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Iraq

Forgotten plight of Iraq's displaced

Since the start of the conflict in Iraq in March 2003, 53,000 civilians have been killed by military intervention and 650,000 Iraqis have died in the ongoing conflict. At present, there appears to be no way to address the protection vacuum, as the Multi-National Forces in Iraq and Iraqi security forces are incapable of protecting civilians.

Protection needed for displaced Iraqis

Searching for safety, 1.6 million Iraqis are now living in Jordan and at least 1.8 million are displaced inside Iraq according to the UNHCR (UN Refugee agency). The Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement recognised by the UN's September 2005 World Summit provides that people have a fundamental right to seek to escape violence by moving elsewhere within their country. However seeking safety in Iraq is not an easy task as the conflict has taken its toll on the country as a whole. Many basic services are no longer available and some commentators are calling Iraq a 'failed state'. Limited infrastructure, budgets and services also limit the assistance that Governates in Iraq can give to people fleeing the violence, resulting in some Governates restricting entry for internally displaced persons and advising them to return home where they are not safe.

Access to food at risk

The World Food Programme's most recent food security assessment, conducted in May 2006, estimated that over 4 million Iraqis were already food insecure and an additional 8.3 million, nearly a third of Iraq's population, were at risk of food insecurity if not provided with a daily ration under the Public Distribution System. Whilst the humanitarian situation is difficult throughout the country the situation is often worse for displaced people.

Insecurity major obstacle for aid

The civil war has posed great difficulties to non-governmental organisations trying to deliver aid to people in need under the principles of neutrality and impartiality enshrined in the Code of Conduct of the ICRC and Red Crescent. The daily challenges of accessing the civilian population, targeted attacks on NGO staff and the constant need to adapt to the changing situation makes it difficult for NGOs to identify clearly who they are and to distinguish themselves from other actors, in particular, armed actors.

Looking forward

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at the recently launched International Compact with Iraq meeting stated that

'There is no doubt that more must be done to bring a halt to the ongoing violence in Iraq, the brunt of which is being borne by innocent civilians. Beyond the terrorist attacks and sectarian violence, a humanitarian crisis is stretching the patience and ability of ordinary people to cope with everyday life.'

Efforts on a political and humanitarian level must be redoubled to ensure that international humanitarian law is fully respected and the essential elements of the IDP Guiding Principles are upheld to ensure that civilian populations are protected and have access to their basic needs.

Trócaire continues to work with international and national organisations to respond to Iraq's emergency humanitarian needs including emergency medical needs, de-mining and child protection.

To contact Trócaire's press team:

Republic of Ireland
Catherine Ginty,
Press Officer,
Trócaire.
T: +353 1 505 3270
M: 086 629 3994

Northern Ireland & UK
David O'Hare ,
Press Officer,
Trócaire.
T: 028 90 80 80 30
M: +44 7900053884