IRAQ UNHCR IDP OPERATIONAL UPDATE 1-15 May 2015

KEY FIGURES HIGHLIGHTS 781,000+  The security situation in the centre and west of continued to deteriorate. Conflict near displaced an estimated 21,000 families from and within IDPs provided with shelter and core Anbar Governorate since early April. relief items since January 2014  UNHCR advocated for access to safety for IDPs from Ramadi with authorities throughout Iraq, as well as continued checkpoint and protection monitoring 1,232,598 to identify the needs of those displaced. IDPs reached through protection  Between 1-15 May, UNHCR distributed core relief items (CRI) to more than monitoring since January 2014 6,660 individuals who fled their homes near Ramadi in search of safety in Babylon, , Missan, and Qadissya governorates. 28,153 Families provided with cash assistance in the reporting period 29,529 Individuals received special needs support since January 2014 69,907 People provided with legal assistance since January 2014

FUNDING USD 405 million requested for the operation in 2015

IDPs at the first cafe in Qoratu Camp in Sulaymaniah Governorate (UNHCR/T.Raoof) Funded 6% More than 2,966,844 people of concern (Source: IOM-DTM Round XIX 7 May, 2015). There are about 74,754 IDPs in the five southern governorates according to local authorities, not included below.

Kurdistan Region of Iraq 881,976 Gap 465,480 94% Anbar Baghdad 476,064 377,646 Ninewa 190,836 Diyala 138,030 PRIORITIES Salah-al-Din 136,518 . Registration and needs profiling 84,408 . Increase access to legal assistance 69,384 . Prioritize the most vulnerable Babylon 59,154 . Reduce risk of SGBV . Provide essential shelter and NFIs . WASH facilities in camps 1 UNHCR IDP Operational Update - Iraq

UPDATE ON ACHIEVEMENTS

Operational Context According to IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), the estimated number of internally displaced Iraqis now exceeds 2.9 million, spread across more than 3,100 locations countrywide.

Military operations continued in the central and western , with airstrikes and clashes reported in Salah-al- Din, including near the refinery, and south of Kirkuk city.

In Anbar Governorate, large scale displacement continued due to conflict near Ramadi and surrounding areas. The Iraqi Security Forces engaged in armed conflict with insurgent groups, which reportedly took control of the city’s key government buildings by 15 May.

Families fleeing Anbar Governorate faced barriers to access safety, including sponsorship requirements, and made long journeys to Erbil and Sulaymaniah governorates in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KR-I) as well towards other central and southern governorates to seek safety. Arrivals were reported in Missan, and Qadissiya governorates. IDPs from Anbar Governorate continued to be delayed at checkpoints to Baghdad, Kerbala and Sulaymaniah governorates, where high temperatures exacerbated the already difficult conditions. Sanitation continued to be a concern at checkpoints and in informal settlements where IDPs from Anbar found shelter.

Due to on-going clashes in , access to safety is still limited from the south. The Kirkuk-Baghdad checkpoint remained closed preventing IDPs from or Anbar Governorate from entering Kirkuk city.

In Salah al Din Governorate, tensions between IDPs in the Tuz Khurmato area were reported, and return to villages in recently liberated areas were delayed by security concerns. Likewise, returns to Muqdadiya in were affected by security concerns, as well as the lack of basic services and destruction of infrastructure. Returnees in both Ninewa and Diyala governorates require security-related clearance processes by local authorities, which contributed to delays to return. UNHCR and the UN humanitarian country team do not encourage organized voluntary returns of IDPs in view of the continued absence in many locations of protection conditions conducive to return. However, support is being provided to spontaneous IDP returnees whenever it is safe to do so. Families returning to these areas often remain vulnerable as they face a lack of livelihood opportunities, destruction of property, contamination by explosive remnants of the conflict, limited availability of food and non-food items, lost documentation, insecurity of women and children due to the presence of armed groups, as well as poor access to health, clean water and education.

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Protection The monitoring teams of UNHCR and its partners have reached 1.2 million individuals throughout Iraq since January 2014, in order to determine needs, vulnerabilities, registration status, demographic information, and accommodation circumstances.

