December 6, 2004 1
Note: New content has been inserted in red, italicized, bold font. Overview Humanitarian Situation: Continued concern about security, attacks on civilians and Iraqi security forces, hostage taking, crime, and lethal exchanges between multinational force and insurgents; Food distribution OK except in heavy conflict areas; Infrastructure improving very slowly; Reconstruction and humanitarian operations slow; Political: Iraqi President Ghazi al-yawar and four ministers in Washington, DC al-yawar meets with US President George Bush al-yawar, a Sunni Muslim, says elections must go ahead on schedule; Prime Minister Iyad Allawi on first trip to Moscow to meet Russian leaders, who opposed war; NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer makes first trip to Iraq visits NATO training center site; Japan Defense Agency Director General Yoshinori Ono returns from visit to troops in Iraq as part of Japan s extension of forces past mid-december deployment; UN: Respected former Secretary General s Special Advisor on Iraq, Lakhdar Brahimi says elections cannot be held with current violence and insecurity; UN Monitoring, Verification and Inspection Commission says US Iraq Survey Group came to about the same conclusions on absence of active Iraqi weapons of mass destruction program; US Ambassador to the UN John Danforth resigns after five months on the job; Refugees: Possibly thousands of Iraqis return from Iran believing they will be compensated for voting in January 2005 elections from inside Iraq spokesman for Shiite Grand Ayatollah Ali al-sistani denies such a program exists; Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) acknowledges program to compensate returning Kurdish refugees to its area in the north; UNHCR says conditions bleak for 2,800 Iranian Kurds in Al Tash camp near Fallujah food delivered by Public Distribution System, but no water, electricity, health, or security services; Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs): Norwegian Refugee Council s Global IDP Project estimates 800,000 mostly-kurdish, long-term IDPs in north and up to 250,000 mostly Marsh Arab long-term Iraqi IDPs in central and south; Hundreds of thousands of returning Kurds cause recent displacement in north; Humanitarians in Jordan report about 250,000 Fallujah IDPs in surrounding towns and Baghdad multinational force, Iraqi ministries, and humanitarian organizations providing some relief; Insurgent and multinational force operations south of Baghdad causing inhabitants to flee--become IDPs in need of relief; Civil Society/Rule of Law: Sunni Association of Muslim Scholars says conditions not right for election more Sunni parties call for delay in elections; Shiite Grand Ayatollah Ali al-sistani group reportedly draws up list of 200 candidates; Independent Election Commission says elections will not be delayed; Threats in west and north keep Public Distribution System shopkeepers from distributing election material; Insurgent attacks, bombings, kidnappings, and assassinations continue; Civil Military Interaction: Insurgents continue to target Iraqi security forces; Large amounts of weapons, equipment, supplies, and vehicles turned over to Iraqi security forces includes 16,000 sets of body armor and four Russian tanks; 850 British troops return to Basra after one month deployment south of Baghdad, when they performed sweeps with US forces; Multinational force considers options for returning citizens to Fallujah including DNA screening, iris scans, identity badges, work brigades, and ban on private vehicles; Humanitarian Access to Iraq: Multinational force sends Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS) out of Fallujah as violence flares; Jordan bans entry of vehicles from Iraq after violence at border crossing; 2
Economy/Oil: Iraqi gasoline consumptions up one third from pre-war level to 21 million liters per day half is imported; Oil income of US$20 billion since war; Oil infrastructure attacks continue; Paris Club of 19 countries, including US, Russia, France, and Germany, writes off 80% of Iraq s US$42 billion debt; Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi calls for Paris Club to write off remaining 20% of Iraq s debt and for Arab countries to write off US$80 billion owed them; Water/power: Power generation slipped to about 3,200 megawatts (MW) in mid-november prewar level was 4,400 MW Baghdad has had nearly 18 hours a day of electricity additional significant rehab will be complete in 2005; Water and power remain out in Fallujah and Mahmudiyah; US military reports more than half of Iraqis have access to potable water, and that less than half the sewage treatment plants are working; Food: Overall, Public