Since the outbreak of the Syria crisis in 2011 and overran of ISIS in Iraq in June 2014, several waves of refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) have been seeking refuge in Kurdistan Region. Currently, the displacement of internally displaced people (IDPs) is still ongoing. The Kurdistan Region is presently hosting 1,411,314 internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 216,860 Syrian refugees in the governorates of Erbil, Duhok and Slemani.
Additionally. KRG is currently hosting 40% of all internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 97% Syrian refugees in Iraq.
The displacement of internally displaced people (IDPs) is still continuing. Since the Military operations to liberate Qayyarah district from ISIS in March 2016, more than 33,000 people, 84% IDPs, have been displaced from Qayyarah, Shirgat and Haji Ali areas fled to KRI and were settled at Dibaga camp. Meanwhile, hundreds of people will be displaced from their place of origin and accommodated at Dibaga camp on a daily basis.
Furthermore, the military operations to liberate Mosul city from ISIS has displaced up to 42,000 which is 78% of the total displaced people into Kurdistan Region, of which were settled at Hassansham, Khazir, and Zelikan camps since October 17, 2016. Moreover, thousands of people are fleeing and reaching Peshmerga frontlines and they are transported to the muster points and then, to the camps on a daily basis.
Although, Peshmerga and Iraqi forces have liberated a large swaths of territories, but IDPs have not been able to return due to the destruction of the infrastructure, the planted, IEDs, landmines and explosive remnants of war, a large-scale destruction of civilian property and houses, having insufficient funds and unclear plans for reconstruction process and material support for internally displaced people (IDPs) who want to go back to their place of origin. This has caused a negative impact on the return process and psychological effects among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS).
The top priority needs for internally displaced persons (IDPs);
- Preparation of shelter sites for internally displaced persons (IDPs) as the liberation operation of the Mosul city is still ongoing and the camp capacity is very limited to the level than can’t host a huge number of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
- Winterization needs, including stove, kerosene, clothes, blankets and mattresses.
- Establishment of health centres in all camps to provide primary healthcare to the IDPs.
- Waste garbage management and disposal in the camps.
- Expedition of the setup of reception centres.
- Providing screening devices to identify high-risk among internally displaced persons (IDPs).
- Providing food for children, including milk, biscuit…, nutrients etc.
