November 2, 2004 - WHO

November 2, 2004

Note: This report has been compiled from publicly available information. Although information has been gathered from reliable sources the currency and completeness of the information reported herein is subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. Inquiries, updates and comments are welcome and should be directed to PDMIN team at [email protected].

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Note: New content has been inserted in red, italicized, bold font.

Overview

Humanitarian Situation: Continued concern about security, attacks on civilians, hostage taking, crime, and lethal exchanges between multinational force and Iraqis; Food distribution OK; Infrastructure improving very slowly; Reconstruction and humanitarian operations slow—security, supply, and bureaucratic impediments; Political: Iraqi leaders travel to neighboring countries—Prime Minister Iyad Allawi is in Jordan to co-chair Joint Higher Jordanian-Iraqi Commission with Jordan’s Prime Minister, Faisal Fayez,—President Ghazi al-Yawar is in Bahrain after historic visit to Kuwait; Philippines dealing with accounting contractor hostage in Iraq in addition to UN election worker hostage in Afghanistan—earlier, Philippines pulled troops from Iraq to secure release of hostage; Dutch Foreign Minister

en Bot opens door with parliament to keep 1,300 troops in Iraq after March 2005; B UN: The Secretary-General’s Special Representative Ashraf Jehangir Qazi meets with Prime Minister Iyad Allawi to discuss situation in Iraq and transition—earlier Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari reminded that Iraq wants more UN election support, and Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi said he asked Secretary General Kofi Annan for troops to secure January 2005 election; Refugees: Characterizing the situation in Iraq as unstable and dangerous, UNHCR calls for countries to refrain from forcing Iraqis to return home--UNHCR also discourages voluntary repatriation, but says that refugees continue to return Over 100,000 refugees estimated to have returned from Iran—UNHCR provided significant support for about 17,000--most returning from Iran to south have been unassisted with minimal problems; 80,000 to 130,000 Iraqi refugees are estimated to remain in Iran; Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs): The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) estimates between 650,000 and 900,000 IDPs in Iraq—most IDPs do not stem from recent war and most are in the north; In northern city of Kirkuk, agreement on returning IDPs deteriorates among Kurds, Turkomans, and Arabs as large numbers of Kurdish IDPs return to contentious city; UNOPS and IOM developing profiles of IDP situation in each governorate; Civil Society/Rule of Law: Prime Minister Iyad Allawi as the official who will initiate the multinational/Iraqi force assault on Fallujah when talks fail - President Ghazi al-Yawar disagrees with concept; US reconstruction-related Iraqi jobs reported as 85,000, down from earlier peak of 100,000 as US works to expand efforts; Kurdish north continues as bastion of relative calm with fewer security problems than rest of country; Insurgent attacks, bombings, kidnappings, and assassinations continue; Civil–Military Interaction: Both multinational/Iraqi forces and insurgents prepare for Fallujah assault—many civilians said to be leaving, and many are in camps west of the city, in neighboring towns, or in Baghdad; Civilians also reported leaving Mahmudiyah, south of Baghdad, amid growing scarcity of essential supplies—Mahmudiyah is location of 850 British troops moved north to backfill for US forces—Iraqi Red Crescent considers building camp outside town; US continues to provide weapons, ammunition, and protective gear to Iraqi security forces; Humanitarian Access to Iraq: Press reports UNHCR suspends activities at Al-Karama camp on Iraqi-Jordanian border because of attacks by disgruntled, mostly Kurdish Iranian refugees; CARE closes Iraq operations and calls for release of its country director; French NGO Action Contre la Faim leaving Iraq; National Security Adviser Muffawaq al Rubaiye urges aid agencies not to leave--more international humanitarian agencies expected to depart;