Distribution System (PDS) food delivery running smoothly--insecurity hampers distribution in some areas--world Food Program (WFP) worries about distribution to Fallujah IDPs; Ministry of Trade takes over from WFP in contracting for food; WFP acquiring food supplies to implement one-year emergency program for most vulnerable; Health and Medical: Continued shortage of medical supplies reported in conflict cities Fallujah, Ramadi and Samarrah, in Najaf, site of earlier conflict, in Mahmudiyah, south of Baghdad, and in Baquba, northeast of Baghdad; UNICEF head Carol Bellamy says acute malnutrition among young children has nearly doubled since beginning of war. North Region Coordination Erbil, Dahuk, Sulaymaniyah UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) currently collaborating with UN Office of Project Services (UNOPS) on multi-million dollar project to help reintegrate 2,700 IDPs. However, resources to resettle Iraqi Kurdish families in northern Iraq remain limited. (Friday, Dec-03-04) Ministry of Human Rights in Sulamaniyah has been providing beneficiaries of joint International Rescue Committee (IRC)-UNHCR scheme with plots of land and US$1,000 in cash. IRC-UNHCR began repatriation of Iraqi Kurds in June 2004. Approximately 1,000 IDPs daily from Iran, according to Ministry for Displacement and Migration. (Friday, Dec-02-04) British NGO, Mine Action Group (MAG) is continuing de-mining work in Iraqi Kurdistan, including towns of Qadir Karam, Muzaffer and Karahenjir. (Wednesday, Nov-24-04) UN Office of the Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq (UNOHCI) is aware of 36 NGOs in northern Iraq. International Rescue Committee (IRC) phasing out humanitarian assistance programs in Iraq due to security concerns after completing nearly all of its initial projects has worked in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah and Dahuk. (Tuesday, Nov-09-04) Population Population of Erbil: 1,334,176 Population of Sulaymaniyah: 1,605,506 Population of Dahuk: 817,376 IDPs UN-sponsored program offering voluntary repatriation to Iraqi refugees from Iran 3
improving due to decrease in differences between Iraq s two main Kurdish parties, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). PUK was keener of the two to see convoys continue. (Friday, Dec-03-04) Approximately 300 Iraqi Kurdish IDPs in Chwarqurna town in Sulaymaniyah after returning from Iran 3 months ago. IDPs in the region reportedly short on resources to rebuild homes despite receiving money and land from officials. (Friday, Dec-02-04) About 300 Iranian Kurdish families recently arrived in Sulaymaniyah governorate after fleeing Al-Tash IDP camp, near Ramadi, due to insecurity. (Wednesday, Nov- 24-04) Estimated 350 Assyrian Christian families in Baghdad ready to return to northern Iraq after attacks against churches in Baghdad and Mosul in August and October. However, Kurdish Muslims living on land Christians occupied before resettlement by Saddam Hussein do not want to leave. Ministry of Displacement and Migration, Christian and Kurdish groups discussing possible solutions. (Monday, Nov-22-04) Food Health Non-Food Items Shelter Water & Sanitation Security Other/Comments According to UNHCR, there are approximately 42,000 IDPs living in Dahuk Governorate, 5,000 of which are living under the care of UN agencies. Included are Syrians fleeing Kurdish violence and Iranian Kurds from Al-Tash camp in Al-Anbar Governorate. Sulaymaniyah Minister of Health says the governorate has fewer than 200 doctors. Authorities are trying to encourage specialist doctors back to the region and train current medical staff. (Tuesday, Oct-05-04) The governor of Dahuk survived a second assassination attempt by militant Ansar al-sunna group. Kurdistan Institute of Elections (KIE) currently holding programs to educate party officials, civil servants and students on January elections in conjunction with USbased National Endowment for Democracy (NED), USAID and other development organizations. (Wednesday, Dec-01-04) Coordination Al-Tamim, Ninewa, Salahaldin Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS) in Kirkuk asking for medicine, food and shelter items due to onset of winter and rise in displacement due to return of Kurds. There are about 8,785 people receiving assistance from 200 volunteers. Last assistance was received after war last year. (Friday, Nov-26-04) World Vision Australia, based in Mosul, says it is pulling out of Iraq due to security concerns. Head of operations was shot dead in Mosul on September 29. NGO had been operating for nearly 18 months and assisted nearly 600,000 people. (Friday, Nov-19-04) 4
