Religious, ethnic or political discrimination coupled with deteriorating security conditions continue to drive millions of Iraqis from their homes. But the flight of refugees from the country is only half the story of displacement in Iraq. More than two million Iraqis have been forced from their homes and are now seeking refuge in other cities and towns inside of Iraq. This population is facing severe shortages of food, adequate shelter, education and health care. United States support and leadership from Congress are essential to address this worsening humanitarian crisis.
Mercy Corps, in cooperation with the University of Sulaymaniyah, conducted a door-to-door needs assessment survey of 10,337 displaced families, representing nearly 46,000 individuals, living in Diyala, Tameem(1) and Salah al Din governorates, from April to August 2007. All of those surveyed were displaced between 2003 and 2007. These governorates, where insurgent attacks and sectarian violence have been regular occurrences, are where Mercy Corps has recently expanded its emergency humanitarian assistance for IDPs program. In many ways, the dynamics found in these three governorates reflect this issues facing IDPs across Iraq.
KEY FINDINGS FROM DIYALA, TAMEEM AND SALAH AL DIN GOVERNORATES
While IDP numbers in specific locations can fluctuate daily, due to fighting between the Multi-National Force (MNF) and insurgents or IDPs choosing to move again, the essential finding of this study is that there are massive unmet needs which will undoubtedly worsen without immediate action. In particular the assessment found that
Rates of displacement remain high. While the rate of displacement in 2007 has slowed in comparison to its peak in 2006, the numbers are still higher than in 2005. In Diyala alone, the number of people displaced between January and July 2007 was already five times higher than the total number displaced in all of 2005.
Humanitarian assistance is sporadic at best. Over 92% of families told surveyors that they had not yet received any humanitarian aid. In Diyala, only one IDP family out of nearly 4,000 reported having received assistance as of July 2007.
Religious and ethnic discrimination was cited by over 60% of those surveyed as the reason for their displacement. Another 23% cited the overall deterioration in security.
Poor water and sanitation remain major concerns that can lead to serious health crises such as the recent cholera outbreak. Forty-one percent of IDPs surveyed do not have access to appropriate methods of sewage disposal.
The food ration system is failing IDPs. Only 15% of families received a Public Distribution System (PDS) ration in the last month.
Many families lack basic necessities including 4,035 families (39%) who do not possess a kitchen stove. The majority of families (52%) do not have any kind of heater for the approaching winter. Access to fuel for heating, cooking and electricity is also a major need for IDP families.
Long-term needs of the displaced need attention now. Nearly 40% of families plan to settle at their current location meaning that long-term needs of IDPs and host communities, such as access to health care and education, must be addressed without delay