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Economy/Oil: Oil exports not expected to exceed pre-war levels till sometime in 2005; Oil income of US$17 billion during 19 months since war; Deputy Planning Minister Abdul Zahra Waheed al-Hendawi says only small percentage of pledged US$53 billion received--planned 2004-05 reconstruction behind schedule—emphasis on security and jobs for Iraqis—challenge to coordinate Iraqi, US, and NGO projects; Water/power: Capacity grows tto generate 5,300 megawatts (MW) of electricity with rehab of generators—prewar level was 4,400 MW—Baghdad has nearly 18 hours a day of electricity—additional significant rehab will be complete in 2005; Iraq needs US$12 billion to repair electricity sector and meet demand for 24-hour per day power; US$600 million spent on water and sanitation since March 2003, but another US$500 million is needed; Food: September food distribution essentially finished; All food procured by World Food Program (WFP) in March now received—Ministry of Trade is contracting from now on; Public Distribution System (PDS) food disbursement system running smoothly; WFP finds 25% of the Iraqi population remains dependent on food rations--27% of children under five are chronically malnourished; WFP to implement one-year emergency program for most vulnerable; Health and Medical: Health Minister Alaadin Alwan first priorities is to increase availability of medication through control of theft, corruption and mismanagement; Continued shortage of medical supplies reported in conflict cities of Fallujah, Ramadi, Samarrah and Najaf, an earlier site of major conflict—International Committee of the Red Cross and Iraqi Red Crescent Society hope to catch up in November.

In Country Humanitarian Assistance Information By Region

North Region

Erbil, Dahuk, Sulaymaniyah Coordination UN Office of the Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq (UNOHCI) is aware of 36 NGOs

in northern Iraq. Population Population of Erbil: 1,334,176

Population of Sulaymaniyah: 1,605,506 Population of Dahuk: 817,376

IDPs Iraqi Kurds continue to flee Sunni Arab cities of Fallujah, Samarra and Baquba for Kurdish-controlled north. Exact numbers unavailable to lack of security and international aid agencies. Bulk of displacements occurred in April and May this year, during coalition-led attacks on Fallujah. (Tuesday, Oct-05-04) According to UNHCR, there are approximately 42,000 IDPs living in Dahuk Governorate, 5,000 of which are living under the care of UN agencies. Included are Syrians fleeing Kurdish violence and Iranian Kurds from Al-Tash camp in Al-Anbar Governorate.

Food No New Information Health Sulaymaniyah Minister of Health says the governorate has fewer than 200 doctors.

Authorities are trying to encourage specialist doctors back to the region and train current medical staff. (Tuesday, Oct-05-04)

Non-Food Items –Shelter

No New Information

Water & Sanitation No New Information


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Security Demining NGOs estimate more than 3,000 minefields remaining in the three northern governorates with 10 million mines. Nine demining organizations working, including four local ones. Mine awareness and removal being addressed. (Wednesday, July-7-04)

Other/Comments

Al-Tamim, Ninewa, Salahaldin Coordination No New Information Population Population of Mosul: 1.7 million

Population of Kirkuk: 755,700 Population of Tikrit: 28,000

IDPs International NGOS planning IDP projects in Kirkuk suspend work after agreement by city’s three main Kurdish, Turkoman and Arab communities to form an IDP committee collapsed. Members had agreed to work with international NGOs and concentrate IDPs at military camp in Faylakh area and on Kirkuk-Laylan road before agreement broke down a month ago over enlargement of the two areas. (Monday, Oct-25-04) An estimated 14,000 families have arrived in the city since last year’s war. Over 3,000 mainly Kurdish families are living in tents, the city stadium and 20 schools. (Monday, Oct-25-04) Kirkuk has about 15,000 IDPs. The City Council sets up commission to coordinate IDP-related matters. Local Kurdish NGOs nearing end of project to provide aid to poor IDP families that have returned to Kirkuk since last spring. (Monday, Oct-11-04) Reports continue of Arabs being displaced by returning Kurds in Kirkuk. Many of the displaced Arabs have taken shelter in military bases north of the city or in abandoned buildings in Kirkuk. The Iraqi government has established the Iraqi Property Claims Commission (IPCC) to sort out property claims. However, no cases have been resolved. (Thursday, Sept-23-04) According to reports, Salahaldin has over 70,000 IDPs, including 65,747 Kurds, 4,757 Turkmen, and 2,226 Arabs. Al-Tamim has some 84,000 IDPs, including 77,000 Kurds, 5,000 Arabs, and 2,000 Turkmen—most are in 44 camps. (Friday, Sept-03-04)

