Situation Report: Assistance for Iraqi IDPs and refugees

January 11, 2008

General situation
While the general security inside Iraq has somewhat improved during the past six months, the security situation for the common Iraqi has not necessarily improved equally. Some internally displaced persons (IDPs) inside Iraq have started to return home, particularly to Baghdad. Minority communities, including Christians and other groups, remain especially vulnerable because they have much fewer possibilities to organize networks of protection for themselves.

Some Iraqis who fled the country have started to move back from Jordan and Syria, but most of them of are male members of families investigating the local security situation before potentially returning with their family. These shifts continue to complicate the already difficult situation of vulnerable refugee families without sufficient social support to sustain their lives.

In Jordan, the situation remains rather difficult for families, although about one fifth of the school-age refugee population is now attending public schools. In Syria, the situation has become worse for many families because people are unable to look for work and depend largely on outside assistance.

Implementation of the appeal
Action by Churches Together (ACT) International launched an appeal for assistance to Iraqi IDPs and refugees (MEIQ71) in July of 2007. The overall funding level is at 50 percent of the appeal target and ACT members working in Iraq, Jordan and Syria have prioritized and delivered assistance based on present funding levels.

Iraq
ACT member, International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), has distributed more than half of the food and hygiene items planned for 2,010 families and is scheduled to complete the full distribution by the end of January. The food assistance supplements the basic nutritional needs of approximately three persons during a one-month period. Distribution procedures are fully in-line with ACT guidelines, which includes an open bidding process for procurement combined with distribution to families both of Christian and Muslim faith.

In Baghdad, ACT member, Norwegian Church Aid (NCA), is supporting two youth centers for seven months, providing formal and non-formal education as well as recreation for about 70 girls and boys on a daily basis. Other planned assistance includes the building of 25 shelters for highly vulnerable families in a village in the Marsh Arab area, one of the most remote and poor areas in Iraq.

Jordan
Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), a member of ACT, concentrated its activities on the distribution of food and clothes. Food assistance was provided to 600 Iraqi families from both Christian and Muslim backgrounds and another 600 children received winter jackets. The distribution took place through local churches and centers, which have been assisting Iraqis since 2003. MECC reports that the distribution of the relief items came at the perfect time as the Muslim Adaha Feast was on December 20 and Christmas was on December 25.

Syria
During November, MECC supported Iraqi refugees with food packages including both Christian and Muslim families. Assistance was given to 800 families in Damascus, 200 families in Aleppo, and another 200 families in Hassake. The relief assistance, which supports a family of four for up to 15 days, was implemented in coordination with local churches, Muslim communities, and with other distributions of food supported by ACT member, Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH).

Continued need for support
While the current appeal funding only meets half of the target, all ACT members working in Iraq, Jordan and Syria have the capacity to implement more assistance for vulnerable families.

ACT members working inside Iraq require additional funds to continue food assistance, provide psychosocial care and support water facilities at a local hospital. Both in Jordan and Syria, ACT members also have plans for additional food assistance, psychosocial care and vocational skill trainings.

Iraqi people continue to need support in the short and long term. Most of the 2.2 million IDPs in Iraq are not likely to return to their homes at any time in the near future, while many of the refugees in Jordan and Syria continue to live under uncertain conditions.

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Action by Churches Together (ACT) International is a global alliance of churches and related agencies working to save lives and support communities in emergencies worldwide.

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