Situation Report Anbar Humanitarian Crisis Report #: 5 30 January 2014
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Situation Report Anbar Humanitarian Crisis Report #: 5 30 January 2014 The information presented here is based on data received by JAU from different agencies up to the time of publishing of this SitRep Highlights ISF have intensified their operations with heavy shelling in Fallujah Fallujah and Ramadi hospitals reported 126 killed and 666 injured during the last three weeks The number of displaced civilians continues to increase, with 37,283 families currently recorded (Note that the annexed map shows break-down of displaced families as per existing data from 28 January). Shelter is becoming a pressing need as the humanitarian consequences continue to mount. Capacities of both the government and host communities are overwhelmed. Situation overview ISF operations have intensified in the past days. ISF alleged over 70 ISIS members killed in the past three days. While no precise casualty figures are available, unconfirmed reports indicate that heavy artillery continues to inflict a high cost on the civilian population. Anbar Provincial Council announced that people have evacuated the City of Fallujah as armed forces are preparing to storm the city. The number of displaced civilians continues to increase, with 37,283 families currently recorded as displaced. IDP families in Al-Habaniya Tourist City (1,000 as per latest records) report lack of basic services. Salah Al Din governorate is reportedly hosting 722 families from Fallujah and 195 families from Ramadi (1,458 individuals), split between Tikrit, Baiji, Dujail and Samarra districts. While the recorded number of IDPs in Kerbala is 1,125 families. In addition, close to 100 families are reported to be hosted in Kirkuk. The Kurdistan Region is reportedly hosting a total of 3575 families in Erbil (60% hosted in Shaqlawa), plus 455 families in Suleimaniye. There are increasing concerns of new displaced families coming from Mosul should the conflict spill over to that province. House Speaker al-Nujaifi called for an end to the military campaign and for peaceful solutions to be pursued. According to a statement issued by Mutahedoon Coalition, Nujaifi chaired a meeting of the special crisis cell in Anbar province, focused on the importance of speeding up relief aid to displaced families. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Maliki in his weekly address urged ordinary Iraqis “to rise up against terrorists”. Casualties While no further official casualty numbers have been provided by national authorities, Fallujah and Ramadi hospitals have claimed close to 126 killed and over 666 injured during the past three weeks. Humanitarian Response The need for shelter is emerging as a key priority with increasing numbers of displaced and limited shelter options available to them. The UN agencies and their partners continue to support families throughout Anbar, Najaf and Kerbala, despite the significant challenges in terms of access and security. Complaints are increasing from IDPs over the lack of response from Government authorities. Al-Ataba al-Hussainiyah (Shia Shrine of Imam Hussain) has reportedly been providing cash assistance, meals, accommodation and transportation to all IDP families in Al-Zahra in Kerbala Province. 1 Access to IDP’s Locations Two more bridges were destroyed, disrupting the route between Anbar and Kerbala Provinces, as well as between two areas inside Ramadi. Further disruption was reported on the road between Ramadi and Heet due to the explosion of three landmines, all targeting the ISF. Kidnappings have also been reported on the road between Fallujah and Ramadi, further disrupting humanitarian movement (although there has been no reported targeting of humanitarian workers). The roads between Baghdad, Ramadi and Al Qaim remain open but insecure due to daily clashes. A IOM truck was stopped at a military checkpoint and the driver detained despite carrying the required papers. The driver was subsequently released but the consignment has been confiscated. The matter is being followed by the UN with relevant authorities. NFI and Shelter Sector According to MoDM, more than 200 locally manufactured tents will be sent to Amiriat Al-Fallujah to increase accommodation capacity. As for UN Agencies response, UNHCR distributed a total of 1887 CRI kits so far to Al- Saqlawia, Albo Shijil, Al-Falahat, Albo Alwan and Al-Halabsa (700 kits), Hay Al-Shuhada and Al-Nasaf (300), Heet (260), Al-Habaniyah (500), and Abu Ghraib (100). These numbers also include 14 CRIs for Diyala-Al-Kalis- Al Bu Bali families and 13 more in Babil-Al-Mahaweel for Al-Bo Alwan. IOM recently distributed 55 CRI kits for new IDPs from Anbar in Ain Al Tamour district (Kerbala). Health Vaccine preventable diseases, particularly polio immunization are a high priority for UNICEF and WHO in the context of the polio regional response plan. WHO confirmed that vaccination programmes as well as other activities of major public health concern continue to be carried out in Anbar governorates, despite the current challenges and logistical difficulties. The Ministry of Health (MoH) through the Directorate of Health (DoH) in Anbar delivered ten containers of medicine to Ramadi hospital and Fallujah hospital. Furthermore, the MoH has requested the DoHs in Anbar and other governorates receiving IDPs from Anbar, to be on alert and that DoH DGs were given the authority to take decisions to respond to health needs as required. Food Security WFP continues Food parcel distributions (in cooperation with IOM), with 500 additional parcels en route to Al Saqlawiya from Erbil as well as 5,000 parcels in storage in Erbil for further distribution. Coordination & Funding The CERF Secretariat has allocated $5 Million to assist in providing the most urgent needs for the population affected by the ongoing conflict in Anbar. The DSRSG/RC/HC recognized that all Agencies have had to draw on their strategic reserves and the amount allocated is not enough to cover the entire immediate needs for the first 2 months covering a population of 120,000 individuals amounting to $21,084,724. The Criteria's used to prioritize allocating the limited funding from CERF were most life-saving and time critical. In line with this the funds were distributed to the NFI/Shelter, WASH, Food and Health Clusters. The DSRSG/RC/HC Office held a conference call with the Middle East and North Africa (MENA Group) on 28 January 2014, to discuss the humanitarian situation in Anbar Governorate, and explore ways for regional partners to enhance and compliment the humanitarian response. An Agreement was reached with the DSRSG/RC/HC and the HCT to commence preparations for a Response Plan (formerly known as the Flash Appeal.) The clusters will commence working on the draft Response Plan, which will be presented to the DSRSG/RC/HC for review in one week’s time. 2 Contacts: Jacqueline Badcock Titon Mitra Bedreldin Shutta Mahmoud DSRSG/RC/HC Head of ICODHA and Senior Strategic Humanitarian Affairs Officer UN Assistance Mission in Iraq Planning Advisor Joint Analysis Unit (JAU), Cell: + 964 (0) 780 195 8838 (Baghdad) UN Assistance Mission in Iraq UN Assistance Mission in Iraq Email: [email protected] Cell: +964 (0) 780 197 6474 (Baghdad) Cell: +964 (0) 7901946265 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] 3 Annex 1: Map of Displacement as of 28 January 2014 4 .