Food UNICEF has been helping to deliver food supplies to Samarrah through (International Red Crescent Society) IRCS and UK-based NGO, Islamic Relief. (Tuesday, Oct-19-04)

Health US Army’s 45th Medical Company, based near Babylon, providing medic evacuations for soldiers, insurgents and civilians in south-central Iraq. (Friday, Oct-22-04) Samarrah Central Hospital reports severe shortage of medicine since fighting began in beginning of October despite interim deliveries by International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). (Tuesday, Oct-19-04) Multinational forces purchased medical supplies in an effort to provide equipment


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and other essential supplies to the Tall Afar hospital. (Wednesday, Sept-15-04) Non-Food Items –Shelter

Iraqi civilian companies and US working to repair Baiji Power Plant complex in Baiji town – repairs expected to be completed next year. Oct-27-04 The Turkish Red Crescent Society sent a convoy carrying tents for 450 families, blankets, and food for 5,000 people to Tall Afar. About 40 staff members, including medical personnel, accompanied the convoy. (Wednesday, Sept-15-04) The Iraqi Red Crescent (IRC) set up 250 tents outside the city of Tall Afar to assist residents who have fled the city. IRC also provided water, blankets, and medicines. British-based NGO Islamic Relief brought in several trucks of medicines and supplies to assist some of the displaced families. (Tuesday, Sept-14-04)

Water & Sanitation

USAID reports that a new sewage network is being installed in a town in Salahaldin governorate, which will benefit approximately 9,000 Iraqis. (Wednesday, Sept-15-04) USAID reports that a major water treatment plant in Al-Tamim governorate is on schedule for completion by November. (Wednesday, Sept-15-04)

Security Saboteurs blew up three oil pipelines in the north on Tuesday (November 2), in the biggest pipeline attack yet. The attack halted exports via Turkey and sharply reduced crude supplies to Iraq’s biggest oil refinery at Baiji. A car bomb exploded near a National Guard patrol in Mosul city on Tuesday (November 2), killing 2 guard members, including a National Guard commander, and injuring 4 others. A second car bomb exploded later near a convoy of another National Guard commander, injuring 7 of his companions. The US military on Tuesday (November 2) denied an Iraqi police report that insurgents have abducted a US solider in Samarrah. A Iraqi National Guard member was killed when his convoy was hit by a roadside bomb on Tuesday (November 2) in Samarrah city.

Other/Comments Ministry of Environment working with the UN Development Program (UNDP) to remove polluted materials from five locations in Iraq, including the Al-Mishraq Sulphur State Company, 20 miles (32 km) south of Mosul. (October 29, Friday) Turkoman National Front (TNF) says very little aid being given to Turkoman people, Iraq’s third largest ethnic group, in northern region, except for Turkish Red Crescent Society (TRCS), which works only in Tal Afar area. The NGO, Mideast Waqf relief, raising funds to deliver aid to Turkoman people around Iraq. Influx of Kurdish people to northern region could reportedly increase tensions among the Kurds, Arabs and Turkomans. (Friday, Oct-22-04) U\NICEF-supported school survey released by Iraq Ministry of Education indicates one-third of Iraqi primary schools lack water and sanitation – worst affected in Dhi Qar, Salahaldin and Diyala governorates. Overall enrollment increased in 2003/2004. (Friday, Oct-15-04) Call for self-determination by thousands of Kurdish protestors in Kurdistan and Europe raised concerns of ethnic conflict in Kirkuk, which has Arabs, Kurds, Turkmen and Assyrians. (Wednesday, Oct-13-04)