International Rescue Committee (IRC) phasing out humanitarian assistance programs in Iraq due to security concerns after completing nearly all of its initial projects has worked in Kirkuk. (Tuesday, Nov-09-04) Population IDPs Turkoman National Front (TNF) says very little aid being given to Turkoman people, Iraq s third largest ethnic group, in northern region, except for Turkish Red Crescent Society (TRCS), which works only in Tal Afar area. Influx of Kurdish people to northern region could reportedly increase tensions among the Kurds, Arabs and Turkomans. (Friday, Oct-22-04) Population of Mosul: 1.7 million Population of Kirkuk: 755,700 Population of Tikrit: 28,000 Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS) says there are some 17,000 displaced people living in tents or former government buildings in Kirkuk as land disputes between returning Kurds and Arabs continue. (Friday, Nov-26-04) According to Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) report, there has been an increasing trend of newly-displaced Arabs in central Iraq (including Al-Tamim, Ninewa and Diyala) subjected to aggressive searches by Coalition Forces. Many Arab IDPs also report restricted access to services in Kurdish-controlled areas. (Wednesday, Nov-24-04) As of September 2004, there continue to be reports of Arabs displaced by Kurdish return movements, many taking refuge in military bases in Kikurk - numbers have been difficult to assess. Many have also sought refuge in non-kurdish areas north and northeast of Baghdad. (Wednesday, Nov-24-04) Food Health Non-Food Items Shelter Water & Sanitation According to reports, Salahaldin has over 70,000 IDPs, including 65,747 Kurds, 4,757 Turkmen, and 2,226 Arabs. Al-Tamim has some 84,000 IDPs, including 77,000 Kurds, 5,000 Arabs, and 2,000 Turkmen most are in 44 camps. (Friday, Sept-03-04) Iraqi civilian companies and US working to repair Baiji Power Plant complex in Baiji town repairs expected to be completed next year. (Wednesday, Oct-27-04) 5
Security In Mosul, 17 Kurdish militiamen, (Peshmergas) killed by suicide bomber close to headquarters of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan Party. In Tikrit, 17 Iraqi civilians working for US military killed when the minibuses transporting them to work at US base were attacked by gunfire from men in 2 pick up trucks morning. Ansar al-sunna is claiming responsibility for the attack. (Sunday, Dec-05-04) Near Bajii 75 miles (120 km) north of Tikrit 3 Iraqi national guardsmen, including a regional commander killed in car bombing. (Sunday, Dec-05-04) Two suspected insurgent cell leaders and 12 Iraqis suspected of making car bombs were detained for questioning by US military during home raids conducted in and around Tikrit. (Sunday, Dec-05-04) In Mosul, 4 US soldiers killed during patrol. (Sunday, Dec-05-04). In Mosul 9 more bodies of security officers found (four decapitated). This brings the number to 66 police and national guardsman that have been found dead in the city since November 19. Other/Comments US military officials express concern that recent arrival of thousands of Kurdish militia in Mosul, which were cooperating with multinational forces against recent insurgent attacks, may increase ethnic tensions. (Thursday, Dec-03-04) Iraqi Property Claims Commission (IPCC) was established by coalition and Iraqi government in January 2004 to address property disputes between Kurds and non- Arabs, and Arabs as a result of Arabization program of former regime. Some 19,000 cases have been filed, but in September 2004, IPCC still not in the position to address them. Delays raise concerns of rising ethnic tensions. Reports say Kurdish authorities have already begun re-distributing land in Kirkuk. (Wednesday, Nov-24-04) About 2,000 Iraqi National Guardsmen were deployed a week ago to guard oil pipelines in Khabbaza, near Northern Oil Company headquarters near Kirkuk, as the first step toward replacing tribesmen. (Tuesday, Nov-30-04) Mosul Governor Duraid Kashmoula says curfew will continue to be imposed on the city from 4:00pm to 6:00am in the morning. (Sunday, Nov-14-04) US-led troops impose curfew and surround Hawija town after mortar attack on National Guard compound. (Friday, Nov-12-04). Curfew in place in Samarrah since last month remains in place. (Friday, Nov-12-04). Baiji town authorities have imposed indefinite curfew roadblocks into town have been set up. (Wednesday, Nov-10-04) 6
