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Iraq

Iraq: IOM monitoring and needs assessments - Assessment of Iraqi return - Jun 2009

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Following the February 2006 bombing of the Samarra Al-Askari Mosque, escalating sectarian violence in Iraq caused massive displacement, both internal and to locations abroad. In coordination with the Iraqi government's Ministry of Displacement and Migration (MoDM), IOM continues to assess Iraqi displacement through a network of partners and monitors on the ground.

Most displacement over the past five years (since 2003) occurred in 2006 and has since slowed.

However, displacement continues to occur in some locations and the humanitarian situation of those already displaced is worsening. Some Iraqis are returning, but their conditions in places of return are extremely difficult.

The estimated number of displaced since February 2006 is more than 1.6 million individuals.

SUMMARY OF CURRENT IRAQI DISPLACEMENT AND RETURN:

Iraq's substantial IDP population and gradually growing returnee population both continue to need humanitarian protection and assistance.

IDP families are living in uncertain circumstances, sometimes occupying land or property illegally and connecting to nearby water or electrical networks without permission. Returnee families are coming home to destroyed property and infrastructure; in some cases they need assistance simply to repossess their occupied properties.

Both groups are in need of employment opportunities, and both have problems that are often compounded by the stress of conflict-driven displacement.

In some cases, improved security and increased humanitarian access reveal more needs. For example, in Daquq district of Kirkuk governorate, many IDP groups remained un-assessed by IOM monitors until recently due to security reasons.

Now the assessment has revealed groups of IDPs with health problems exacerbated by lack of access to proper care, diet, and environment.

Return is being supported by a variety of actors in some areas of the country. For example, in Toaitha area of Mada'in district, 34 families have retuned following coordination with MNF-I and the city council. In Al Iskan neighborhood of Karkh district, approximately 40 families have returned after an appeal from the tribal council in the area.

Returnee reports, along with IOM's regular reporting on displacement, including governorate profiles, biweekly updates, tent camp updates, and yearly and mid-year reviews, are available at http://www.iom-iraq.net/library.html#IDP.