IOM EMERGENCY NEEDS ASSESSMENTS POST FEBRUARY 2006 DISPLACEMENT IN 1 JANUARY 2009 MONTHLY REPORT

Following the February 2006 bombing of the Al-Askari Mosque, escalating sectarian violence in Iraq caused massive displacement, both internal and to locations abroad. In coordination with the Iraqi government’s Ministry of Displacement and Migration (MoDM), IOM continues to assess Iraqi displacement through a network of partners and monitors on the ground.

Most displacement over the past five years (since 2003) occurred in 2006 and has since slowed. However, displacement continues to occur in some locations and the humanitarian situation of those already displaced is worsening. Some Iraqis are returning, but their conditions in places of return are extremely difficult.

The estimated number of displaced since February 2006 is more than 1.6 million individuals1.

SUMMARY OF CURRENT IRAQI DISPLACEMENT AND RETURN:

Returns

While an estimated 1.6 million individuals are displaced in Iraq, returns continue to grow. This is particularly the case in Baghdad. Many returnees are coming back to find destroyed homes and infrastructure in disrepair. Buildings, pipe and electrical networks, and basic public services such as health care centers are all in need of rehabilitation to meet the needs of returning IDP and refugee families.

Transportation for families who wish to return also continues to be an issue. Some families wish to return but do not have the financial resources to travel with their belongings to their places of origin. MoDM has offered 500,000 Iraqi Dinar (IQD), or approximately 432 USD to IDP families returning from another governorate, and they have offered 250,000 IQD for families returning within the same governorate. This was offered to returnees between October and December 2008, and it is not yet clear whether this will be continued in 2009.

Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) continue to evict squatters from returnee homes on a limited basis with the authority of Prime Minister Order 101. Squatters are given anywhere from 24 hours to several days to vacate the houses, and some receive assistance to return to their places of origin in this process.

In Al Zaytoon village of Abu Ghraib, a returnee family was targeted by an improvised explosive device (IED). Returnee families have begun organizing nightly watches and using other measures to protect themselves. According to community leaders in Al Tooaitha Al Gharbia, nearly all families have returned to the village. However, the village lacks health care facilities and any sanitation system, making the living environment difficult for those who have returned.

Destroyed returnee homes of Hay Al-Zaytoon in 1 As per figures from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) for the three northern governorates and the Iraqi Ministry of Migration (MoM) for the 15 central and southern governorates. See the IDP Working Group Internally Displaced Persons in Iraq Update (September 2008) for figures per governorate.

International Organization for Migration Displacements

Conditions of displacement remain harsh for IDPs across Iraq. Many still do not have access to basic necessities such as potable water, sufficient food, and protection from the elements. Others live precariously under threat of eviction.

23 families displaced to Al Baquer village in Babylon are living in improvised shelters constructed from mud, which are insufficient to protect them from the elements. 10 families living in Al Qebla of Basrah governorate have settled on government land and are under the constant threat of eviction from local authorities. They are living in basic buildings crafted from mud and wood. 19 IDP families living in Kerbala hotel in Kerbala governorate have been given eviction orders with no alternative shelter offered and no financial resources or income. The group is about 80% women, children, and elderly family members.

While some wish to return, other IDP families prefer to integrate into their places of displacement. For example, currently many IDPs in Wassit state that they do not wish to return to their places of origin for a variety of reasons. Some do not have property in their places of origin; others have transferred their businesses to Wassit and do not wish to move them again. Still others are fearful of security or local authorities in their places of origin. MoDM authorities continue to offer financial support to those who wish to return.

Returnee reports, along with IOM’s regular reporting on displacement, including governorate profiles, biweekly updates, tent camp updates, and yearly and mid-year reviews, are available at http://www.iom-iraq.net/library.html#IDP.

Country-wide Statistics:

Statistical information below is based on in-depth assessments of 222,920 families (estimated 1,337,520 individuals) displaced throughout Iraq since 22 February 2006. (Please note that this figure represents the total number that IOM monitors have assessed, not the total number of displaced in Iraq since 22 February 2006.) IDP Places of Origin Baghdad 63.9% Basrah 1.7% Ninewa 5.7% Babylon 0.9% Salah al-Din 3.1% Wassit 0.2% 2.9% 0.2% Anbar 2.6% Thi-Qar 0.1%

Ethnicity/Religion: Arab Shia Muslim 57.7% Turkmen Sunni Muslim 0.9% Arab Sunni Muslim 30.7% Kurd Shia Muslim 0.6% Kurd Sunni Muslim 3.7% Armenian Christian 0.1% Assyrian Christian 2.8% Arab Yazidi 0.1% Chaldean Christian 1.7% Kurd Yazidi 0.1% Turkmen Shia Muslim 1.1%

Access to Property Left Behind

Yes, property Governorate Do not know No accessible All Iraq 38.7% 41.8% 16.7% Anbar 41.7% 36.8% 20.8% Babylon 48.1% 36.3% 14.6% Baghdad 8.2% 64.4% 26.6% Basrah 46.5% 35.7% 13% Dahuk 8.6% 80% 10.9% Diyala 50.1% 25.3% 20.5% Erbil 77.2% 17.2% 0.1%

International Organization for Migration 2 Kerbala 42.5% 16.2% 29.8% Missan 50.7% 40.7% 8.1% Muthanna 40.9% 39.6% 19.5% 70% 18.1% 9.1% Ninewa 59.2% 28.6% 11.3% Qadissiya 26.9% 63.1% 9.9% Salah al-Din 56% 36.6% 5.8% 9.9% 42.9% 10.7% Kirkuk 75.6% 15.2% 7.3% Thi-Qar 40.3% 53.8% 5.8% Wassit 80.7% 18.2% 1.1%

Property Status – If an IDP family cannot access property left behind, what is the main reason? No access for Occupied or Occupied or Currently in Property security claimed by claimed by Governorate military use destroyed reasons government private citizen All Iraq 8.6% 2.5% 22.1% 0.5% 35.4% Anbar 19.0% 1.2% 4.3% 0.2% 17.6% Babylon 3.8% 0.4% 18.6% 0.4% 19.9% Baghdad 1.4% 1.0% 32.2% 0.4% 59.1% Basrah 3.9% 0.1% 12.4% 0.2% 20.1% Dahuk 33.2% 0.1% 14.8% 0.4% 20.2% Diyala 2.4% 3.7% 24.1% 1.7% 16.7% Erbil 0.0% 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.4% Kerbala 3.7% 0.8% 5.8% 0.1% 11.8% Missan 13.4% 0.1% 20.1% 0.1% 21.4% Muthanna 0.5% 0.0% 11.5% 0.0% 28.1% Najaf 11.9% 0.3% 7.6% 2.7% 16.8% Ninewa 21.3% 0.7% 4.1% 0.4% 6.1% Qadissiya 5.5% 1.4% 54.8% 0.0% 10.7% Salah al-Din 22.7% 0.9% 3.6% 0.0% 15.4% Sulaymaniyah 1.1% 3.8% 11.7% 0.2% 11.1% Kirkuk 2.9% 0.4% 3.4% 0.2% 8.3% Thi-Qar 21.3% 0.2% 8.0% 0.4% 44.5% Wassit 7.2% 0.6% 10.7% 0.0% 1.2%

Anbar:

Security incidents continue to occur in Anbar, particularly in Falluja and . Suicide bombings, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), car bombs, shootings, and arrests happened throughout the governorate, with significant casualties particularly at the beginning of December.