Central/West Regions Coordination Al Anbar, Diyala, Karbala, Babil, Wasit, Najaf, Qadissiya Approximately 600 leaders from Iraq s central Shi ite Muslim provinces met in Najaf to discuss ways of setting up their own autonomous region. (Sunday, Dec.-05-04) Iraqi Red Crescent left Fallujah after continued violence. (Sunday, Dec.-05-04) US military is developing plans to prevent insurgents from regaining control of Falluja, while returning residents through systems that would monitor and track its residents. (Sunday, Dec.-05-04) Iraqi government has deployed task force to Fallujah to oversee humanitarian and reconstruction efforts includes representatives from ministries of Industry & Mineralrs, Municpalities & Public Works, Health, Electricity and Displacement & Migration some soon to be based inside city. (Thursday, Dec.-02-04) Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS) the only humanitarian organization allowed in Fallujah working from offices in city center. US military also attempting to provide assistance at aid distribution points. (Thursday, Dec-02-04) Group of UN, Red Cross/Red Crescent, NGO and government agencies, called Emergency Working Group, currently monitoring IDPs in and around Fallujah. NGOs are confidential due to security reasons. (Tuesday, Nov-30-04) Civilians start to arrive at Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS) center in Fallujah despite insecurity nearly 100 people have arrived so far. IRCS also brought nearly 20 people, mostly women and children, to safer areas around Fallujah. Additional aid convoy left Baghdad Tuesday morning (November 30) for Fallujah. (Wednesday, Dec-01-04) Based in the mainly Kurdish town of Khanaqin, and the town of Mugdadiyya, the al- Salam Organisation, with backing from international NGOs, began distributing specially prepared food packages to around 800 internally displaced children who are showing signs of malnutrition. Aid groups say some 3,200 Arab families evicted from Kurdish areas after the war are living in the Mugdadiyya area in bad conditions. (Wednesday, Dec-01-04) Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS) delivering aid daily and has set up center in Fallujah. IRCS says it will be meeting with US officials to speed delivery to civilians in city and surrounding towns. (Saturday, Nov-27-04) International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says it still cannot enter Fallujah because it has not received minimum security assurances from warring parties. (Monday, Nov-29-04) IRCS providing assistance to 3,500 refugee families outside Fallujah, including camp at lakeside resort. (Thursday, Nov-18-04) About 2,000 civilians visit food distribution site set up by US-led forces near military base in Habbaniya town, near Fallujah. Refugees living in old military housing next to base. (Thursday, Nov-18-04) 7
US commanders say aid distribution centers have been opened in Fallujah to offer civilians food, water and medical supplies as fighting decreases in some areas. (Tuesday, Nov-16-04). International Rescue Committee (IRC) phasing out humanitarian assistance programs in Iraq due to security concerns after completing nearly all of its initial projects has worked in Najaf and Karbala. (Tuesday, Nov-09-04) Action Against Hunger, a Paris-based humanitarian organization, has suspended operations in Iraq because of deteriorating security situation. (Wednesday, Oct-27-04) Population Population of Al-Anbar: 1,270,952 Population of Diyala: 1,271,310 Population of Karbala: 741,744 Population of Babil: 1,408,730 Population of Wasit: 938.734 Population of Najaf: 950.222 Population of Qadissiya: 915,564 IDPs Iraqi government apparently planning to take IDP heads of households by bus into Fallujah neighborhoods to make initial assessments of homes. (Thursday, Dec-02-04) According to International Organization for Migration (IOM), a total of 210,600 IDPs fled Fallujah offensive and are in surrounding towns and villages of Karma, Habaniyah, Amiriyah, Saklawiya, Nieamiya, Heet, Aana, Rawa and Hadetha. Largest number is 120,000 in Amiriyah and nearby areas. (Thursday, Dec-02-04) UN releases report complied by various aid agencies this week on Fallujah describes insecurity and food shortages at IDP camps. Colder temperatures means more than 15,000 families are in need of shelter items and blankets. (Thursday, Dec-02-04) Access to IDPs around Fallujah, such as those at Nieamiya, reportedly difficult even by Ministry of Health, due to insecurity. (Thursday, Dec-02-04) US military officials say they fear increase in violence from rebels hiding among refugees returning to Fallujah. Iraqi government will reportedly allow controlled return with ID registration to weed out rebels. (Thursday, Dec-2-04) The Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS) says that hundreds of people have fled the towns of Mahmoudya and Latifiyah, as US and British troops battle with insurgents. A medical official from the main hospital in Latifiyah says that the hospital had run out of medicines and surgical materials. Some 1,500 people are camped in an area 10 km south of the town while another 100 families have taken refuge in a mosque 10 km from the city. (Thursday, Dec-02-04) US officials say Fallujah will be opened sequentially to residents, starting in north and moving southward as basic services are restored in 16 separate designated areas. No cars will be allowed to prevent car bombs. US$36 million wastewater treatment plant, new school buildings and several health clinics also planned. (Wednesday, Dec-01-04) 8
