IOM Iraq has distributed emergency relief items to 100
newly-arrived Syrian families seeking shelter in unfurnished
primary schools near the Al Qaim border crossing in the Iraqi
governorate of Anbar.

IOM provided the new arrivals with mattresses, pillows,
blankets, fans, cool boxes, jerry cans, soap, plastic cabinets,
plastic mats, rechargeable lights, and cleaning powder. It also
distributed cooking stoves and gas cylinders for families to
share.

Since the opening of Central Iraq’s borders to Syrian
refugees on 24 July, over 2,800 people have crossed the border into
Central Iraq. With an additional 8,500 Syrians seeking refuge in
the northern Iraqi region of Kurdistan, the total number of Syrians
living in Iraq now totals over 11,000.

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Crisis Situation Report, 27 July 2012

Along with the recent surge of Syrians, another 18,500 displaced
Iraqis have returned to Central Iraq in recent weeks. Most were
previously long term residents of Aleppo, Syria’s largest
city, and surrounding areas. The city is currently the scene of
fierce fighting between government and rebel forces.

 

Among their reasons for leaving Syria, returnees cited random
killings and robberies; a lack of food, water and medical
assistance; difficulty moving around the city; and fear of the
conflict becoming worse.

 

Iraqi and Syrian returnees told IOM that the cost of a ticket to
the border from Aleppo is high. A bus ticket costs about USD 100
per person, while a private taxi costs about USD 300.

 

Officials in Ninewa and Anbar governorates have written to IOM
asking for help in caring for the growing number of returnees.

Current makeshift housing for the new arrivals in both
governorates usually lacks adequate electricity and water. It can
also be unbearably hot with temperatures now at over 40
degrees.

To date, IOM has distributed essential non food relief items to
over 3,000 Syrians throughout Iraq.

 

For more information, please contact 

Modher Alhamadani

IOM Iraq

Email: "mailto:malhamadani@iom.int">malhamadani@iom.int

or

Stephanie Chang

IOM Iraq

Email: "mailto:schang@iom.int">schang@iom.int