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USAID reports that construction at a new electricity generation project in Al Tamim governorate is more than two-thirds complete. The project will add 325 megawatts (MW) to Iraq’s national grid. The first 65 MW are scheduled to come online in November 2004. (Wednesday, Sept-29-04)

Central/West Regions

Al Anbar, Diyala, Karbala, Babil, Wasit, Najaf, Qadissiya Coordination No New Information Population Population of Al-Anbar: 1,270,952

Population of Diyala: 1,271,310 Population of Karbala: 741,744 Population of Babil: 1,408,730 Population of Wasit: 938.734 Population of Najaf: 950.222 Population of Qadissiya: 915,564

IDPs Hundreds of people continue to flee continuing clashes between US-led forces and insurgents in Fallujah. US military officials say large proportion of city’s 250,000-strong population is thought to have left – some are in camps to west of the city while others are in nearby towns or Baghdad. (Tuesday, Nov-2-04) Families reportedly began to flee their homes in Ramadi as fighting between US-led forces and insurgents intensifies – no numbers are available. (Monday, Nov-01-04) Ministry of Displacement and Migration (MoDM) officials say Shi’ite Muslims living in Latifiya town have been forced from their homes by insurgents and told to go to heavily Shi’ite city of Nasiriyah further south – about 500 families may have moved. Iraqi Red Crescent has not yet received word on forced migration. (Friday, Oct-29-04) International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) reports displaced from Fallujah rises to 1,500 due to recent fighting–food and water delivered to nearby towns, including Habbaniyah, Aamriya and Sakalawiyah. (Tuesday, Oct-19-04) As displaced citizens return, schools, clinics and other facilities in Najaf city are being refurbished as part of the US$200 million, US-funded rehabilitation plan. Fighting has caused at least US$500 million in damage, more than the US$50 million compensation fund for the city. (Wednesday, Oct-06-04) An estimated 11,300 residents, who have been displaced from their homes in the towns of Khanaquin and Mandeli, are occupying a football stadium and staying in tents near the city of Baquba. The residents, who are not considered ethnically Kurdish or Turkmen, were asked to leave their homes by the governor of Diyala governorate. The Iraqi Ministry of Migration and Displacement will open Baquba IDP office. Iraqi staff members of the Danish Refugee Council are providing assistance. (Friday, Sept-17-04)

Food No New Information Health Number of rabies cases have appeared in several Iraqi cities, especially in Al Anbar

governorate, with more than 60 cases recorded, especially children. Iraqi Ministry of


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Health says spread of rabies due to shortage of vaccinations and treatments. Ministry has implemented campaign to vaccinate more than 145,000 children in Fallujah, Ramadi and two districts of the governorate. (Friday, Oct-22-04) Main Fallujah hospital reports severe shortage of medicine due to recent intense fighting. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says it delivered 1.5 tons of urgently needed medical equipment to the hospital on October 13. (Tuesday, Oct-19-04) The hospital is also affected by sanitation problems, and water and electricity shortages. (Tuesday, Sept-14-04) The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has delivered 1.5 tons of medical supplies to the Ramadi directorate for distribution to cities in the region. (Friday, Sept-10-04) According to reports, chronic malnutrition affects 3 out of 10 children in Iraq, particularly in Al Anbar, Babil, Wasit, and other central and southern governorates. (Tuesday, Sept-7-04)


According to US military, US Marines have distributed US$367,300 in condolence and damage repair payments in Najaf, since 3 weeks of fighting ended there in August this year. (Tuesday, Oct-05-04)

Water & Sanitation

The interim prime minister’s office has said that the Ministry of Municipalities will spend nearly US$650 million on water and sanitation in the city of Najaf, particularly in the old part of the city where 90% of the system has been destroyed. (Wednesday, Sept-8-04) UNICEF provided about 1.2 million liters (317,000 gallons) of water in and near the city of Najaf. Displaced families staying in the Rasheed al-Hujri Shrine and the Al-Shehabi schools also received water. (Wednesday, Sept-1-04) ICRC is providing 40,000 liters (10,570 gallons) of water per day to Najaf residents staying in the Hilla area. (Monday, Aug-20-04)