Relief officials say reconstruction projects undertaken in Najaf since fighting in August have been plagued by corruption, overpayment, shoddy work, as well as lack of local people with training to operate new facilities. (Wednesday, Dec-01-04) Three Iraqi Ministry of Displacement and Migration officials managed to enter Al Tash camp, near Ramadi, and found situation bleak no water or power. Health and police posts not working for past 10 days. Remaining refugees in camp want to leave due to insecurity. (Tuesday, Nov-30-04) US Marine official says US-led forces have to search around 50,000 buildings in Fallujah for arms first before IDPs can return possibly take weeks. (Monday, Nov- 29-04) IRCS President Dr. Said Haqi said that it will be up to two months before approximately 250,000 IDPs will be able to return to Fallujah. (Saturday, Nov-27-04) UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) says concerns remain 4,200 Iranian Kurds remaining in Al Tash refugee camp, near Ramadi. Police station is empty following armed attack, and no one else is providing security. (Friday, Nov-26-04) UNHCR says there are concerns for IDPs remaining in Al-Tash camp after about 1,400 fled because of gunmen attacks and fierce fighting in nearby Ramadi city last week. Most likely went to northern Iraq or Jordan. Local services, such as water and electricity, had been cut off and delivery of food aid has become difficult due to insecurity. (Wednesday, Nov-24-04) UN estimates that 207,600 of Fallujah s 390,000-strong population were displaced by recent US-led offensive. (Wednesdays, Nov-24-04) Food Health UNHCR says some 100,000 IDPs from Fallujah went to Amariya town south on Euphrates River and 30,000 have gone to Baghdad. About 10,000 to 20,000 Fallujans have gone to towns and cities that include Habbaniya, Saklawiya, Nuaymiya and Qarma. Others are in camps south and west of Fallujah. (Thursday, Nov-18-04) Iraqi Ministry of Displacement and Migration officials say food has reached Al-Tash camp, near Ramadi, through public distribution system, despite continuing insecurity and bleak conditions. (Tuesday, Nov-30-04) Ministry of Health reportedly requested NGOs to assist IDPs in Habbaniyah (near Fallujah) with food and non-food items, as well as oxygen for Amiriyah Hospital. Shortage of medical supplies reported in health centers in IDP locations around Fallujah. (Thursday, Dec-02-04) Doctors say that they have been trying to get authorization to bring injured people to Fallujah s main hospital, but US troops have said it is unsafe to move around in city. Cases treated so far have been related to heart disease, fever and dehydration. (Wednesday, Dec-01-04) International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS) has set up relief center near city center in Fallujah, however, continued fighting makes it impossible for medical personnel to move around and treat wounded. About 110 civilians, including some with chronic disease and fever because of water shortage, are being sheltered at the center. (Monday, Nov-29-04) 9
IRCS says IDPs in towns around Fallujah are suffering from skin disease due to lack of water and proper hygiene continues to monitor IDPs there. (Monday, Nov- 29-04) Non-Food Items Shelter International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) says diarrhea and fever have been a crucial problem in areas around Fallujah, including Habbaniya town. (Thursday, Nov-18-04) Iraqi Ministry of Industry and Minerals reportedly delivered 8,000 blankets to IDP camps around Fallujah on November 24, but no further details were available. NGOs say more shelter items needed due to colder temperatures. (Thursday, Dec- 01-04) US civil affairs teams have begun making condolence payments to residents maximum of up to US$2,500 per person. Iraqi government has also promised US$100 to each returning family. (Wednesday, Dec-01-04) Approximately 70 percent of houses and shops have been destroyed in Fallujah. (Wednesday, Dec-01-04) Iraqi government and US military have set aside US$178 million for immediate repairs to Fallujah. (Tuesday, Nov-23-04) US-led military specialists begin reconstruction projects to repair