Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA) of Recently Displaced Persons in the Kurdistan Region

DAHUK GOVERNORATE January 2007

Table of Contents

I. Background 2

II. Summary of Monitoring Activities 2

III. Summary of Governorate 3

IV. Analysis of Rapid Needs Assessment Survey Findings 4 1. Location, Ethnicity, Religion, Gender and Vulnerabilities 4 2. Place of Origin, Flight and Intentions 5 3. Security Situation in Current Location 5 4. Humanitarian Assistance 5 5. Access to Basic Services and Shelter 6 6. Comparison of Basic Conditions Across Districts 8 7. Priority Needs 9

I. Background1 UNHCR2 estimates that over 1.8 million people remained displaced within as of the end of December 2006, some 640,000 of whom were displaced in 2006 following the attacks in February 2006. These attacks resulted in an escalation of sectarian violence with large-scale revenge killings on both sides, alongside anti-state insurgency, counter-insurgency and crime. Overall, this led to widespread fatal violence and insecurity throughout most of Iraq. Mixed communities, particularly in Baghdad are bearing the brunt of the conflict between members of Iraq’s principal religious groups, Shi’a and Sunni Muslims. Ethnic and religious minority groups in southern and central Iraq, including Christians and , are without strong protection networks and are particularly vulnerable to violence and intimidation. Many IDPs are seeking refuge in the Region of Kurdistan, on which this report focuses. In part due to its relative security, the Region of Kurdistan has witnessed a steady movement of families into the area since 2003. In 2006, this flow increased dramatically as families continued to relocate due to threats and generalized violence. This population influx has placed additional pressure on the real estate market and public service sector in Kurdistan and has led to increased concerns about security and demographic shifts. At the same time, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has also benefited from the migration of professionals who have brought with them skills and disposable incomes that boost the local economy. II. Summary of Monitoring Activities Monitoring activities in Dahuk, and include regular visits by UNHCR’s partner to IDP locations to assess conditions, regular consultation with KRG officials and other stakeholders (including IRCS) to monitor the overall IDP population, and conducting Rapid Needs Assessments and other specialized surveys. The Rapid Needs Assessment gathers information about basic services and needs including access to food, health care and water, as well as cause of flight, property and future intentions, through standardized surveying across the three Northern Governorates. The assessments are overseen by a monitoring manager with the assistance of six monitoring teams (each team consisting of two persons) with two teams working in each governorate, and two data input officers. Monitoring teams completed between 150-175 surveys per week depending on location visited and length of

1 This report was researched and drafted with its partner IRD. 2 UNHCR Update on Newly-Displaced Populations in Iraq, 15 November 2006. See also Cluster F Update on Newly Displaced Populations in Iraq as of 31 December 2006.

2 interview. The monitors consulted with other stakeholders to gather additional information. From 10 October until 30 November 2006, IRD surveyed 996 families across the Governorates of Dahuk, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, seeking to cover all areas of IDP concentration in order to fully represent and provide information on the situation and needs of this group. 390 were surveyed in Dahuk Governorate. Information gathered directly from the authorities was also included in the report. III. Summary of Governorate

Administrative Dahuk City capital Districts Amedi, Dahuk Centre, Shekhan and surveyed Size 6,553 km2 Population 510,000 Post 2003 IDP District Arab Christian Kurd Total families Dahuk 190 3,230 380 3,800 Center Amedi 83 1,405 165 1,653 163 2,777 327 3,267 Zakho 127 2,158 254 2,539 Shekhan 82 1,399 165 1,646 Total 645 10,9693 1,291 12,9054 No. IDP 390 (3% of the total estimated IDP families population) surveyed Source of data IRCS and Local Authorities are the main source of data; ethnic and district breakdowns are estimated. The survey focused on the above four districts due to their high concentration of IDPs at the time of survey planning. The district of Akre, though an area of concentration, is not included in the survey results. Overall 3% of the IDP population across Dahuk was surveyed.

Numbers and Ethnicity: Of the three Northern Governorates of Iraq administered by the KRG, Dahuk is home to the highest number and concentration of IDPs, hosting 67% of the total IDP population. The number of IDPs from the south and centre of Iraq seeking refuge in Dahuk has been increasing steadily. From October until early November 2006, the number of IDP families increased by over 35% from 8,358 to almost 13,000 by December. 85% of IDPs are Christian, the majority of whom originate from Christian villages in Dahuk but consider their homes to be in the cities, towns and villages of southern and central Iraq from which they recently fled. Dahuk is historically home to more Christian villages than the two other Governorates and also experienced a displacement of Christians during the Ba’ath regime. Consequently, Christians in Dahuk are predominately a returning Diaspora staying with relatives and friends. Ten percent of the IDPs are Kurds and the remaining 5% are Arabs, the majority of whom have fled sectarian violence in Baghdad.