Intra-governorate returns also carry on, with a minority of returnees coming back to Anbar from outside the governorate.

A group of 50 IDP families (approximately 380 individuals) are currently living in Heet district, after being forced from their homes by armed groups during April 2008. They have not been able to transfer their PDS cards and are in need of food, fuel, blankets, and other household items.

International Organization for Migration 3 Assessment based on 9,180 families.

Places of Origin: Baghdad 78.2% Diyala 0.7% Anbar 12.6% Salah al-Din 0.3% Basrah 6.3% Babylon 0.2% Ninewa 1.8% Thi-Qar 0.1%

Ethnicity/Religion: Arab Shia Muslim 70.2% Chaldean Christian 0.1% Arab Sunni Muslim 29.5%

Access to Property Left Behind Yes, Property District No Do not know Accessible Total 20.80% 36.80% 41.70% Al-Ka'im 24.60% 52.20% 22.50% Al-Rutba 28.20% 19.50% 52.30% Ana 12.40% 65% 22.10% Falluja 16.80% 26.60% 56.10% 0.0% 86.60% 0.0% Heet 37.50% 44.40% 16.40% Ramadi 25.70% 41.10% 32.80%

Property Status – If an IDP family cannot access property left behind, what is the main reason? No access for Occupied or Occupied or Currently in Property District security claimed by claimed by military use destroyed reasons government private citizen Total 19.0% 1.2% 4.3% 0.2% 17.6% Al-Ka'im 27.8% 4.9% 15.5% 0.0% 6.0% Al-Rutba 12.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 7.5% Ana 35.9% 3.4% 16.1% 0.0% 13.4% Falluja 15.7% 0.2% 1.9% 0.0% 14.2% Haditha 20.1% 0.0% 24.8% 0.0% 41.6% Heet 4.1% 6.1% 3.9% 0.9% 30.2% Ramadi 22.6% 0.8% 2.7% 0.6% 23.3%

IOM emergency distribution assistance in 2007 & 2008: In 2007, IOM completed various distributions of food, water, and non-food items for 961 IDP families in February, 392 IDP families in May, 1,655 IDP families in August, and 1,344 IDP families in November. In January 2008, IOM completed daily water trucking benefiting nearly 36,985 vulnerable IDP and host community families in various locations throughout Anbar. In July, IOM has finished distributions of food and non-food items to 3,000 IDPs and returnees. In August the warehouse in Anbar has been closed. IOM is currently distributing NFIs to 500 IDP and host community families with disabled members.

Babylon:

Security in Babylon remains relatively troubled. Various search-and-arrest campaigns continue and occasional acts of targeted violence are still being reported.

23 families were displaced from Al Muhawel village to Al Baquer village in Al Muhawel district due to sectarian violence. They are currently living in improvised shelters constructed from mud, which provide insufficient protection from the elements.

16 families have been displaced from Baghdad, Diyala and Salah al-Din to Al Shegareya. None of the children are going to school, due to poverty and distance to the nearest school. They are currently reliant upon a nearby river for water.

International Organization for Migration 4 In Al Mehanaweya village, Hilla district, 17 IDP families are living in a rural area in primitive housing. The families must work long hours in return for shelter and an inadequate wage. None of the children are attending school, due to poverty and distance from the nearest school. They require food and non-food items, such as furniture.

Assessment based on 10,784families.

Places of Origin: Baghdad 81.1% Anbar 2.0% Babylon 6.4% Wassit 1.0% Diyala 6.0% Kirkuk 0.9% Salah al-Din 2.3% Ninewa 0.1%

Ethnicity/Religion: Arab Shia Muslim 94.4% Arab Yazidi 0.1% Arab Sunni Muslim 5.2% Kurd Shia Muslim 0.1%

Access to Property Left Behind Yes, Property District No Do not know Accessible Total 14.6% 36.3% 48.1% Al-Mahawil 15.8% 30% 53.4% Al-Musayab 22.5% 29.3% 45.9% Hashimiya 10.4% 52% 36.6% Hilla 13.2% 35.9% 50.3%

Property Status – If an IDP family cannot access property left behind, what is the main reason? No access for Occupied or Occupied or Currently in Property District security claimed by claimed by military use destroyed reasons government private citizen Total 4.0% 0.0% 19.0% 0.0% 20.0% Al-Mahawil 1.3% 0.9% 21.4% 0.2% 11.8% Al-Musayab 6.9% 0.0% 9.6% 2.6% 23.6% Hashimiya 1.4% 0.0% 26.2% 0.0% 35.9% Hilla 5.8% 0.2% 15.6% 0.0% 17.5%

IOM emergency distribution assistance in 2007 & 2008: July 2007, IOM completed a food and NFI distribution to 3,000 IDP and host community families in Babylon. In March 2008, IOM finished distributing plastic sheeting for families living in substandard housing to protect from the rain, benefiting 126 IDP families. In November, IOM distributed plastic sheeting to 50 IDP families living in precarious shelter conditions.

Baghdad:

Security overall continues to be comparatively stable in Baghdad, in spite of the continued occurrence of suicide attacks, bombings, and other violent incidents. Security varies from neighborhood to neighborhood, and security procedures remain extremely strict.

In Al Zaytoon village of Abu Ghraib, a returnee family was targeted by an IED. Returnee families have begun organizing nightly watches and using other measures to protect themselves. In Al Tooaitha Al Gharbia village, nearly all families have returned, according to the community leaders there. However, there are no health care facilities available there, nor sanitation system, making the living environment difficult for those who have returned.

As more families begin to return to Baghdad, many homes need to be completely rebuilt due to destruction during previous fighting.

Monitors have assessed more than 400 IDP families in Baghdad who are still waiting for their IDP stipend from authorities, increasing their dependence on humanitarian aid from other sources.

International Organization for Migration 5

Assessment based on 69,592 displaced families. IOM monitors have conducted in-depth interviews with more than 2779 returnee families in Baghdad. In-depth returnee reports can be found at http://www.iom-iraq.net/library.html#IDP.