Security On Tuesday (November 2), US military reported overnight airstrikes in Fallujah – hospital staff said one person was killed and six others were injured. Two national Iraqi National Guards were injured when a bomb exploded near the Abu Ghraib prison on Tuesday (November 2). A car bomb exploded on Tuesday near a patrol of US soldiers and Iraqi National Guards on Monday night (November 1) in Haditha town – a number of casualties were reported, but no numbers could be confirmed. According to hospital staff today, 10 people were killed and 9 others injured in clashes on Monday (November 1) between US soldiers and rebels in Ramadi city.

Other/Comments Action Against Hunger, a Paris-based humanitarian organization, has suspended operations in Iraq because of deteriorating security situation. - Oct-27-04 Ministry of Education survey indicates one-third of Iraqi primary schools lack water


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and sanitation – worst affected in Dhi Qar, Salahaldin and Diyala governorates. Overall enrollment increased in 2003/2004. (Friday, Oct-15-04) Ministry of Reconstruction to spend US$55 million to repair Najaf government buildings. (Wednesday, Sept-8-04)

Baghdad

Baghdad Coordination No New Information Population Population: 6.5 million IDPs Iraqi government is cracking down on people illegally occupying government

buildings in Baghdad, and other areas of Iraq. Iraqi police are forcing people to vacate the buildings, but are providing US$200 - US$400 in compensation. (Tuesday, Sept- 07-04) UNCHR estimates around 30,000 Palestinians live in Baghdad. UNHCR is assisting 450 Palestinian families with rental support and other relief items—35 Palestinian families are still living in tents at the Haifa Sports Club; About 700 families of Roma origin are reportedly living in a former Baghdad orphanage.

Food No New Information Health Japan decided on Tuesday (October 12) that it will implement new reconstruction

projects totaling US$144 million, including aid to 3 hospitals in Baghdad, Kut and Amarah. Japan has decided to assist total of 13 hospitals in the south and the north as part of its October 2003 reconstruction pledge of US$1.5 billion. (Monday, Oct-11-04) The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed 60 cases of Hepatitis E in Baghdad--linked to contaminated water. (Monday, Sept-27-04) Increase in the incidence of water borne diseases such as hepatitis, especially in the Mahmodiya district of Baghdad. (Tuesday, Sept-14-04) The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that rehabilitation of the Central Public Health Lab and the Blood Bank in Baghdad is continuing despite the security environment. (Tuesday, Sept-14-04) UNICEF provides about 1.4 million liters (370,000 gallons) of water to local residents and the Al-Jowader Hospital in the Sadr City neighborhood of Baghdad. (Wednesday, Sept-1-04)


No New Information

Water & Sanitation

World Health Organization (WHO) and Environment Ministry agreed to rehabilitate the Central Water Quality Control Lab in Baghad and establish 15 central labs and 30 district labs in central and southern Iraq to benefit 22 million Iraqis. (Tuesday, Oct-05-04) The US military reports that work to renovate the Al Rashid water treatment station


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in Zaphernia district in Baghdad began on September 20. The plant provides fresh drinking water to about 250,000 people. The US military has also provided 10 garbage trucks to the community in Al Mansour district. Additional trucks will also be provided to Abu Ghraib and Kadhamiyah districts. (Wednesday, Sept-29-04) USAID reports that work at a Baghdad wastewater treatment plant is scheduled to be complete on October 15. (Thursday, Sept-23-04) The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) continues to deliver 540,000 liters (142,625 gallons) of water daily to Sadr City outskirts. (Friday, Sept-10-04)

