Iraq Humanitarian Update No.4, Feb 2009

HIGHLIGHTS

Measles a growing threat to children in Najaf, Sulaymaniya, Erbil, Missan and Dahuk

Measles remains a growing threat to the health of Iraqi children. Increased population movement has resulted in higher exposure to the disease. In addition, many children have missed out on vaccination over the last few years because the security situation has prevented them from accessing health centers, and health workers have been unable to reach many of the children in the now affected areas.

UN calls for renewed commitment to improve the situation and legal status of women in Iraq

Iraqi women fare worse than men in a number of humanitarian indicators. Female headed households are more vulnerable to food insecurity, poverty and a variety of other adverse outcomes than households headed by men. The difference is particularly acute in rural areas compared to those living in urban areas. The improvement of conditions for women and girls is a major UN priority to ensure they fully benefit from Iraq's recovery.

Government of Iraq terminates registration of new IDPs

The Minister of Displacement and Migration issued a Ministerial Order 12 February 2009 terminating the registration of IDPs. The Order seeks to prevent double registrations and forgery. It instructs the Ministry to concentrate on monitoring of returns. The decision to discontinue the registration of IDPs is likely to restrict IDPs' access to benefits and their ability to register as returnees in the future and receive benefits at that stage.