Places of Origin: Baghdad 83.70% Kirkuk 0.30% Diyala 13.20% Ninewa 0.20% Anbar 1.50% Babylon 0.10% Salah al-Din 0.80%

Ethnicity/Religion: Arab Shia Muslim 72.40% Kurd Shia Muslim 0.10% Arab Sunni Muslim 27.30% Chaldean Christian 0.10%

Access to Property Left Behind Yes, Property District No Do not know Not applicable Accessible Total 26.6% 64.4% 8.2% 0.1% Abu Ghraib 0.0% 36.4% 61.4% 0.0% Adhamiya - 18.4% 75.9% 5.7% 0.0% Istiqlal Al Resafa 46.2% 40.8% 11.5% 0.4% 18.6% 76.8% 4.5% 0.0% Mada'in 3.5% 61.2% 35.3% 0.0% Mahmoudiya 26.2% 7.0% 0.0% 0.0% Taji 0.0% 0.0% 100.0% 0.0% Tarmia 3.2% 88.1% 6.9% 0.0%

Property Status – If an IDP family cannot access property left behind, what is the main reason? No access Occupied or Occupied or Currently in Property District for security claimed by claimed by military use destroyed reasons government private citizen Total 1.0% 1.0% 32.0% 0.0% 59.0% Abu Ghraib 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 36.4% Adhamiya - Istiqlal 0.0% 0.0% 42.1% 0.5% 59.9% Al Resafa 3.4% 2.1% 15.2% 1.0% 34.4% Karkh 0.5% 0.0% 48.9% 0.0% 72.3% Mada'in 0.0% 0.0% 8.6% 0.0% 59.8% Mahmoudiya 0.0% 0.0% 11.1% 0.0% 69.4% Taji 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Tarmia 0.0% 3.8% 0.6% 0.0% 87.4%

IOM emergency distribution assistance in 2007 & 2008: In 2007, IOM distributed food and non- food items to 346 families in February, 2,895 families in April, and 198 families in August. In February 2008, IOM finished distributing food and non-food items to 3,000 vulnerable IDP and host community families. IOM distributed food and non-food items to 2,000 needy IDP and returnee families in Baghdad in April and May. In May, IOM also distributed 2,000 food baskets to hospitals and IPD families in and Shula district in response to the crisis there. In November, IOM completed distributions of food and non-food items to 1,550 IDP families in Husseinya, Mahmoudiya, Sha’ab and Shu’la. IOM is currently distributing NFIs and food to 670 IDP, returnee and host community families in Baghdad and surrounding districts.

International Organization for Migration 6 Basrah:

The governorate, especially Basrah City, is monitored heavily by checkpoints which have had some effect in controlling violence. Despite this, there are still reports of acts of violence such as assassinations, kidnappings, and attacks.

7 families displaced from Baghdad have settled in a collective settlement in Bani Sa’ad, of Fao district. They lack many basic services, including water, electricity and adequate health care. While there is a health clinic nearby, it is understaffed and underequipped. None of the families are employed, and they are in urgent need of medication and non-food items such as blankets and winter clothing.

10 families in Al Qibla of , are living on government land and under the constant threat of eviction in basic buildings crafted from mud and wood. The houses are located in an area of poor drainage and are therefore constantly damp and a health risk. They have no sewage facilities nor nearby health clinic, and there is a high prevalence of disease.

Assessment based on 5,140 families.

Places of Origin: Baghdad 51.6% Anbar 0.3% Ninewa 46.8% Salah al-Din 0.1% Kirkuk 0.7% Muthanna 0.1% Basrah 0.5%

Ethnicity/Religion: Sunni Muslim Kurd 39.7% Yazidi Kurd 1.4% Christian Chaldean 29.0% Shia Muslim Turkmen 0.7% Christian Assyrian 19.8% Shia Muslim Kurd 0.3% Christian Armenian 3.4% Sunni Muslim Turkmen 0.3% Sunni Muslim Arab 2.1% Christian Kurd 0.2% Shia Muslim Arab 2.0% Sunni Muslim Armenian 0.1%

Access to Property Left Behind District Yes, property accessible No Do not know Total 10.9% 80.0% 8.6% Amedi 25.6% 61.3% 13.1% Dahuk 4.9% 91.0% 3.6% Sumel 23.5% 51.9% 24.2% 16.2% 71.7% 11.9%

Property Status – If an IDP family cannot access property left behind, what is the main reason? Occupied or Occupied or No access for Currently in Property claimed by claimed by private District security reasons military use destroyed government citizen Total 33.0% 0.0% 15.0% 0.0% 20.0% Amedi 2.8% 0.0% 25.9% 1.6% 24.4% Dahuk 38.6% 0.1% 10.4% 0.3% 25.5% Sumel 37.4% 0.0% 4.8% 0.5% 5.6% Zakho 18.5% 0.0% 46.8% 0.2% 7.3%

IOM emergency distribution assistance in 2007 & 2008: In October 2007, IOM completed the distribution of food and non-food items to 2,863 IDP families. In 2008, during the military operation in in March, IOM delivered 750 food baskets to hospitals in Basrah, completing the distribution the beginning of April. In August, IOM has completed the distribution of 500 NFI baskets to IDP and host community families. In November, IOM finished distributions of NFI kits “Back to school” to 2000 children. In the same month, IOM completed the distribution of fire

International Organization for Migration 7 extinguishers to 125 schools in the governorate attended by IDP children. IOM is currently distributing food and winter NFIs to vulnerable IDP families in the remote villages of the governorate.

Dahuk:

Security in Dahuk remains stable.

In order to facilitate entry into Dahuk, the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) has revised entry regulations for IDPs. Whereas before IDPs were required to secure sponsorship from someone living within the KRG, this is no longer necessary. IDPs are now issued with a registration ID which they must update annually. Formerly renewal was required every three months for families and once per month for individuals.

Piruzana, Benata and Karanjik villages of Amedi district lack health care centers, and IDPs in these areas must travel long distances in order to receive health care.

There are still IDP families recently displaced from who remain displaced in Dahuk, such as in Piruzana (18 families), Tanahi, Sumel district (18 families), and Benata village, Amedi district (60 families). These IDP families do not have access to PDS rations and require food and non-food item distributions. Piruzana village does not have sufficient drinking water.

Assessment based on 3,846 families.

Places of Origin: Diyala 82.5% Kirkuk 0.1% Baghdad 16.7% Salah al-Din 0.1% Anbar 0.3% Babylon 0.1%

Ethnicity/Religion: Arab Sunni Muslim 58.2% Kurd Sunni Muslim 1.9% Arab Shia Muslim 32.7% Turkmen Shia Muslim 0.6% Kurd Shia Muslim 6.1% Turkmen Sunni Muslim 0.4%

Access to Property Left Behind Yes, Property District No Do not know Accessible Total 20.5% 25.3% 50.1% Al-Khalis 17.2% 4.1% 78.3% Al-Muqdadiya 30.2% 32.1% 36.2% Baladrooz 35.5% 37.2% 27.3% Ba'quba 8.8% 31.2% 60.0% 10.1% 37.9% 38.0% 9.5% 21.8% 0.0%

Property Status – If an IDP family cannot access property left behind, what is the main reason? Occupied or Occupied or No access for Currently in Property District claimed by claimed by security reasons military use destroyed government private citizen Total 2.0% 4.0% 24.0% 2.0% 17.0% Al-Khalis 0.0% 0.0% 4.9% 0.1% 2.7% Al-Muqdadiya 0.0% 6.3% 30.9% 4.5% 26.2% Baladrooz 0.0% 7.7% 55.8% 1.1% 28.1% Ba'quba 4.5% 5.5% 28.3% 1.8% 20.2% Khanaqin 9.5% 0.5% 17.6% 0.0% 13.5% Kifri 15.0% 0.2% 2.4% 0.0% 1.8%

International Organization for Migration 8 IOM emergency distribution assistance in 2007 & 2008: In December, IOM completed distribution of fuel to returnee families living in tent camps in Sheladize and Kolan. IOM is currently trucking water in several communities affected by drought, distributing over half million liters of water to 11,000 individuals daily.

