The situation of internally displaced people (IDPs)  in Iraq's
northern governorates is continuing to deteriorate with monitors
observing an increase in forced prostitution among IDPs desperate
to survive, according to the latest update of IOM's monitoring and
assessment of the displacement crisis in the country.

With tension along Iraq's northern borders causing small-scale
displacement, rent prices in cities such as Erbil are continuing to
increase with monitors also reporting that IDP families are being
evicted because they can no longer afford their monthly rent.

The situation is further compounded by lack of employment and
social care. Top priority needs in Erbil cited by nearly 100 per
cent of the IDPs assessed there are shelter and access to work.

Authorities in Erbil have stated monetary assistance is planned
for IDP families but it is unclear when such assistance will
begin.

According to the IOM update, the displacement is continuing to
place a major strain on infrastructure and resources throughout the
country. In those areas where security is unstable, displaced
people are frequently suspected of collaborating with insurgents
and in some areas such as Tikrit, this has led to the eviction of
IDP families.

Nevertheless, security in various governorates is either stable
or partially improving such as in Anbar, although here the number
of displaced families fleeing from Baghdad is increasing.

Iraq's Ministry of Displacement and Migration (MoDM) is
reporting an increase in the number of internally displaced
families returning to their former homes with more than 3,200
families registered as returnees since January of this year. 
Iraqi authorities are offering the equivalent of about USD 800 to
Iraqis who wish to return home.  However, many of them find
that their homes have been illegally occupied or destroyed in the
conflict.

There are more than 2.25 million internally displaced people in
Iraq, nearly 1.1 million of whom were forced to flee their homes
following the bombing of the Al Aksari shrine in Samarra in
February 2006. Since then, IOM has been monitoring and assessing
the internal displacement crisis in Iraq.

To access the latest update, go to: "paragraph-link-no-underline" href=
"http://www.iomiraq.net/iomdmyear.html" target="_blank" title=
"">http://www.iomiraq.net/iomdmyear.html.

For further information, please contact:

Dana Graber

IOM Mission for Iraq

Tel: +962 79 611 1759

E-mail: "mailto:dgraber@iom-iraq.net">dgraber@iom-iraq.net