Security At least 6 people were killed and 21 others wounded from a suicide car bomb attack outside the Education Ministry in northern Baghdad on Tuesday (November 2). One US soldier was wounded in western Baghdad moments earlier, from another suicide car bomb attack on a US military patrol on Tuesday (November 2). Reports confirm that one American, a Filipino, a Nepali and an Iraqi, all employees of a Saudi Arabian company, were kidnapped in Baghdad on Monday evening (November 1). Two Iraqi guards said on Tuesday (November 2) that they were freed overnight after being abducted along with the foreigners. Interior Ministry on Tuesday (November 2) identified two representatives of the Supreme Council for Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI) who were abducted in Baghdad on Sunday (October 31) and killed on Monday (November 1). SCIRI is a Shi’ite political movement.

Other/Comments Ministry of Environment working with UN Development Program (UNDP) to remove polluted materials around Daura Refinery Stores in southern Baghdad. (Friday, Oct-29-04) Newly refurbished 96-megawatt generator northwest of Baghdad now online, bringing electricity to more than 275,000 homes – part of US$150 million Iraqi and coalition project to bring more than 6 generators online by beginning of next year. (Wednesday, Oct-27-04) US officials report 3,100 Iraqi schools have been rehabilitated– insecurity contributing to poor conditions. Last year, UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) spent US$15 million on education. In September 2003, UNICEF began delivery of education kits for all Iraqi schools. (Wednesday, Oct-13-04) Coalition officials report US$10.5 billion set aside for reconstruction funds. Currently, there are 700 projects – officials hope to have 1,000 by end of this year. Completed projects include 5 water treatment plants and 73 health-care facilities. (Wednesday, Oct-13-04)


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South Region

Basrah Coordination No New Information

Population Population of Basrah: 1,981,901 IDPs Sixty-two Iraqi refugees have arrived in Basrah following resumption of UN High

Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) voluntary repatriation program in Iran. (Wednesday, Oct-13-04) Based on the latest Ministry of Trade’s (MoT) Public Food Distribution statistics, Basrah population estimated around 3 million, an increase of 1.2 million since April 2003, indicating a large-scale population movement. (Wednesday, June-28-04)

Food No New Information Health Hay Al-Jihad clinic has been opened in area of Al-Amnal Dakhilay, southwest

of Basrah city, to serve around 117,000 residents – clinic was built with aid from international NGOs and Multinational Division Forces (MND). Ministry of Health says most of 85 medical centers in Basrah governorate have been renovated. (Tuesday, Nov-02-04). Chronic malnutrition is affecting about 3 out of 10 children in Iraq, particularly in Basrah and other central and southern governorates. (Tuesday, Sept-7-04)


No New Information

Water & Sanitation

UK-based Department for International Development (DFID) contributed US$ 34 million to US$100 million Emergency Infrastructure Program (EIP) in southern Iraq, which began September 2003 and is due to end December 2004. EIP projects included 25% improvement in water service in Basra city, overhaul of 40 petrol stations and replacement of 2000 km (1243 miles) of electric lines. (Wednesday, Oct-20-04)

Security Other/Comments The UN’s Integrated Regional Information Network (IRIN) reports NGOs are

rehabilitating 95 schools--a few others will be totally rebuilt. Multinational forces assists building repairs. (Friday, Oct-8-04)

Al Muthanna, Dhi Qar, Maysan, Coordination The United Nations Office of the Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq (UNOHCI) is

aware of 22 NGOs operating in southern Iraq. Population Population of Al Muthanna: 569,933

Population of Dhi Qar: 1,538,871 Population of Maysan: 848,322

IDP Movement No New Information Food No New Information Health Japan gives US$1.35 million to Al-Muthanna Health Dept. for 32 ambulances.

(Monday, Sept-20-04) Non-Food Items – No New Information


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Shelter Water & Sanitation The Water Department of the governorate of Al Muthana has purchased 26 water

tank trucks and 304 feed tanks (worth a total of US$ 3.68 million) with a grassroots grant aid extended by the Japanese government. (Tuesday, Oct-26-04)

Security Japan says it will increase security at the Japanese military camp in Samawah, located some 170 miles (273 km) south of Baghdad, after an apparent rocket attack on Sunday (October 31).