Diyala:

The security situation in Diyala remains unstable, especially in disputed parts of Khanaqin and Ba’quba districts. Instability in the governorate has led the Diyala City Council to request delaying its elections for six months.

The governorate is experiencing a high rate of targeted violence, including threats against IDPs and returnees, awakening forces, and IDF.

There is an ongoing conflict over water in Shakh Ali village and Adhala village, both in Baladrooz district. In order to quell the conflict, local authorities had originally supplied both villages with water tanks and water trucking. However, conflict resumed when militants destroyed these tanks. IDP families in these areas require food and non-food items, as well as water facilities.

In Jeezani Al-Imam of Al-Khalis district, there are 13 IDP families originating from Al-Qatoon, Abu Tamur and Al-Muradiya villages in Al Muqdadiya district. They intend to remain in displacement indefinitely due to continued instability. These families require food and non-food items. However, they would also benefit from income generation projects – especially as many of them are skilled at sewing.

Assessment based on 16,196 families.

IOM emergency distribution assistance in 2007 & 2008: In September 2007, IOM provided 3,350 IDP families in Diyala with food and non-food items. Also in September, IOM assisted 1,400 families with food and non-food items.

Erbil:

In order to facilitate entry into Erbil, the KRG has revised entry regulations for IDPs. Whereas before, IDPs were required to secure sponsorship from someone living within the KRG, this is no longer necessary. IDPs are now issued with a registration ID which they must update annually, as opposed to the previous system, where families were expected to renew their registration once every three months or once per month for individuals.

There are no Arabic language schools in the neighbourhoods of Brayati, Setaqan and Raparin, in . These families have been able to compensate by sending their children to Arabic- language schools within Erbil City itself.

Assessment based on 6,000 families.

Places of Origin: Baghdad 48.40% Erbil 0.30% Ninewa 44.30% Basrah 0.20% Kirkuk 2.30% Qadissiya 0.10% Diyala 1.90% Muthanna 0.10% Anbar 0.90% Babylon 0.10% Salah al-Din 0.60%

International Organization for Migration 9 Ethnicity/Religion: Kurd Sunni Muslim 39.2% Armenian Christian 0.8% Arab Sunni Muslim 32.1% Turkmen Sunni Muslim 0.4% Chaldean Christian 16.9% Arab Christian 0.2% Assyrian Christian 4.6% Kurd Christian 0.2% Arab Shia Muslim 1.3% Arab Sabean Mandean 0.1%

Access to Property Left Behind Yes, Property District No Do not know Accessible Total 0.1% 17.2% 77.2% Choman 0.0% 0.0% 100.0% Erbil 0.1% 18.4% 77.2% Koisnjaq 0.0% 2.1% 97.9% Makhmur 0.0% 10.7% 66.0% Mergasur 0.0% 13.7% 69.8% 0.0% 5.2% 66.5% Soran 0.0% 8.3% 80.7%

Property Status – If an IDP family cannot access property left behind, what is the main reason? The overwhelming majority of IDP families in Erbil who cannot access their property did not know the reason at the time of assessment.

IOM emergency distribution assistance in 2007 & 2008: In February 2008, IOM finished distributing food and non-food items to 2,210 IDP and vulnerable host community families, including IDP groups who were displaced by cross-border Turkish shelling. After recent evictions of Christian families from Mosul, IOM distributed food and non-food items to 375 Christian families who fled to Erbil. IOM is currently trucking water in drought-affected communities, assisting over 21,000 individuals with over a million liters of potable water daily.

Kerbala:

Security is relatively stable in the governorate.

More than 170 families have returned from to Baghdad in the past two months, most citing improved security and the GoI returnee subsidy as primary reasons for their return. However, displacement conditions remain harsh for those who remain.

19 IDP families living in Kerbala hotel have been given eviction orders with no alternative shelter offered and no financial resources or income. The group is about 80% women, children, and elderly family members. In general there are many IDP group settlements in danger of being evicted from government-owned land. Due to poverty and lack of secondary shelter options, many plan to dispute the eviction.

In Al Kerima and Hay al-Qaim areas of Kerbala district, 130 IDP families have no access to potable drinking water because they are illegally occupying the area and are not able to build proper infrastructure. 115 families in Al Antefatha, Al Summod, Al Amal and Hay al-Jowd areas of Kerbala district have also built homes illegally on government land. They have no access to water or sewage systems, and there are no health clinics or schools nearby, resulting in many health and family difficulties.

Resolving the problem of the displaced in Kerbala and campaigning among IDP families has become part of the platform for some candidates in the upcoming elections.

Assessment based on 13,40 families.

International Organization for Migration 10 Places of Origin: Baghdad 56.8% Babylon 2.4% Diyala 28.0% Kirkuk 1.6% Anbar 6.8% Salah al-Din 1.5% Ninewa 2.8% Kerbala 0.1%

Ethnicity/Religion: Arab Shia Muslim 98.6% Arab Yazidi 0.3% Turkmen Shia Muslim 1.0%

Access to Property Left Behind Yes, Property District No Do not know Accessible Total 29.8% 16.2% 42.5% Ain Al-Tamur 17.8% 27% 47.1% Al-Hindiya 15.1% 25.1% 57.2% Kerbala 33.6% 13.7% 39.2%

Property Status – If an IDP family cannot access property left behind, what is the main reason? No access for Occupied or Currently in Property Occupied or claimed District security claimed by military use destroyed by private citizen reasons government Total 4.0% 1.0% 6.0% 0.0% 12.0% Ain Al-Tamur 0.0% 0.0% 5.8% 0.0% 23.5% Al-Hindiya 1.6% 0.0% 5.1% 0.0% 21.3% Kerbala 4.3% 1.0% 5.9% 0.1% 9.0%

IOM emergency distribution assistance in 2007 & 2008: In July 2007, IOM distributed food and non-food items to 3,108 families in Kerbala. In July 2008, IOM finished the distribution of 500 NFI baskets to IDP and host community families.

Kirkuk:

Kirkuk remains unstable, with ongoing incidents of kidnapping, bombings and explosions. Iraqi army and police forces have engaged in firefights with militants, and detention campaigns are being carried out across the governorate in an effort to quell violence.

37 IDP families of Turkmen origin are living in Turklan neighbourhood, , on land which is claimed by the Ministry of Defense. These families originally fled from Telafar district, and there is a high incidence of disability among them resulting from the violent nature of their flight. They have recently been given and eviction notice. None of the families have been offered compensation, as they lack the necessary documentation to prove their identities. They require urgent advocacy.

73 IDP families are living in Al-Entissar village, in Kirkuk district, having been displaced from Salah al-Din. They are living in improvised mud shelters, many of which are unsuitable to protect them against the elements. There are 28 widows in this group of IDPs. These families report that they are under threat of eviction.

IDP families in Hay Hwzayran, Kirkuk district, have no access to a health clinic. Furthermore, because they are lacking papers, they cannot access health services in Kirkuk. There is a large number of elderly people in the village who require medication that they cannot afford on the local market.