CAMP Achievements and Impact  UNHCR coordinated with UNICEF the vaccination of children and pregnant women at Qoratu Camp in Sulaymaniah Governorate. Also in Sulaymaniah, at Arbat IDP Camp, UNHCR and partners started a tent-by-tent verification exercise to assess individual needs of the camp population. UNHCR partners started a fire awareness campaigns at the camp.  Protection monitors in Dohuk Govenorate mapped informal settlements reaching more than 390,000 IDPs. Protection monitors and partners were trained in using a digital protection monitoring tool for rapid information collection on protection needs and gaps, and referral mechanisms.  In the reporting period, UNHCR disbursed cash assistance to 28,153 vulnerable families across Iraq benefitting about 168,900 people in camp and non-camp locations. Identified Needs and Remaining Gaps  Fire remains a risk to IDPs living in camps in Diyala Governorate.  WASH, water access and waste management need improvement in Missan Camp in Missan Governorate.  In Dohuk Governorate camps, some families are avoiding Child Friendly Spaces due to concerns over scabies.  Crowded tents in Garmawa Camp in Ninewa Governorate created privacy concerns for women and girls; restrictions on freedom of movement in Garmawa Camp are contributing to a rise in reports of domestic violence.  IDP children with special needs cannot access the Special Education Institute due to its limited capacity.

NON-CAMP Achievements and Impact  Protection staff and partners throughout Iraq advocated for access to safety for IDPs fleeing Ramadi.  In KR-I, the birth registration campaign for IDPs continued, with launches at new locations. The campaign raised awareness of birth registration procedures in the KR-I and how families can access legal assistance to register their children.  UNHCR protection staff in led an interagency protection mission to Debaga, aimed at ensuring that child protection and SGBV services are provided to the approximately 700 IDP families living in the town.  In Erbil Governorate, UNHCR field and protection teams, together with partners and local authorities, tracked new arrivals from Ramadi for necessary assistance.  UNHCR in Dohuk Governorate facilitated the relocation of more than 225 IDP families from Dabeen city in to Sheikhan camp to avoid forced eviction.  UNHCR and partners in Dohuk Governorate have begun assessing 1,454 families identified for the cash assistance programme.  Protection monitors visited 44 families in Basra and 66 families in Missan to assess developments in their situation.

Identified Needs and Remaining Gaps  In Diyala Governorate, due to poor security conditions, about 25 families returned to Khanaquin city after attempting to re-establish their homes in Muqdadiya. Also in Diyala Governorate, spontaneous returns to Jalula were assessed to be unlikely as many houses were destroyed or burned, and basic water and electricity services are lacking.

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 Some families from Ninewa Governorate displaced in areas under control of the Kurdish security forces felt unsafe to return to their homes due to fear of unexploded ordinances, lack of electricity and water; and destruction of homes. As well, some families are being delayed returning to their areas of origin in Ninewa Governorate due to administrative or security screening processes.  Since early April, about 1,200 to 1,500 people are stuck at the Maryam Beg checkpoint southwest of Kirkuk. The families are from Kirkuk and Salah al Din governorates and need access to safety and humanitarian support. UNHCR continued to advocate with the local authorities and working with UN Humanitarian Country Team to secure their access to safety to provide immediate humanitarian assistance and conduct rapid needs assessments.  The school at the Basra Collective Centre in remained closed due to lack fuel for the generator; UNHCR is following up with local authorities on the matter. Sanitation and waste collection remain of concern in the collective centre.

UNHCR’s Ramadi Response

As of 15 May, conflict continued in Ramadi city, with curfews in effect in Ramadi and Khalidiya. Since fighting began there on 8 April, more than 21,000 families have been displaced from Ramadi towards Khalidiya, Habbaniya and Amriyat al Falluja.

The Bzeibiz Bridge checkpoint between Anbar and Baghdad governorates was closed the evening of 15 May, with families staying in Amriyat al . Some families returned to Anbar Governorate as they could not access without a sponsor. Access to safety remains an issue throughout Iraq for IDPs fleeing from Anbar Governorate.

UNHCR and partners continued monitoring checkpoints and conducting protection monitoring and community needs assessments across Iraq for families fleeing Ramadi. UNHCR continued to advocate for IDPs to access safety throughout Iraq.

