Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

Iraq

Secretary of State establishes new Iraq refugee and internally displaced persons task force

2007/077
Sean McCormack, Spokesman
Washington, DC

On February 5, 2007, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice announced the establishment of the Iraq Refugee and Internally Displaced Persons Task Force. Under Secretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs Paula Dobriansky will lead this effort, building on support already provided, to coordinate refugee and IDP assistance to the region and refugee resettlement. The task force will also draw on the Department of State's multidisciplinary expertise to devise strategies for Iraqis at risk because of their work with the U.S. Government.

Members of the Task Force include: Assistant Secretary of State for Population, Refugees and Migration, Ellen Sauerbrey; Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs, David Welch; Senior Advisor to the Secretary and Coordinator for Iraq, David Satterfield; Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Maura Harty; Director General of the Foreign Service and Director of Human Resources, George Staples; USAID Assistant Administrator for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Assistance, Michael E. Hess; and USAID Acting Assistant Administrator for Asia and the Near East, Mark Ward. The task force will focus the State Department's coordination with other USG agencies, the UN, and other stakeholders. The work of the task force will also support the Department's participation in existing interagency processes run by the National Security Council.