Assessment based on 10,890 families.

Places of Origin: Anbar 3.8% Ninewa 15.5% Diyala 26.4% Erbil 1.2% Kirkuk 21.0% Basrah 0.3% Salah al-Din 15.8% Babylon 0.2%

International Organization for Migration 11 Baghdad 15.6% Sulaymaniyah 0.1%

Ethnicity/Religion: Arab Sunni Muslim 52.4% Assyrian Christian 1.8% Kurd Sunni Muslim 20.0% Kurd Shia Muslim 1.2% Turkmen Shia Muslim 16.5% Chaldean Christian 0.9% Arab Shia Muslim 3.3% Armenian Christian 0.2% Turkmen Sunni Muslim 2.9% Arab Yazidi 0.1%

Access to Property Left Behind Yes, Property District No Do not know Accessible Total 7.3% 15.2% 75.6% Al-Hawiga 7.3% 16.3% 76.4% 6.6% 15.8% 77.6% Kirkuk 7.8% 14.6% 74.3%

Property Status – If an IDP family cannot access property left behind, what is the main reason? No access for Currently in Property Occupied or claimed Occupied or claimed District security reasons military use destroyed by government by private citizen Total 3.0% 0.0% 3.0% 0.0% 8.0% Al-Hawiga 0.0% 0.0% 4.5% 1.5% 7.4% Daquq 6.8% 0.2% 4.2% 0.0% 4.6% Kirkuk 1.3% 0.5% 2.7% 0.0% 10.8%

IOM emergency distribution assistance in 2007 & 2008: In February 2007, IOM distributed food and non-food items to 743 IDP families in Kirkuk. In February 2008, IOM finished distributing food and non-food items to 1,500 IDP and vulnerable host community families. IOM is currently distributing non-food items, fuel and clothes to 532 women-headed households in Kirkuk.

Missan:

The security situation in Missan remains stable.

35 IDP families living in Hay al-Sadir of Ali al-Garbee sub-district are unemployed and therefore living under the constant threat of eviction. These families require income generation projects to help them support their living costs.

There are 12 IDP families in Al-Bterra neighbourhood of who are displaced from Baghdad and currently living near a factory. They have no electricity or sewage disposal, and they are collecting water from a nearby well. The well water is unclean and requires filtration. Furthermore, due to proximity to the factory, the family members are suffering from a variety of respiratory illnesses such as asthma and chest infections.

Hay al Batool is currently hosting 37 IDP families (466 individuals) displaced from Baghdad and Diyala, all living in improvised mud shelters. Their homes are connected illegally to the electrical network. They require food and non-food distributions as well as medical assistance.

Assessment based on 7,108 families.

Places of Origin: Baghdad 82.8% Wassit 0.7% Diyala 7.9% Babylon 0.3% Salah al-Din 5.3% Ninewa 0.2% Kirkuk 1.4% Basrah 0.2% Anbar 1.1%

International Organization for Migration 12 Ethnicity/Religion: Arab Shia Muslim 99.9% Arab Sabean Mandean 0.1%

Access to Property Left Behind Yes, Property District No Do not know Accessible Total 8.1% 40.7% 50.7% Ali Al-Gharbi 15.9% 58.4% 25.1% Al-Kahla 12.1% 39.2% 48.7% Al-Maimouna 14.1% 26.8% 59.1% Al-Mejar Al-Kabi 3.5% 90.8% 5.8% Amara 7.2% 20.6% 71.8% Qal'at Saleh 4.9% 71.6% 22.4%

Property Status – If an IDP family cannot access property left behind, what is the main reason? Occupied or Occupied or No access for Currently in Property District claimed by claimed by private security reasons military use destroyed government citizen Total 13.0% 0.0% 20.0% 0.0% 21.0% Ali Al-Gharbi 25.6% 0.0% 25.4% 0.0% 25.2% Al-Kahla 0.0% 0.0% 32.3% 0.0% 34.8% Al-Maimouna 0.0% 1.0% 13.6% 0.0% 21.6% Al-Mejar Al-Kabi 51.6% 0.0% 28.3% 0.1% 38.1% Amara 1.2% 0.1% 13.0% 0.2% 14.9% Qal'at Saleh 33.1% 0.3% 34.3% 0.0% 24.9%

IOM emergency distribution assistance in 2007 & 2008: In June 2008, IOM finished the distribution of non-food items to 1,000 IDP and host community families in Missan. In November; IOM completed distribution of fire extinguishers to 125 schools, attended by IDP and host community children. IOM is currently distributing clothes to 2,000 children from approximately 670 vulnerable families.

Muthanna:

Security in Muthanna remains stable.

5 IDP families currently occupying government-owned property behind the Al-Samawa general hospital are under threat of eviction. They are living in improvised mud-shelters and require advocacy.

8 families displaced from Baghdad are currently settled in Denar neighbourhood and living in improvised shelters built from mud and wooden boards with plastic sheeting at roofing. The streets in which they live are filled with garbage and swamps of sewage, and consequently the drinking water supplies are polluted. Many of these families are female-headed due to sectarian violence, and there is a high rate of unemployment among these families. Many families are subsisting on two meals a day and are suffering from a number of complications resulting from malnutrition.

40 families displaced from Baghdad and Diyala and settled in Al-Mesafeya village in Al Khidir district, are living in improvised mud shelters. Most of the adults are unemployed or unable to support their families, and many of the children are working rather than attending school. They have no electricity nor access to potable water. Many are reliant upon a nearby river for water supplies, and the prevalence of water-borne disease is high.

Assessment based on 3,160 families.

International Organization for Migration 13 Places of Origin: Baghdad 69.70% Wassit 1.90% Diyala 13.30% Ninewa 1.50% Anbar 7.30% Qadissiya 0.50% Salah al-Din 3.20% Erbil 0.20% Babylon 2.50%

Ethnicity/Religion: Arab Shia Muslim 99.5% Arab Sunni Muslim 0.5%

Access to Property Left Behind Yes, Property District No Do not know Accessible Total 19.5% 39.6% 40.9% Al Khidhir 1.9% 48.6% 49.5% Al-Rumaitha 22.9% 37.7% 39.4% Al-Salman 0.0% 53.8% 46.2% Al-Samawa 16.3% 41.4% 42.3%

Property Status – If an IDP family cannot access property left behind, what is the main reason? No access for Currently in Property Occupied or claimed Occupied or claimed District security reasons military use destroyed by government by private citizen Total 1.0% 0.0% 11.0% 0.0% 28.0% Al Khidhir 1.9% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 48.6% Al-Rumaitha 0.8% 0.0% 13.4% 0.0% 24.4% Al-Salman 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 53.8% Al-Samawa 0.0% 0.0% 9.7% 0.0% 31.6%

IOM emergency distribution assistance in 2007 & 2008: None to date.

Najaf:

The security situation in Najaf remains stable.

Al Manathera, which was the largest IDP camp in the country, is scheduled to be closed by the end of January. IDP families resident in the camp have been asked to vacate the camp, and offered ID 4,000,000 (US$3,467) from several authorities to aid them in their relocation. Approximately 70 families have taken advantage of this offer so far.