infrastructure in Fallujah amid continuing clashes. Most time-sensitive work to be done by US military rest will be contracted to locals. (Thursday, Nov-18-04) Water & Sanitation Security UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and International Organization for Migration (IOM) have made available tents and other non-food items to IDPs in and around Fallujah. (Tuesday, Nov-16-04) ICRC says that water shortage in Fallujah caused by damage to water station water distribution system also possibly damaged. Continued insecurity hampers any repairs. (Monday, Nov-29-04) Five US troops killed in Anbar province over the weekend. Fighting broke out in Latifiyah 25 miles (40km) south of Baghdad, between Shiite militia and Sunni militants leaving more than 20 dead (Saturday, Dec- 04-04) Gunfights continue to be reported in Fallujah. even though entire city has been brought under control by multi-national forces. (Friday, Dec-03-04) Other/Comments In Baladruz (also spelled Balad Ruz) town, located about 50 miles (80 km) northeast of Baghdad in Diyala province, insurgents killed three Iraqi civilians in a drive-by shooting (Thursday, Dec-2-04). Sheik Abdullah al-janabi, most powerful figure of the Janabis and Kargoulis tribal families, was able to flee the Mahmudiya Mosque in Fallujah before it was overrun by US troops. He is identified as a leader of the insurgency in central Iraq. NGO reports indicate that multinational forces are allowing residents to go to Al Rawda Al Mohammadia Mosque in Fallujah to receive aid between 8-12 am. (Thursday, Dec-02-04) 10
US military raised death toll of US troops killed in Fallujah offensive from 51 to 71, making November second deadliest month. Between 1,200 to 1,600 insurgents estimated killed in offensive. (Thursday, Dec-02-04) US military keeping close eye on aid deliveries to Fallujah to ensure they do not contain weapons or supplies for insurgents and are searching vehicles entering city also concerned that insurgents are relying on aid during day and carrying out attacks at night. (Wednesday, Dec-01-04) IRCS says it believes more than 6,000 people died in the assault in Fallujah and one-third of homes needing rebuilding. (Saturday, Nov-27-04) Reports say some civilians searching/waiting in line for aid in Fallujah have been killed by insurgent snipers, prompting concerns from UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR). (Tuesday, Nov-16-04) Curfew restrictions announced in Kuja city and governorate of Najaf. (Friday, Nov- 12-04) Prime Minister Iyad Allawi imposes curfew and other emergency laws on Fallujah and Ramadi starting at 6:00pm all roads and government facilities will be closed, weapons banned. (Monday, Nov-08-04) Baghdad Coordination Baghdad The World Bank signed three contracts for Iraqi reconstruction and health projects valued at US$145 million. The contract provided US$55 million for private sector development; US$65 million for Baghdad water and sanitation project; and US$25 million for emergency health. These are part of US $400 million Iraq trust fund administered by the World Bank. (Saturday, Dec-04-04) More than 60 women s groups came together in Baghdad to speak out on the violence in Iraq, highlighting the tragic deaths of Margaret Hassan of CARE and government official A amal Ma amalachi. Event was sponsored by Iraqi Women s Network and the Association of Councillors for Women s Affairs in Iraq. (Friday, Dec-03-04) The British-based NGO, Medact released a report Tuesday (November 30) saying that the medical system in Iraq is in tatters and that there is an increased risk of disease and death. Medact says that cases of vaccine-preventable diseases were rising, and relief and reconstruction work had been mismanaged, a charge the Iraqi government denies. (Wednesday, Dec-01-04) Despite move to Jordan in 2003, UN monitors IDPs through NGOs on the ground. IDP response in Iraq is coordinated by Cluster 8 composed of agencies, including UNHCR, IOM, UNOPS, WHO, UNICEF and FAO. Cluster 8 works closely with Iraqi Ministry of Displacement and Migration (MoDM), local authorities, Red Cross and NGOs such as Intersos and Islamic Relief. In 2004, working with Iraqi government in implementing IDP assistance and protection programs. (Wednesday, Nov-24-04) 11