UNHCR and partners began the installation of 250 tents at the Scout Camp in Baghdad Governorate to house 1,500 recently displaced people. UNHCR staff conducted technical shelter site visits throughout Baghdad, and finalized site plans. Site construction is planned to begin by the end of May.

From 8 April to 15 May UNHCR and its partners distributed core relief items to a total of 5,110 IDP families (30,660 people) from Ramadi.

Shelter and NFIs As the inter-agency Shelter/NFI Cluster lead agency, UNHCR continued to promote the implementation of the national Shelter/NFI Cluster shelter strategy, complementing the work of local authorities and other humanitarian actors in meeting the needs of the most vulnerable IDPs throughout Iraq. Those prioritised for assistance include people living outdoors, in sub-standard structures, or with particular vulnerabilities.

CAMP Achievements and Impact  Construction at Ashti IDP Camp in Sulaymaniah Governorate progressed. As of 15 May, the left side of the camp saw the completion of concrete foundation for tents and kitchen foundations, and 92 out of 100 cesspools were completed. Works are planned to be completed by mid-June.  Also in Sulaymaniah Governorate, Qoratu Camp opened on 27 April and as of 15 May, 129 families/574 individuals have been relocated from the Salah Aga and Kullajo settlement to Qoratu Camp.

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 At Baharka IDP Camp in Erbil Governorate, the drinking water network is under construction for the expansion area and UNHCR anticipates relocating 242 families to the area by the end of May.  In Dohuk Governorate, UNHCR replaced mattresses and blankets for 280 people affected by scabies in Khanke and Chamishku Camps. WASH hygiene promotion and medical treatment is on-going.  UNHCR partners began work on the electrical network for Al Wand Camp 2 in Diyala Governorate. Tent installation is on-going. The camp is expected to open by the end of June and will house 2,560 people.

Identified Needs and Remaining Gap

 IDPs at Arbat IDP Camp in Sulaymaniah Governorate are frustrated with the poor WASH conditions and over- crowding. UNHCR is working with government officials to identify new areas to decongest Arbat IDP camp; however more land is needed to properly accommodate the 18,000 people living in the camp.  Fire risk is a serious concern at Arbat IDP Camp as IDPs cook in tents and there are no external kitchen facilities. A young child died in a fire on 12 May. UNHCR has accordingly requested the fire department to be stationed inside the camp, whilst partners are organizing fire awareness campaigns and will provide fire extinguishers.  Tazede Camp in Sulaymaniah Governorate is completed except for the water network.  Al Wand Camp 1 in Diyala Governorate needs electricity and water services.  IDPs in Yayawa Camp in Kirkuk Governorate need food, water and WASH support.

NON-CAMP Achievements and Impact

 In Khabat, Erbil Governorate, distribution of CRI benefitted some 230 families (1,380 people).  In Diyala Governorate, UNHCR and partners completed 70% of renovation works on 65 unfinished houses. Once completed, the houses will provide proper housing for some 390 IDP individuals.  UNHCR partners began construction works to rehabilitate 89 collective centres in Kerbala Governorate, 88 collective centres in and 74 collective centres in Wassit Governorate. The three projects will benefit 1,149 IDP families (some 6,900 people).  UNHCR and partners conducted Rapid Needs Assessments for 78 families in Badwa Village in Kirkuk Governorate.

Identified Needs and Remaining Gap

 To help them cope with the rising summer temperatures, IDPs throughout Iraq need household items, such as air coolers, fans, and cool boxes.

Camp Coordination and Camp Management (CCCM)

CAMPS Achievements and Impact  UNHCR organized meetings among partners to harmonize medical services at Baharka and Hersham camps in Erbil Governorate.  The CCCM National Coordinator and Coordinator for the Centre and South visited Kirkuk IDP camps and met with camp service providers and local government authorities in order to improve services for IDPs in Kirkuk.

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Working in Partnership UNHCR is working in close coordination with Government authorities and UN agencies to ensure a coherent and effective humanitarian response. UNHCR’s key counterparts at the Government level are the Joint Coordination and Monitoring Centre (JCMC) and the Ministry for Displacement and Migration (MoDM) in Baghdad, and the Bureau for Displacement and Migration in the KR-I.

