Attachments
UNHCR URGENTLY NEEDS USD 61 MILLION FOR RESPONSE
UNHCR urgently needs USD 61 million for its response in Iraq, Syria and Turkey. Priority requirements include tents, camps, NFI kits, winter items and support to the most vulnerable (see sidebar for details).
BATTLE FOR MOSUL BEGINS
The Prime Minister of Iraq, Haider al-Abadi, announced today that “the operation to liberate Mosul has started." Following the announcement, there were reportedly artillery barrages and armoured vehicles moving toward the front lines. The government has broadcast messages by radio and leaflets urging civilians to stay in their homes.
UNHCR RESPONSE READINESS IN IRAQ
- As part of the overall humanitarian response plan under the guidance of the Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, UNHCR has prepared camps, prepositioned stocks of shelter and NFI materials, and mobilized protection teams.
- UNHCR has in place 21,800 tents, sufficient to cover the shelter needs of 130,800 people, with more arriving every day. Given the possible scale of displacement, additional tents are a priority for UNHCR.
- UNHCR has prepared three camps with space to accommodate 35,184 people.
- UNHCR has in place or in the pipeline 25,000 NFI kits, enough to meet the needs of 150,000 people.
UNHCR RESPONSE READINESS IN SYRIA & TURKEY
- UNHCR is concerned that events in Mosul may cause up to 100,000 Iraqis to flee towards Syria and Turkey.
- Preparedness plans are underway in Syria to receive up to 90,000 Iraqi refugees. Reception and screening capacity is being reinforced and a location which previously hosted Iraqis during the 2007 Iraqi conflict is being readied to accommodate another wave of up to 50,000 Iraqi refugees. UNHCR is coordinating the Iraqi refugee response in Syria since 2007, including the 26,000 Iraqi refugees currently in Syria, many of whom have been in exile for more than ten years.
- Discussions are underway with relevant officials to prepare contingencies for any influx of Iraqi refugees in Turkey.