UNICEF has launched a US$40 million dollar project to ensure that children receive basic educational supplies. The agency has begun distributing more than 6 million school bags and education kits to children throughout Iraq. The project began with the start of the new school year in October and is supported by the Governments of Japan, Canada, Denmark and Luxembourg, the European Commission, the Spanish National Committee for UNICEF and the US Agency for International Development (USAID). (Monday, Nov-29-04) The Baghdad-based National Mine Action Authority (NMAA) is currently collaborating with offices in Basrah and Erbil to build national demining program. (Wednesday, Nov-24-04) Population IDPs Aid agency Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) withdrew from Iraq due to insecurity. MSF had 90 Iraqi staff and had been in Iraq since December 2002. (Thursday, Nov- 04-04) Population: 6.5 million International Organization for Migration (IOM) says over 5,800 families have been displaced to Baghdad, of which 2,839 have settled in Abu Ghraib area, 100 are in tents near Baghdad University, and 12 are on grounds of Baghdad International Fair. (Thursday, Dec-02-04) Thousands of IDPs from Fallujah are in camps that include those set by Iraqi NGO, Humanitarian Aid Society (HAS) and Omar al-mukhtar charity, as well as those at mosque at Baghdad University and old al-tagi military base under care of other NGOs and local residents. (Monday, Nov-29-04) According to Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) report, evictions of IDPs living in public buildings continuing in urban areas around Iraq, especially in Baghdad. (Friday, Nov-26-04) Estimated 60,000 Christians have fled Iraq for Syria and Jordan in recent months. Numbers have dropped from 1.3 million in 1987 to about 70,000 in Iraq. Estimated 20,000 50,000 Christians in Baghdad. (Monday, Nov-22-04) An Islamic relief group (name not given) has set up a camp for IDPs from Fallujah in Mansour area. Organization was formed after March 2003, and coordinates with Iraqi Red Crescent Society and other NGOs. More than 63 IDPs at camp. (Friday, Nov-19-04) Food Health Non-Food Items Shelter Water & UNCHR estimates around 30,000 Palestinians live in Baghdad. UNHCR is assisting 450 Palestinian families with rental support and other relief items 35 Palestinian families are still living in tents at the Haifa Sports Club; About 700 families of Roma origin are reportedly living in a former Baghdad orphanage. Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS), which has office in Baghdad, is helping to rebuild hospital in the capital for first 6 months of next year will send US$395,000 to Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS) for hospital. (Monday, Nov-29-04) 12
Sanitation Security Other/Comments Two car bombs were detonated at entry of Baghdad s Green Zone killing seven and wounding at least 50. (Saturday, Dec-04-04) A spokesman for the idependent Iraqi election commission reported that the elections will not be postponed under any circumstances. (Monday, Dec-06-04) At conference held in Babylon Hotel in Baghdad, approximately 40 officials signed a petition calling for the postponement of the January election. (Sunday, Dec-05-04) Daily life in restive Sadr City in Baghdad reportedly returning back to normal some small reconstruction projects are occurring, but local residents say that USsponsored large-scale development projects have yet to begin. (Friday, Dec-03-04) Coalition officials report US$10.5 billion set aside for reconstruction funds. Currently, there are 700 projects officials hope to have 1,000 by end of this year. Completed projects include 5 water treatment plants and 73 health-care facilities. (Wednesday, Oct-13-04) South Region Coordination Basrah The Red Crescent Society relief ship of the United Arab Emirates left Dubai for the port of Umm Qasr, carrying 400 tons of relief aid, including 20 containers of medical supplies. (Sunday, Dec-05-04) Regional Mine Action Center (RMAC), partners and other NGOS (including Iraq Landmine Impact Survey, ILIS) working again around Basrah city after 8 months of delays. NGO has been attacked twice and 1 local aid worker was killed will close down physically in Basrah. (Friday, Dec-03-04) Iraq Landmine Impact Survey (ILIS), partner of RMAC, started in August and is working around Basrah. Most heavily affected is village of Jurf Al-Malh, close to Iran border. There are 750,000 MT of UXOs in and around Basrah, mainly from fleeing Iraqi troops last year. Iraqi National Guard also working to clear Al-Fao region south of Basrah. (Friday, Dec-03-04) INTERSOS, an Italian NGO is working with UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Iran s south to register Iraqi returnees NGO has four offices in southern governorates, including Shalamcheh city on Iranian border. (Friday, Nov- 12-04) Population Population of Basrah: 1,981,901 IDPs Housing shortage reported for refugees that have returned to Basrah from Iran many living in former government buildings. Despite rehabilitation and re-flooding of marshlands, creating livelihoods remains difficult. Officials say 300,000 housing units planned across the country. (Friday, Nov-12-04). 13
