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

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Rapid Needs Assessment (RNA) of Recently Displaced Persons in the Kurdistan Region 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 Iraq as of the end of December 2006, some 640,000 of whom were displaced in 2006 following the Samarra 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 Kurds, 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, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah 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 Zakho 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 Akre 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% Kirkuk 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).
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