Entry and Shelter: Throughout most of 2006, IDPs in Dahuk were not required by the local authorities to obtain entry documents and did not require sponsorship for residence. Since November at least, the local authorities have required a sponsor for both Arab IDPs and single men for both entry and residence. In practice however, the local authorities in Dahuk Governorate have

3 The majority of Christians arrived after February 2006. 4 According to local authorities, the post-Samara IDPs by the end of December 2006 amounted to 6,751 IDP families.

3 admitted single IDPs without a sponsor, providing that i) the person’s background can be thoroughly checked by KDP offices in the person’s place of origin and he/she does not pose a security risk; and ii) the person could establish that he/she feared for his/her life. Otherwise, the person will not be admitted to / allowed to remain in the Governorate of Dahuk. While most IDP families are living in rented housing, IDPs are also living in tents, public buildings, and former military camps or with relatives.

Assistance: The KRG in Dahuk does not provide official financial support to IDPs. However, Christian families originating from the Governorate receive a monthly cash allowance starting at $65 from the Ministry of Finance, headed by Sarkis Agha Jan, a prominent Christian politician in the KRG. The IRCS also distributes assistance to new arrivals including flour, blankets and household items.

Food and Basic Services: While food may be readily purchased in Dahuk’s markets, not all IDPs were able to transfer their Public Distribution System (PDS) food rations to their new location. Generally families have access to basic services such as water, health services and schools on par with local residents provided that they have legalized their stay. All children are vaccinated in their current location. IV. Analysis of Rapid Needs Assessment Survey Findings

1. Location, Ethnicity, Religion, Gender and Vulnerabilities

Location: The majority of IDP Ethnicity of IDP Family by District families are living in Dahuk City, with additional population in the districts of Amedi, Akre, Zakho Dahuk Gov. Arab and Shekhan. Zakho Christian

Ethnicity: 54% of surveyed Shekan families are Kurds, 44% Kurd Christian and 1% are Arab. 96% Dahuk Center of the IDP families surveyed in Armenian/ Zakho are Christian, consistent Amedi Turkman with the general concentration of Christians in Zakho. Many of 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% these IDPs originate from the villages in Zakho area. The majority of surveyed families in Dahuk City and Shekhan are Kurds. Arab IDPs are a minority in all districts and none were surveyed in Amedi district.

Religion: 53% of surveyed families are Sunni Muslim, 1% is Shi’a Muslim and 44% are Christian. The remaining 2% identify themselves as belonging to other ethnicities, mainly the ghajar (gypsies).

Gender: In total, the survey group comprised 2,092 individuals, of whom 51% were male and 49% female. 44% were below 18 years of age and the average family size was five persons.

Vulnerabilities: 26% of families reported vulnerabilities. 13% referred to a seriously ill family member and 10% to elderly family members. Other vulnerabilities included mental instability and pregnancy. The incidence of vulnerability ranged from 20% (Shekhan) to 36% (Amedi) of IDP families surveyed.

4 2. Place of Origin, Flight and Intentions Place of Origin by District Place of Origin: 46% of the 100% IDP families surveyed in Anbar Dahuk are from Ninewa, 44% 90% are from Baghdad and the 80% Baghdad 70% remaining 10% are from Basrah Anbar, Basrah, Diyala and 60% Governorates. The 50% Diyala majority of IDP families 40% Ninewa surveyed from Ninewa are 30% 20% currently residing in Dahuk Missan, City and the majority of 10% Kirkuk, Thi Qar families from Baghdad are 0% Amedi Dahuk Shekan Zakho Dahuk residing in Shekhan. Center Gov.

Flight/Resources: General violence was cited as the main cause of flight by 67% of families. 65% also cited direct threats to life as a cause of flight. 82% of families brought winter clothes with them and 68% brought tools. Only 16% of families brought their transportation, ranging from 3% (Amedi) to 36% (Shekhan). Most families that did not drive to Dahuk in their own vehicle arrived by taxi, others may have flown. Times of flight to Dahuk remained constant and ranged from 8-12% between April and October with a peak of 15% in March.