Other/Comments Iraq Ministry of Education study indicates one-third of Iraqi primary schools lack water and sanitation – worst affected in Dhi Qar, Salahaldin and Diyala governorates. Overall enrollment increased in 2003/2004. (Friday, Oct-15-04)

Neighboring Countries’ Humanitarian Activities/Preparations

Jordan

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on November 1 (Tuesday) has suspended all activities in Al-Karama refugee camp in buffer zone between Jordan and Iraq due to increasing attacks on its staffers by disgruntled refugees – senior UNHCR official said the commission would seek third country to host the refugees, most of whom are Kurdish Iranians. Jordan recently approved entry of 384 Iranian Kurdish refugees to the camp. UNHCR’s Ruud Lubbers said that Jordan will not pressure the approximately 200,000 Iraqi refugees living in Jordan to return to Iraq. In addition, a limited number of Iraqis will be allowed to stay long-term, particularly those married to Jordanians. About 1,150 refugees reportedly remain in camps near the Jordan/Iraq border (Tuesday, Oct-12-04). At the Al-Ruwayshid Refugee Camp, managed by the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO), there are about 152 refugees. Most refugees are Palestinians who previously lived in Iraq, as well as some Sudanese and Somali refugees. About 100 Palestinians opted to return to Baghdad in late May 2004. Between April and July 2004, 226 Palestinians returned to Iraq. However, repatriation has almost stopped, with only two refugees repatriating in August and September, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Another estimated 1,000 refugees, most of them Iranian Kurds, remain in nearby Al-Karama Refugee Camp, about 38 miles (60 km) away in “no man’s land” between the Iraq and Jordanian border. (Wednesday, Oct-13-04) Medical care and other assistance are being provided in Al-Ruwayshid by various agencies on the ground. Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) is responsible for solid waste and sanitation facilities in the Ruwayshid and Al-Karama camp under an agreement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Care-Austria, in collaboration with ECHO and UNHCR, is providing sanitary and social services including vaccinations for children and nutritional supplements for newborns and pregnant and breast-feeding women. Preparations are being made at the camps for the coming winter. This year, 879 individuals from the two camps have been resettled abroad. In Amman, UN workers have created preliminary election register using database of former UN-administered food distribution system for January elections. In cooperation with the Amman Center for Human Rights Studies, the Iraqi government, and a number of Iraqi human rights groups and networks, the Friederich Ebert Foundation is running 4 seminars for independent Iraqi election observers. About 20 Iraqis from different ethnic and religious backgrounds, who represent a variety of NGOs in Iraq, to attend. (Wednesday, Oct-6-04).


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Several NGOs have evacuated their international staff members to Jordan due to on-going violence in Iraq. The French branch of the Red Cross announced in April that its activities in Iraq have been suspended and that it will provisionally close its office in Amman, Jordan. Four international staff from the German NGO, HELP, are reportedly among the latest aid workers to relocate to Amman, where they will continue work from there, due to security concerns (Friday, Oct-1-04). The NGO has about 50 local staff and has assisted in demining and water projects in Iraq since 2003. The Government of Jordan stated that borders with Iraq are open for the flow of goods. The Humanitarian Action Coordination Center (HACC-West) has advised that it needs 24-hour advance notice of vehicle movement into Iraq from Jordan.

