority, not to their places of origin.

    At the end of August 2008 more than 300,000 people were registered with UNHCR in the countries surrounding Iraq. However, it is believed that a total of some one to two million Iraqis are living in these countries, mainly in Jordan and Syria. UNHCR is also involved with an estimated 2.8 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and some 42,000 refugees, including Palestinians, in Iraq.

Read the Full Report : UNHCR Country Operations Profile -IRAQ

The Onion: How Can We Make The War In Iraq More Eco-Friendly

 

    Panelists discuss ways to wage a greener war in Iraq, such as driving biodegradable tanks and shocking detainees’ testicles with wind power. More coverage at: http://onion.com

Mortars landing on american base in Amarah city, Maysan province.

Until other solutions are found … it is essential that the international community help UNHCR to provide financial and food support” Angelina Jolie

To know more about  IRAK ON CRISIS and UN Goodwill Ambassador Angelina  Jolie interviews.

WERI CHANNEL

 

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Viva forever

February 7 th 2008 Angelina Jolie brought her star power to Baghdad Thursday on a mission as a U.N. goodwill ambassador to highlight the plight of Iraqi refugees.

The clashes in Sadr City on 8 April left 15 civilians injured when government forces tried to re-enter the suburb, a police officer said on condition of anonymity.

 

Iraq: Dozens of families flee clashes in Sadr City

BAGHDAD, 8 April 2008 (IRIN) – Dozens of families are fleeing clashes in Baghdad’s largest slum – Sadr City – to seek shelter in nearby neighbourhoods, according to the Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS) and residents.

    “We have registered displacement among the residents of Sadr City since 7 April but we have no specific numbers as all these families are seeking shelter with relatives in nearby neighbourhoods,” said Ammar Abdul-Sattar Mohammed, a volunteer with the IRCS mission in Sadr City.

    “All these families are leaving their homes on foot without taking anything with them; most are leaving one or two family members behind to protect property. But it is not yet considered a major displacement,” Mohammed told IRIN.

    The clashes are between government forces (backed by US troops) and the Mahdi Army, a Shia militia loyal to radical leader Muqtada al-Sadr.

    With regard to humanitarian assistance, Mohammed said IRCS teams “are working hard to meet the needs of the local hospitals by providing them with medicines and medical items whenever they feel it is safe for them [the aid teams] to move”.

    Since 25 March, the suburbs of Sadr City and Shula have been the scene of fierce fighting, prompting the authorities to impose tight security measures, including a ban on cars.

    Despite an order on 5 April by Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to ease security restrictions in the two Shia militia strongholds, doctors and medical staff are still unable to operate normally in these suburbs.

    “We are fed up with the fighting and deteriorated public services since 25 March. There is no water, no electricity, and food and vegetables are hard to get, while prices are soaring,” said Jamal Hussein Nasser, a Sadr City resident who fled with his 15-member family to nearby Shaab area.

    “There are almost round-the-clock shootings, mortar rounds, explosions and sniper-fire from both sides. We were happy when Saddam Hussein was toppled and thought our life would get better but unfortunately Saddam was better,” Nasser said.

The Iraki media

 

    25 years of relentless repression : Iraqi President Saddam Hussein and his son have turned what was once of the most vibrant presses in the Middle Esat into an instrument of propaganda.