Intentions: Throughout Dahuk, 96% of IDPs plan to locally Intentions by District integrate, 3% plan to return and 1% hopes to relocate. 100% of Dahuk Gov. families in Amedi, the majority of Locally intergrate whom are Christian with familial Zakho ties plan to locally integrate. 11% Return of families in Shekhan plan to Shekan return compared to only 3% in Dahuk City and none in either Dahuk Center Resettle Amedi or Zakho. Amedi

80% 85% 90% 95% 100% 3. Security Situation in Current Location

Security: 99-100% of surveyed families throughout the Governorate reported feeling both safe and well-received by the host community. One IDP in Dahuk City had been detained and seven family members were reported as being killed by the military since displacement (six in Dahuk City and one in Shekhan). 95% of families reported having some form of ID with them, most commonly general ID cards (91- 100%). Only 27% of families surveyed retained their passports.

4. Humanitarian Assistance

Humanitarian Assistance: 41% of families surveyed received humanitarian assistance since their arrival in Dahuk. 68% of IDP families surveyed in Amedi reported receiving humanitarian assistance compared to only 19% in Dahuk City. The main provider throughout Dahuk is the local

5 authorities (56%), Source of Assistance by District followed by the host 100% community (30%), 90% IRCS IRCS (15%), 80% religious groups (6%) 70% Hos t Community 60% and UN agencies or 50% Local Authorities NGOs (3%). 100% of 40% families in Amedi 30% Religious groups received assistance 20% 10% NGO/UN/Other from the local 0% authorities. 87% of Amedi Dahuk Shekan Zakho Dahuk the assistance in Center Gov. Zakho came from the host community. None of the families in Zakho reported receiving any official assistance. Type of Assistance Received by District In addition to the financial support 100% 90% provided by the Ministry of 80% NFI Finance to Christian IDPs, 70% 60% individual mayor’s offices have 50% FI given basic assistance in some 40% 30% areas. The majority of families 20% Other 10% surveyed selected the ‘other’ 0% option for the main type of Amedi Dahuk Shekan Zakho Dahuk assistance received, which in many Center Gov. cases is likely to refer to the cash allowance issued to Christians.

5 Access to Basic Services and Shelter

Housing: IDP families in Dahuk reported living in a Types of Housing by District wide range of shelters and 100% only 44% of families Other 90% reported living in rented houses. 29% of families 80% Rented House surveyed are currently 70% With Host family living with host families 60% and 15% selected ‘other’ to describe their current type 50% Public Building of housing. This category 40% Former Military Camp generally covers private 30% homes or hotels. The 20% Tent near host house remaining 12% live in 10% former military camps (16 Collective tow n in Sheldze in Amedi and 0% two in Dahuk City), Amedi Dahuk Shekan Zakho Dahuk collective towns (eight in Center Gov. Besve in Zakho and two in Beldeshe in Shekhan), and in tents near a host family house. The types of accommodation varied across districts. Only 4% of families surveyed in Amedi are renting

6 houses compared to 68% in Dahuk City. Only one family surveyed in Amedi reported facing pressure to leave from neighbours. Shelter for over 50% of families living in temporary housing arrangements can be considered both basic and insecure. As IDP numbers increase, more IDPs are likely to be forced into unstable accommodation. Further, most families are having difficulties finding jobs and are therefore living off savings. As the influx of IDPs continues, rental rates have risen sharply and high rents underlie many IDPs’ housing concerns. Together with their lack of regular income, rental market pressure means that families will find it difficult to continue to afford housing as the length of their displacement extends.

Food: Access to public food rations is a main IDP concern. All Iraqi citizens and refugees within Iraq are entitled to receive public rations which are tied to their official place of residence; many poor families rely heavily on Iraq’s Public Distribution System. Transfer of ration cards is a time- consuming process requiring the completion of paperwork at both the original place of registration and the new Percentage of IDP Families Receiving location. Since many IDPs left their Rations by District homes at short notice, few were able to 100% 90% initiate procedures at their place of 80% Yes origin. 70% 60% Despite this general problem, only 4% of 50% the IDP families surveyed reported not 40% 30% No being able to collect their rations. 20% UNHCR has received additional reports 10% indicating that the authorities have been 0% reluctant to assist Kurdish IDPs and Amedi Dahuk Shekan Zakho Dahuk Center Gov. Arabs fleeing in transferring their ration cards for geopolitical reasons, though such assistance has been readily provided for Christian families.