Assessment based on 6,974 families.

Places of Origin: Baghdad 84.8% Kirkuk 1.3% Diyala 7.0% Salah al-Din 1.2% Ninewa 2.7% Babylon 0.8% Anbar 2.1% Dahuk 0.1%

Ethnicity/Religion: Arab Shia Muslim 97.8% Turkmen Shia Muslim 1.3%

Access to Property Left Behind Yes, Property District No Do not know Accessible Total 9.1% 18.1% 70.0% Al-Manathera 1.8% 11.5% 86.7% 3.2% 14.6% 81.2% Najaf 11.9% 19.9% 64.7%

International Organization for Migration 14 Property Status – If an IDP family cannot access property left behind, what is the main reason? No access for Currently in Property Occupied or claimed Occupied or claimed District security military use destroyed by government by private citizen reasons Total 12.0% 0.0% 8.0% 3.0% 17.0% Al-Manathera 0.0% 0.0% 8.2% 0.0% 11.5% Kufa 8.7% 0.4% 4.5% 1.2% 13.9% Najaf 13.9% 0.2% 8.7% 3.4% 18.2%

IOM emergency distribution assistance in 2007 & 2008: In April 2007, IOM completed a distribution of food and non-food items to 2,099 IDP families. In August 2008, IOM has finished the distribution of non-food items to 2,000 IDP and host community families in Najaf. In September, IOM finished the distribution of fire extinguishers to 232 IDPs in Al-Manathera camp. In October, IOM completed distribution of plastic sheeting to 150 IDP families living in dilapidated shelter.

Ninewa:

Instability continues in Ninewa with targeted bombing attacks against dense traffic and police checkpoints. Mortar attacks have been reported in Mosul upon both American and Iraqi military camps. The city is now under heavy restriction by the security forces – there are only 11 entry points into the city, and each entry point is monitored by double checkpoints. An unknown militant group recently assassinated a candidate running in the upcoming elections.

There are 15 IDP families (85 persons) currently occupying six unfinished houses in Hay al-Mazaree, . The owners of the houses have fled the country. They are illegally connected to water and electrical supplies. The families wish to return to their places of origin. However, they also require non-food items such as blankets, bedding and winterization items.

36 IDP families have been displaced from Telefar district to Hay al-Karama in Mosul district, after repeated death threats and murders. In their flight, they left behind most of their household possessions. They require food and non-food items, especially winterisation items.

Similarly, there are 25 IDP families living in Hay al-Nabi Younis in Mosul district, who were displaced by sectarian violence from Telafar district. They remain frightened to return to their place of origin due to the ongoing threat of violence. Several members of this group have been killed already. Few of their members are employed, and those who are work on an intermittent basis on construction sites. One female head of household is suffering from cancer and urgently needs medical attention that is not available in Mosul. These families need NFI supplies such as mattresses, and winterization items, such as blankets, winter clothes, tents and plastic sheeting to cover their homes.

Assessment based on 13,049 families.

Places of Origin: Baghdad 48.3% Anbar 0.6% Ninewa 39.7% Babylon 0.5% Basrah 7.7% Wassit 0.2% Kirkuk 1.0% Thi-Qar 0.1% Diyala 1.0% Qadissiya 0.1% Salah al-Din 0.7%

Ethnicity/Religion: Assyrian Christian 38.6% Arab Shia Muslim 0.9% Arab Sunni Muslim 27.3% Arab Yazidi 0.3% Turkmen Sunni Muslim 12.1% Kurd Yazidi 0.2% Chaldean Christian 11.8% Armenian Christian 0.2% Kurd Sunni Muslim 3.3% Turkmen Christian 0.2%

International Organization for Migration 15 Turkmen Shia Muslim 1.9%

Access to Property Left Behind Yes, Property District No Do not know Accessible Total 11.3% 28.6% 59.2% 0.0% 91.6% 8.4% Al-Ba'aj 0.0% 37.5% 62.5% Al-Hamdaniya 12.8% 27.6% 55.4% Al-Shikhan 0.0% 92.1% 7.9% 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% Mosul 17.8% 26.0% 55.9% Shekhan 0.0% 39.5% 60.2% 45.5% 27.6% 26.9% Telafar 21.1% 30.9% 48.0% Tilkaif 1.1% 25.7% 73.2%

Property Status – If an IDP family cannot access property left behind, what is the main reason? Occupied or No access for Currently in Property Occupied or claimed District claimed by private security reasons military use destroyed by government citizen Total 21.0% 1.0% 4.0% 0.0% 6.0% Akre 92.2% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Al-Ba'aj 37.5% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Al-Hamdaniya 21.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 9.6% Al-Shikhan 92.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Hatra 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Mosul 14.7% 1.8% 7.7% 1.0% 8.1% Shekhan 39.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 2.2% Sinjar 44.8% 0.0% 0.0% 2.8% 0.0% Telafar 29.0% 0.5% 1.6% 0.0% 0.0% Tilkaif 19.5% 0.0% 3.4% 0.0% 3.2%

IOM emergency distribution assistance in 2007 & 2008: IOM provided food and NFIs to 4,587 families in Ninewa in July and August. In September and October, IOM provided water and clothes to 500 IDP families in Sinjar following the attack on the Yazidi community there and food and non- food items to 160 families in the Girdassen tent camp in . In December, IOM distributed fuel and heaters to 20 schools in Ninewa, benefiting 9,271 students. In November 2007 and again in January 2008, IOM distributed fuel tanks and kerosene to IDPs living in Girdassen camp and elsewhere in Ninewa. In January and February 2008, IOM distributed food and NFIs to 700 vulnerable families throughout Ninewa. In May, IOM finished a distribution of 2,000 food and NFIs to IDP and host community families in Mosul and its surrounding districts and distributed further 2,000 food baskets in Mosul due to the military operation took place there. IOM has finished the installation of the generator and finished providing summer NFIs to 97 IDP families in the tent camp in Girdassen. IOM is currently distributing fuel, heaters and fire extinguishers to 10 schools in Ninewa governorate, benefiting 4,338 students.

Qadissiya:

Security in Qadissiya governorate remains stable.

Two female-headed households in different locations of Al Shamiya district received eviction notices from the local government, as the families were squatting on government-owned land. Both families lack the financial resources to find adequate shelter alternatives.

4 IDP families in Al Qateai neighbourhood of Afaq district were evicted from their makeshift shelters by local authorities.

International Organization for Migration 16 35 IDP families in Al Reghelah, Al Warsheya, Al Hussein and Al Jwaden areas of Al Shamiya district live in mud huts which can collapse during heavy winter rains. These families have not transferred their PDS rations, and they depend on firewood collected from the street and nearby farms for fuel.

Assessment based on 4,810 families.

