Fighting in Basra intensifies as fears
of a crisis grow. The United Nations (UN) warns that less than half the
city, home to 1.5 million people, is receiving clean water and there is
no power. Some 100,000 children are at risk of disease as fighting has
continued for four days, disrupting supplies of drinking water.
A refugee camp for 10,000 in Jordan
built with Oxfam help is up and running. Work in Syria has been stepped
up with one camp in al-Hol prepared with Oxfam involvement. The Syrian
government has also agreed with the United Nations High Commission for
Refugees (UNHCR) to a further three camps.
The UN reports that there are as many as 450,000 people who have fled their homes in Central and Northern Iraq. So far, most have found shelter with friends and family.
Large numbers of refugees have yet to flow over the borders. There are various contributing factors such as lack of fuel or food, poor weather and damaged roads. In addition, we have heard reports that people are being dissuaded from leaving their homes by the Iraqi government.
Oxfam is monitoring the situation closely, continuing its work to prepare for refugees and reminding warring parties of their obligations to civilians. As soon as it is possible, Oxfam staff will enter Iraq to assess conditions and needs.