Healthcare: 95% of families reported having access to healthcare services, though UNHCR has received reports that all families in Dahuk have access to healthcare facilities. Of the 5% that do not have access, 14 reported unavailability/distance, one reported financial constraints and one reported refusal of service as obstacles preventing access to healthcare. Four percent reported suffering from communicable diseases in the 45 days prior to the survey (14 in Dahuk City, two in Shekhan and one in Zakho). 84% reported having access to necessary medication throughout the Governorate, with a low of 72% in Dahuk City. Only 29% of families surveyed were visited by a health worker; Amedi reported the most visits at 54% and Dahuk City the fewest at 17%. Health worker visits were for multiple purposes including vaccination, medical examination, education and drug distribution. 31% of families surveyed throughout the Governorate reported involvement in a vaccination campaign.

7 Water and Sanitation: 85% of the IDP families surveyed Access to Water/Source of Water by District reported having regular access 100% to water, varying from 72- 90% Have Access to Water 100% across districts. 84% reported municipal water 80% networks as their main source 70% Public Wells of water but open or broken 60% pipes (12%), water tankers (3%) and public wells (1%) 50% Open/Broken Pipes were also listed as sources of 40% water. 100% of the families 30% Water Tankers surveyed reported having access to toilets. 20% 10% Municiple Pipes Electricity and Fuel: 97% of 0% families surveyed reported Amedi Dahuk Shekan Zakho Dahuk having access to electricity, of Center Gov. which 91% have electricity for more than four hours per day. The remainder have electricity for up to three hours a day. The families surveyed in Shekhan district reported the lowest level of electricity: 74% reported more than four hours a day compared to 91-100% in the remaining districts. 100% of the families surveyed have access to fuel, including benzene and kerosene. 6. Comparison of Basic Conditions across Districts

Overall, families in Zakho reported the highest standard of living based on the indicators set forth below, while families in Dahuk City reported the lowest standards:

• Safety Overall living standards by District • Assistance • Rented accommodation • Access to rations 1st • Access to healthcare nd 2 • Access to municipal water networks 3rd • More than four hours of electricity per day 4th

Zakho Shekan Amedi Dahuk Center Access to various services, assistance, housing or safety differed between districts, and no district emerged as superior across all indicators. Access to healthcare and access to food rations appear not to be a problem for the majority of the families surveyed across all districts. However, housing and access to water and electricity remain strong IDP concerns in some districts.

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Comparision Across Districts by Basic Conditions

100% 90% Amedi 80% 70% Dahuk 60% Center 50% Shekan 40% 30% 20% Zakho 10 % 0% Feel Safe Received Rent Have Hav e Have Mor e than Assistance houses access to access to access to 4hrs Elec. rations healthcare Munic ipality Per day piped w ater

7. Priority Needs Shelter was identified as the top priority need in all districts with the exception of Zakho, where shelter was identified as the second priority after employment. Between 92 -96% of IDP families surveyed in Shekhan and Dahuk City, where 65-68% live in rented housing, selected shelter as their first priority. In Dahuk, the remaining 32% live with host families (23%) or in public buildings, tents, former military camps and in other shelter arrangements. In Shekhan, the remaining 35% live with host families (24%) or in collective towns, tents near host families, public buildings and in other shelter arrangements. In Amedi and Zakho, only 4-16% of families surveyed are renting houses. Those unable to rent have serious cause to feel insecure about their shelter; the emphasis on shelter reflects concerns about their ongoing ability to maintain payment and secure their own shelter as the length of their displacement extends. Most families are having difficulties finding jobs and are therefore living off savings. As the influx of IDPs continues, rental rates have risen sharply, and high rents underlie many IDPs’ housing concerns. Together with their lack of regular income, rental market pressure means that families will find it difficult to continue to afford housing as the length of their displacement extends.

Shelter as Priority Need/Type of Housing 100% 90% Shelter 80% Rented Housing 70% 60% Host Family 50% Former Military Camp 40% Tent near Host 30% 20% Public Building 10% Collective tow n/Other 0% Amedi Dahuk Shekan Zakho Dahuk Center Gov.

Employment was identified as the second priority need by all families, except those in Zakho which listed it as the first priority. While the KRG is experiencing less unemployment than other governorates in Iraq, unemployment is still a problem for both local residents and IDPs who face additional obstacles due to language barriers, problems obtaining references and a lack of familial

9 and general connections. Families surveyed in Amedi and Zakho listed health as their third priority but no third priority was listed in Dahuk City or Shekhan.

Top 3 Priority Needs by District

2nd 3rd Amedi Shelter Work Health Dahuk Center Shelter Work Shekan Shelter Work Zakho Work Shelter Health

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