Places of Origin: Baghdad 77.0% Diyala 11.1% Anbar 4.3% Babylon 1.6% Kirkuk 2.8% Wassit 0.3% Salah al-Din 2.7% Ninewa 0.1%

Ethnicity/Religion: Arab Shia Muslim 100.0%

Access to Property Left Behind Yes, Property District No Do not know Accessible Total 9.9% 63.1% 26.9% Afaq 1.7% 56.0% 42.3% Al-Shamiya 36.5% 28.2% 34.9% Diwaniya 7.5% 71.0% 21.5% Hamza 4.1% 56.1% 39.8%

Property Status – If an IDP family cannot access property left behind, what is the main reason? No access for Occupied or Currently in Property Occupied or claimed District security claimed by private military use destroyed by government reasons citizen Total 6.0% 1.0% 55.0% 0.0% 11.0% Afaq 0.0% 13.4% 56.0% 0.0% 2.6% Al-Shamiya 2.2% 0.0% 19.7% 0.0% 11.3% Diwaniya 4.9% 0.0% 60.4% 0.0% 12.8% Hamza 14.5% 3.1% 55.0% 0.0% 3.9%

IOM emergency distribution assistance in 2007 & 2008: In January 2008, IOM distributed food and non-food items to 2,000 vulnerable IDP and host community families. During the recent crisis, IOM delivered 250 food baskets to the main hospital in Diwaniya, completing the distribution the beginning of April. In October, IOM completed distribution of non-food items to 1,500 IDP and host community families in the governorate.

Salah al-Din:

While security in Salah al-Din continues to improve, there were still a number of incidents such as armed attacks, car bombs, and IED explosions. Some districts have limited periodic military campaigns to maintain or restore security, these include Siniyya, Mazra’a and Albo Farraj in district, and Haijil Kaber and Haijil Sagher in Al Shirqat district. Returns are occurring to Salah al- Din in small numbers.

For security reasons the provincial government has declared that all IDPs originating from Diyala must return home. However, this is not yet being actively enforced.

More than 100 IDP families residing in a former military camp in district have no access to health care. The nearest public health care centre (PHCC) is more than 30 kilometers away, making it inaccessible to most.

Assessment based on 15,871 families.

Places of Origin:

International Organization for Migration 17 Baghdad 49.5% Anbar 1.9% Kirkuk 15.0% Erbil 1.8% Basrah 12.1% Wassit 0.8% Diyala 10.3% Thi-Qar 0.6% Salah al-Din 5.1% Babylon 0.6% Ninewa 2.1% Qadissiya 0.1%

Ethnicity/Religion: Arab Sunni Muslim 96.6% Kurd Sunni Muslim 0.4% Arab Shia Muslim 2.1% Turkmen Sunni Muslim 0.1% Turkmen Shia Muslim 0.8%

Access to Property Left Behind Yes, Property District No Do not know Accessible Total 5.8% 36.6% 56.0% Al-Daur 49.0% 34.4% 16.6% Al-Shirqat 16.7% 41.9% 38.6% Baiji 0.7% 61.3% 35.2% Balad 0.0% 15.4% 84.6% Samarra 0.1% 37.9% 61.8% Tikrit 0.8% 30.9% 66.7% Tooz 0.2% 2.3% 97.5%

Property Status – If an IDP family cannot access property left behind, what is the main reason? No access for Occupied or Currently in Property Occupied or claimed District security claimed by private military use destroyed by government reasons citizen Total 22.7% 0.9% 3.6% 0.0% 15.4% Al-Daur 48.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 34.4% Al-Shirqat 30.6% 1.7% 11.0% 0.0% 19.5% Baiji 24.8% 2.2% 9.5% 0.0% 25.4% Balad 0.0% 0.0% 2.7% 0.0% 12.7% Samarra 34.4% 3.5% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Tikrit 20.3% 0.1% 0.7% 0.0% 10.2% Tooz 0.0% 0.0% 2.3% 0.0% 0.0%

IOM emergency distribution assistance in 2007 & 2008: In February, IOM completed the distribution of food and non-food items to 1,500 vulnerable IDP and host community families in Salah al-Din.

Sulaymaniyah:

Security in Sulaymaniyah remains stable. In December, there were some reports of Turkish cross- border shelling. However, no new displacement has occurred as a result of the shelling.

In order to facilitate entry into Sulaymaniyah, the KRG has revised entry regulations for IDPs. IDPs were formerly required to secure sponsorship from someone living within the KRG, but this is no longer necessary. IDPs are now issued with a registration ID which they must update annually, as opposed to the previous system, where families were expected to renew their registration once every three months, or once per month for individuals.

IDP families continue to return from Sulaymaniyah as circumstances change across the country. The cost of living is relatively high for those living in displacement, and coupled with the improvement of security in many areas, the slow trickle of return is gradually increasing. 14 families in Kaneskan and Sabon Karan neighbourhoods, in , returned to Baghdad on this basis.

International Organization for Migration 18 The effects of drought are still present in Sulaymaniyah, and access to water is limited. Families in Hawri Shar neighbourhood of Sulaymaniyah district lack sufficient water. Local authorities have responded to this by providing water tanks and trucking in water on a twice-weekly basis, but this is still not sufficient to meet daily needs, and many are resorting to buying water on the market.

Assessment based on 5,670 families.

Places of Origin: Baghdad 47.5% Basrah 0.5% Diyala 44.6% Babylon 0.4% Anbar 2.8% Wassit 0.3% Ninewa 1.9% Thi-Qar 0.1% Salah al-Din 1.0% Sulaymaniyah 0.1% Kirkuk 0.7% Kerbala 0.1%

Ethnicity/Religion: Arab Sunni Muslim 61.9% Turkmen Sunni Muslim 0.3% Kurd Sunni Muslim 22.8% Chaldean Christian 0.3% Arab Shia Muslim 10.5% Arab Sabean Mandean 0.3% Kurd Shia Muslim 2.7% Arab Christian 0.1% Kurd Yazidi 0.4% Assyrian Christian 0.1%

Access to Property Left Behind Yes, Property District No Do not know Not applicable No Answer Accessible Total 10.7% 42.9% 9.9% 15.4% 21.1% 7.0% 41.9% 26.7% 0.0% 24.4% Darbandihkan 6.4% 49.7% 14.4% 0.0% 29.5% Dokan 5.2% 47.9% 10.7% 0.0% 36.1% 5.2% 48.4% 2.4% 44.0% 0.0% Kalar 7.6% 46.5% 12.4% 0.0% 33.5% Pshdar 0.0% 45.5% 4.5% 0.0% 50.0% Rania 8.9% 42.0% 13.0% 0.0% 36.1% 0.0% 100.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Sulaymaniya 16.9% 36.5% 4.9% 36.4% 5.3%

Property Status – If an IDP family cannot access property left behind, what is the main reason? Occupied or Occupied or No access for Currently in Property claimed by claimed by private District security reasons military use destroyed government citizen Total 1.0% 4.0% 12.0% 0.0% 11.0% Chamchamal 0.0% 4.1% 9.3% 0.0% 12.6% Darbandihkan 0.0% 7.8% 18.6% 0.4% 6.8% Dokan 0.0% 8.6% 7.6% 0.0% 6.3% Halabja 3.6% 0.0% 20.4% 0.0% 13.2% Kalar 0.0% 2.5% 14.6% 0.2% 14.9% Pshdar 0.0% 0.0% 4.5% 0.0% 4.5% Rania 0.0% 17.8% 8.3% 0.0% 17.8% Sharbazher 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Sulaymaniya 2.6% 2.5% 7.8% 0.2% 8.5%

IOM emergency distribution assistance in 2007 & 2008: In response to the cholera health emergency in Sulaymaniyah, IOM provided Compound Sodium Lactate and sodium chloride 0.9% intravenous infusions. In February 2008, IOM finished distributions of food and non-food items to 2,740 vulnerable IDP and host community families, including IDPs who were displaced by cross- border Turkish shelling. In March, IOM completed daily water trucking to cholera-affected areas,

International Organization for Migration 19 assisting 7,919 families. In December, IOM distributed food and non-food items to 119 IDP families living in the Qalawa tent camp. IOM is currently trucking water to drought-affected communities, distributing 1.5 million liters of potable water to 29,000 individuals.

