Friday, December 01, 2006
Refugees International: Iraqi refugee crisis in Middle East
Humanitarian
A recent survey of the region by Refugees International documented the human costs of displacement and the lack of adequate international response. The UN estimates that 2.3 million Iraqis have fled violence in their country; 1.8 million have fled to surrounding countries, mainly Jordan and Syria, while some 500,000 have vacated their homes for safer areas within Iraq. An estimated 40,000 people are leaving Iraq every month for Syria alone, while other countries through out the Middle East, including Egypt, Lebanon, Yemen, Iran and Turkey are also seeing increased flows.
Most Iraqis are determined to be resettled to Europe or North America, and few consider return to Iraq an option. With no legal work options in their current host countries, Iraqis are already exploring the use of false documents to migrate to Western nations. The International Community must develop a coherent response to the surging displacement. Neighboring countries are being overwhelmed by the massive influx of Iraqi refugees.
Syria and Jordan are rapidly becoming overwhelmed by the numbers of Iraqis seeking refuge in their urban centers. Jordan, Lebanon and Syria consider Iraqis as "guests" rather than refugees fleeing violence. None of these countries allows Iraqis to work. Although Syria is maintaining its "open door policy" in the name of pan-Arabism, it has started imposing restrictions on Iraqi refugees, such as charges for healthcare that used to be free.
Syria and Jordan are rapidly becoming overwhelmed by the numbers of Iraqis seeking refuge in their urban centers. Jordan, Lebanon and Syria consider Iraqis as "guests" rather than refugees fleeing violence. None of these countries allows Iraqis to work. Although Syria is maintaining its "open door policy" in the name of pan-Arabism, it has started imposing restrictions on Iraqi refugees, such as charges for healthcare that used to be free.
In Jordan, Iraqis have to pay for the most basic services, and live in constant fear of deportation. The Jordanian government, concerned about the risk of instability, has shut its border to young men, forcing families to separate. It is also becoming increasingly difficult for Iraqis in Jordan to renew their visas to be able to remain in country.
Given its central role in Iraq, the US must lead an international initiative to support Middle Eastern countries hosting Iraqi civilians. The US should recognize and support the constructive role Syria is playing in hosting Iraqi refugees and help it keep its borders open. UNHCR does not have enough resources to assist Iraqi refugees in the Middle East.
Given its central role in Iraq, the US must lead an international initiative to support Middle Eastern countries hosting Iraqi civilians. The US should recognize and support the constructive role Syria is playing in hosting Iraqi refugees and help it keep its borders open. UNHCR does not have enough resources to assist Iraqi refugees in the Middle East.