 On 12 May, UNHCR staff accompanied the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons, Dr. Chaloka Beyani, on field visits to and Debaga in Erbil Governorate. UNHCR protection staff briefed the Special Rapporteur on key protection issues affecting IDPs in Erbil, including restrictions on freedom of movement, difficulties in replacing key civil documentation in displacement, detention and issues affecting the protection of IDP women and children.  Mr. Amin Awad, UNHCR Director for the Middle East and North Africa, visited Baharka IDP camp in Erbil Governorate to meet with the IDPs at the new site and with the local authorities.  On 13 May, the President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) visited the Harshm IDP camp in Erbil with UNHCR staff.  An ECHO verification team conducted field visits with UNHCR staff on 10 and 11 May in Erbil Governorate.  A delegation from the USA’s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (BPRM), visited Baharka IDP camp in Erbil Governorate. UNHCR staff and the camp management received the delegation and gave briefings on the current situation, camp population and construction works.  Journalists from Radio al-Salam, a local radio station in Erbil, interviewed IDP families and young boys and girls and asked them about their living situation in IDP camps. Some of the messages will be broadcasted to the local communities and authorities.

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STORIES FROM THE FIELD

Water – a major challenge in Chamishku camp

Chamishku camp, , 12 May 2015 (UNHCR) – IDP children, girls and women collecting water from different sources is a common scene in Chamishku camp. It is a daily struggle for most of the families, but unfortunately the solution is still pending.

Little children start running around and notifying their families about the arrival of water truck, while it approaches slowly from a distance. Though it comes frequently, the occasion is special as water is becoming a much bigger priority with the hot season starting. Families fill all possible containers with water to be used for cooking, washing Shari, her kids and others fill containers from the water truck (UNHCR/ H. Suliman) and baths.

“We do not have enough water,” says 33 year-old Shari Omer, right after collecting water from the truck with the help of her children. She argues that the regular water network is very unreliable and works for half an hour a day only. She can’t recall having such a problem back home: “In Sinjar we had enough water.” Shari has been living in displacement for nearly nine months now, along with her husband, five girls and two boys. One temporary solution for Shari would be to purchase a water storage tank like their neighbors have done, but her husband cannot afford it at the moment.

In a different sector of the camp, even more people are struggling. One family of eight, who are currently under medical treatment for scabies, regularly collects the water from the leakages of the main tank that supplies the regular network. “When the tank is full, it starts leaking and draining water from the pipe at the bottom and they take advantage of that,” says Alyas Haji, a volunteer working with the camp management on water management and distribution. He argues that part of the problem is that some families use motor pumps in their houses, which affects the flow of water to others.

Samah and Nisreen, both 15-year-old, collect water for their families several times a day from a communal water tank that is positioned at the corner of their sector. Their neighbor Khalid Hassan reveals that all the 20 tents in their sector are relying completely on the communal water tank. “Water is a main problem in the camp,” he adds.

Action Against Hunger (ACF) WASH manager Salman Zaki admits that access to water is a gap. He identifies three main suspected causes of the problem such as leaking of main broken pipes on the ground, low ground positioning of the main water tank and water wasting habits from the part of the residents. “We have 5 boreholes in the camp and more is needed to support the network”, says Salman. The issue is being discussed with local Water Departments and NGOs. One more borehole and two big tanks, both supported by water pumps, which will make a total of 14 tanks, is what is needed to completely resolve the water supply issue in Chamishku, according to Shewan Ramadan, Water Supervisor from the government side. But for now, the struggle for water continues and is visible in the camp.

By Husam Eldin Mustafa

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FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Total recorded contributions for the operation Funding received in 2015 (USD) amount to some US$ 23.9 million JAPAN 17,310,000

UNHCR is grateful for the critical support provided by GERMANY 4,241,782 donors who have contributed to this operation, especially to those who have contributed to UNHCR SWITZERLAND 652,174 programmes with unearmarked and broadly Private Donors 585,549 earmarked funds. ITALY 566,893 FRANCE 500,000

Contacts: Vincenzo Lionetti, External Relations Officer, [email protected], Cell +964 (0) 780 921 7338 Katie Lo, Associate Field Officer, [email protected], Cell +964 (0) 780 921 7336

For more information on the work of UNHCR and our partners in Iraq, please follow us on Twitter at @unhcriraq and on Facebook at “UNHCRinIraq” or write to [email protected]

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