Iran

UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says that there were 200,000 Iraqi refugees in Iran – 70,000 have since returned to Iraq over past year – repatriations from Iran were suspended in August this year. UNHCR says it does not encourage returns, although it will assist those who insist on doing so. (Friday, Oct-22-04) Of approximately 250,000 Iraqis living in southern Iranian camps and cities, between 80,000 and 130,000 remain. Most have returned to Iraq’s nine southern governorates on their own without incident. UNHCR has established voluntary repatriation centers and an assistance program. Since last year, the UNHCR has helped about 9,000 return from Iran – out of 14,000 UNHCR repatriated from Iran, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. UNHCR has organized convoys from Iran to the southern Iraqi city of Basrah since November 2003, but due to the security situation in Iraq, the convoys are sporadically put on hold. UNHCR does not encourage Iraqi refugees to return to Iraq at the present time, but facilitates the repatriation of Iraqis who insist on returning. Returnees receive a package of relief items, a one-month food ration, travel assistance, and mine-awareness training. UNHCR started facilitating the return of Iraqi Kurd refugees through the northern Haj Omran crossing at the end of June 2004. A total of 543 Iraqi Kurds returned with UNHCR assistance through the crossing. However, UNHCR suspended the returns after local authorities in northern Iraq expressed concerns over housing shortages. UNHCR has been working with partnering organizations to build houses and other structures and facilities. In March 2004 the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) limited ports of entry on Iran’s borders to three. Visitors to Iraq need a passport, complete an entry form, and will be entered into an immigration monitoring system.

Turkey

UNHCR scaled down its operations along the border between Turkey and Iraq to focus on relief efforts already underway in Iraq. Turkey will continue assistance to Iraqi refugees who fled Iraq prior the recent war and who now wish to return to Iraq. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is also scaling down their operations in Silopi, Turkey, but said it would be ready to assist in the repatriation of Iraqis. In January 2004 Iraqi, Turkish, and UNHCR officials agreed on return of up to 13,000 Turkish citizens (ethnic Kurds) to Turkey from Iraq who have lived in exile in Iraq since the early 1990s. An estimated 9,200 of these refugees are living in Mahmour Camp, near Erbil, while others are living in Dahuk and Erbil governorates. Iraqi authorities will ensure that the return is voluntary and that the refugees are not subjected to pressure. UNHCR will have full and unhindered access to the refugees both on Iraqi territory


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and once they have gone back to Turkey. Turkish authorities are to ensure that the refugees who volunteer to go back to Turkey are free to return to their former places of residence or any other places of their choice within Turkey.

Kuwait

The Humanitarian Operations Center (HOC) requests 96 hours to issue a clearance to agencies to carry out cross-border operations. Established by the Pentagon and the Kuwaiti military in January 2003, the goal of the HOC is to coordinate and facilitate transportation and distribution of aid to Iraq from various sources in Kuwait, other governments, or international and local relief agencies. The HOC is staffed by Kuwaiti officials and US and British military officers. Humanitarian flights are exempt of all landing and parking fees. The Government of Kuwait has issued a statement that it must be notified 24 hours in advance to issue approved legal passes. UN staff wishing to travel to Iraq through Kuwait need security clearance and must complete a Kuwaiti immigration form. The immigration form, in addition to a copy of a mission plan, must be given to the transportation office by 1600 hours one day prior to the mission.

Syria

According to reports, there are 4,000 Iraqi families registered by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Damascus. Syrian authorities estimate there are about 300,000 Iraqis in Syria. (Tuesday, Oct-19-04) The Government of Syria has granted UN agencies and International Organization for Migration (IOM) a number of exemptions for fees, taxes and levees related to the import/export of humanitarian transit cargo to Iraq. New border crossing procedures have improved cross border movements. In July 2004, Iraq reached an agreement with Syria to seal their 370-mile (600-km) border in an effort to stop the infiltration of foreign insurgents into Iraq. The border is to be controlled form both sides using special security forces.

Saudi Arabia

All but about 480 refugees have left Saudi Arabia’s Rafha camp out of the original 33,000 in 1991. The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that it had assisted a total of about 4,856 Iraqi refugees from Saudi Arabia as of May 18, 2004 (Tuesday). The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (GoKSA) has issued a blanket authorization for overflight and landing for an unspecified period of time. These clearances apply to flights between Kuwait and Amman.

November 2, 2004 - WHO

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