Thi Qar:

Security in Thi Qar governorate remains calm and stable.

13 IDP families in Al Asdenawiyah sub-district take their water from a broken pipe because they have illegally built houses on land for which they have no claim. In this area garbage and sewage run in the street, increasing health problems and significantly lowering the standard of living. Children in particular suffer from a high incidence of water-borne disease, and five children in this area cannot attend school because they lack the necessary documents. Most of the IDP families in Al Asdenawiyah sub-district do not have regular sources of income, and while the men work as construction day laborers, these wages cannot meet their families’ daily needs.

Due to a poor living environment and insufficient sanitation in Al Chibiaysh district more than half of IDP children suffer from malnutrition and associated diseases, such as diarrhoea, anaemia, and weight loss. Many females also suffer from anaemia. Miscarriages are common because women work hard daily and have bad nutrition. There is also a shortage of drugs for chronic diseases of the elderly such as hypertension and diabetes.

Assessment based on 8,130 families.

Places of Origin: Diyala 7.7% Salah al-Din 11.8% Baghdad 69.4% Wassit 1.2% Anbar 3.2% Muthanna 0.2% Babylon 3.1% Ninewa 0.1% Kirkuk 2.8%

Ethnicity/Religion: Arab Shia Muslim 99.6% Arab Sunni Muslim 0.1% Arab Yazidi 0.3%

Access to Property Left Behind Yes, Property District No Do not know Accessible Total 5.8% 53.8% 40.3% Al-Chibayish 7.0% 61.9% 31.1% Al-Rifa'i 2.9% 35.9% 61.1% Al-Shatra 4.1% 59.9% 35.8% Nassriya 11.3% 49.9% 38.8% Suq Al-Shoyokh 2.9% 75.8% 21.2%

Property Status – If an IDP family cannot access property left behind, what is the main reason? No access for Occupied or Currently in Property Occupied or claimed District security claimed by private military use destroyed by government reasons citizen Total 21.0% 0.0% 8.0% 0.0% 44.0% Al-Chibayish 10.9% 1.6% 10.1% 0.0% 52.2% Al-Rifa'i 13.2% 0.0% 2.1% 0.6% 29.1% Al-Shatra 40.9% 0.0% 10.8% 0.0% 47.3% Nassriya 4.6% 0.0% 7.6% 0.0% 51.1% Suq Al-Shoyokh 34.9% 0.6% 12.7% 1.8% 49.0%

IOM emergency distribution assistance in 2007 & 2008: In May, IOM finished distributions of food and non-food items to 1,000 IDP and host community families. During the Basra crisis,

International Organization for Migration 20 IOM delivered 250 food baskets to the main hospital in Nassiriyah. In July, IOM distributed 500 NFI baskets to IDP and host community families. Also in July a new warehouse was established. In October IOM completed distribution of an NFI “Back to school” kit to 2,000 children.

Wassit:

Security in Wassit continues to stabilize.

Monitors continue to report Wassit IDP families returning to their places of origin, particularly those who originate from Baghdad. A minority of these returnee families must go back to displacement in Wassit due to security or destroyed property.

Currently many IDPs in Wassit state that they do not wish to return to their places of origin for a variety of reasons. Some do not have property in their places of origin; others have transferred their businesses to Wassit and do not wish to move them again. Still others are fearful of security or local authorities in their places of origin. MoDM authorities are offering grants and transportation stipends to those who wish to return.

A lack of health awareness and medicines in the hospitals or health centres has contributed to the wide spread of skin diseases, especially scabies among children. The majority of IDPs drink water from river streams and wells. In addition to the spread of skin diseases, children are suffering from severe anaemia.

Many IDP and host community children in Wassit attend schools built more than 50 years ago, in which the walls are falling down or the doors are broken. The electric wiring is old and unsafe. In many schools the toilets are damaged, unfit for use, or non-existent. For example, in one co- edprimary school built in 1958, the toilets are very old and unsuitable, which causes problems for both teachers and students. Some female teachers use the toilets of neighbouring houses.

Assessment based on 13,166 families.

Places of Origin: Baghdad 64.5% Kirkuk 0.5% Diyala 32.9% Salah al-Din 0.3% Babylon 1.0% Basrah 0.1% Anbar 0.7%

Ethnicity/Religion: Arab Shia Muslim 99.6% Arab Sunni Muslim 0.1% Kurd Shia Muslim 0.2%

Access to Property Left Behind Yes, Property District No Do not know Accessible Total 1.1% 18.2% 80.7% Al-Hai 0.0% 18.3% 81.7% Al-Na'maniya 0.0% 13.8% 86.2% Al-Suwaira 1.2% 17.4% 81.2% Badra 0.0% 6.9% 93.1% 1.7% 19.9% 78.4%

International Organization for Migration 21 Property Status – If an IDP family cannot access property left behind, what is the main reason? Occupied or No access for Currently in Property Occupied or claimed District claimed by security reasons military use destroyed by private citizen government Total 7.0% 1.0% 11.0% 0.0% 1.0% Al-Hai 14.2% 0.0% 3.1% 0.0% 1.0% Al- Na'maniya 3.7% 0.0% 10.2% 0.0% 0.0% Al-Suwaira 8.2% 1.8% 9.1% 0.0% 0.0% Badra 6.9% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Kut 5.7% 0.4% 14.1% 0.0% 1.9%

IOM emergency distribution assistance in 2007 & 2008: In July 2007, IOM assisted 3,270 IDP and host community families with food and non-food items in Wassit. In 2008, during the Basra crisis which affected wider South, IOM delivered 250 food baskets to the main hospital in Kut, completing the distribution the beginning of April. In July, IOM distributed 500 NFI baskets to IDP and host community families.

Please note that displacements and returns are occurring on a continuous basis, and IOM strives to update this information as frequently as possible. Through its monitoring and needs assessments, IOM has also developed Governorate Needs Assessment Profiles, Yearly and Mid-year reviews, returnee needs assessments, and other reports. For these and information on the IOM’s needs assessment methodology, see http://www.iom- iraq.net/idp.html.

For further information on IDPs and returnees in Iraq, please contact Martin Ocaga, IOM Iraq Program Manager at [email protected] or Liana Paris, IDP Monitoring Program, at [email protected] (+962 6 565 9660 extensions 1061 and 1033).

International Organization for Migration 22