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SUMMARY OF CURRENT IRAQI DISPLACEMENT AND RETURN:
Displacement
The security situation has deteriorated in Baghdad, with ongoing clashes in Sadr City and Al Shu'la City after the recent military campaigns there. Approximately 500 families reportedly have been displaced from sectors 1-9 to the peripheries of Sadr City. Having rapidly fled the violence, they took almost nothing with them and are living in small houses with relatives or in rented dwellings.
Security in Basrah is volatile since bombing and clashes erupted two weeks ago between the IF and militants in Al Ma'kal and Al Ablah neighbourhoods. Security has improved slightly and humanitarian agencies are now able to access many parts of the city. Arrest and disarmament campaigns continue in some neighbourhoods such as Hayaniya and Jenaina. Displacement was minimal as most Iraqis were trapped in their homes and could not leave due to violence, curfews and road blocks. In Basrah, the local authorities have issued an eviction order for IDPs living in governmental buildings, which will affect hundreds of families. The official notice, which gave IDPs 48 hours to clear their locations, ended on Saturday 26 April. No major evictions have been reported yet.
Anbar continues to improve regarding security and infrastructure rehabilitation. More and more Iraqis are returning to Anbar, Anbarian IDPs are returning to their homes within the governorates, and fewer people are being displaced.
Lack of portable water continues to be a problem throughout the country, with more and more IDPs relying on rivers, drainage canals, and other contaminated water sources. Drought in the north is also affecting both IDPs and host communities. The high price of fuel and deteriorated health care facilities also greatly impacts the living conditions of IDPs.
Return
Fighting in Sadr City and Basrah prevented returnee monitoring in this area and the periphery. Several large returns have been facilitated and coordinated by various groups, such as the Prime Minister's Office, Iraqi Forces or MNF-I. However, the figures being reported are exaggerated. The heads of household often returns to check on the situation and, if they feel safe enough to return, then brings his family and extended family home. However, some Iraqis are returning only long enough to sell their home and leave.
Military operations, insecurity and IDPs squatting in their homes are the primarily reasons preventing Iraqis from returning home. In addition, some who have returned have found their homes partially destroyed or damaged but have no choice but to live in them. Many of those who have returned are cautious and even fearful of their situation (and of monitors' interviewing. Unemployment rates are up to 70% for returnees in some areas of Baghdad.
IOM is collaborating with MoDM on a joint project to assess returns in Baghdad. IOM monitors continue to assess both displacement and return nationwide. Returnee reports, along with IOM's regular reporting on displacement, are available at www.iom-iraq.net/library.html#IDP