Food Health Non-Food Items Shelter Water & Sanitation At least 241, 962 Iraqi refugees have returned to southern Iraq since last year. (Friday, Nov-12-04). Based on the latest Ministry of Trade s (MoT) Public Food Distribution statistics, Basrah population estimated around 3 million, an increase of 1.2 million since April 2003, indicating a large-scale population movement. (Wednesday, June-28-04) Hay Al-Jihad clinic has been opened in area of Al-Amnal Dakhilay, southwest of Basrah city, to serve around 117,000 residents clinic was built with aid from international NGOs and Multinational Division Forces (MND). Ministry of Health says most of 85 medical centers in Basrah governorate have been renovated. (Tuesday, Nov-02-04). Security The 850 British soldiers assisting the US offensive that began on November 23 have returned to Basrah. (Monday, Dec-06-04) Other/Comments According to Regional Mine Action Center (RMAC) in Basrah, a total of 9,574 items, including UXOs and mines, have been destroyed this year. (Friday, Dec-03-04) The UN s Integrated Regional Information Network (IRIN) reports NGOs are rehabilitating 95 schools--a few others will be totally rebuilt. Multinational forces assists building repairs. (Friday, Oct-8-04) Coordination Al Muthanna, Dhi Qar, Maysan, After weekend visit of Defense Agency Chief and two ruling bloc officials Japanese government will decide whether its 550 troops in Samawah will extend their mandate that expires on December 14. The Japanese troops have been rebuilding school and roads in the area and supplying residents with clean water. New group of 180 Japanese troops in Kuwait on their way to humanitarian and reconstruction mission in Samawa. Previous group of 200 deployed to city on Saturday (November 20). (Monday, Nov-22-04) Besides 500 ground troops, around 80 Japanese troops are in Samawa and about 200 airmen are in Kuwait to airlift humanitarian aid to southern Iraq. Troops mainly working on water supply, medical support, road maintenance and school renovation. (Monday, Nov-22-04) The United Nations Office of the Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq (UNOHCI) is aware of 22 NGOs operating in southern Iraq. Population Population of Al Muthanna: 569,933 Population of Dhi Qar: 1,538,871 Population of Maysan: 848,322 IDP Movement According to Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) report, Marsh Arab IDPs face difficulties obtaining documentation for monthly food rations due to lack of 14
Food Health Non-Food Items Shelter registration. (Friday, Nov-26-04) Rabies reported in Maysan Governorate mostly in children. (Thursday, Dec-02-04) Government of Japan has extended grassroots human security grant aid of about US$772,000 to Road and Bridge Department of Al Muthanna governorate to repair roads. (Wednesday, Dec-1-04) Water & Sanitation The Water Department of the governorate of Al Muthanna has purchased 26 water tank trucks and 304 feed tanks (worth a total of US$ 3.68 million) with a grassroots grant aid extended by the Japanese government. (Tuesday, Oct-26-04) Security Other/Comments Government of Japan has extended grassroots human security grant aid of about US$1.4 million to Electricity Department in Al Muthanna governorate to cope with power shortages in southern Iraq, including Samawah. (Friday, Nov-19-04) Neighboring Countries Humanitarian Activities/Preparations Jordan A wat/san training program for Iraqis was opened in Amman, Jordan as part of Japanese reconstruction assistance to Iraq, in cooperation with Water Authority of Jordan. Japan said it will extend US$1.5 billion in grant aid in 2004 and US$3.5 billion as loan aid from 2005 to 2007. (Monday, Nov-29-04) A number of Iraqi tuberculosis (TB) patients are being treated in the Al-Noor TB center in Jordan. (Wednesday, Nov- 24-04) Iraqi authorities on Sunday (November 15) reopened border posts of al-walid with Syria and border post of Trebil with Jordan after being closed down last week. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on November 1 (Tuesday) has suspended all activities in Al-Karama refugee camp in buffer zone between Jordan and Iraq due to increasing attacks on its staffers by disgruntled refugees senior UNHCR official said the commission would seek third country to host the refugees, most of whom are Kurdish Iranians. Jordan recently approved entry of 384 Iranian Kurdish refugees to the camp. UNHCR s Ruud Lubbers said that Jordan will not pressure the approximately 200,000 Iraqi refugees living in Jordan to return to Iraq. In addition, a limited number of Iraqis will be allowed to stay long-term, particularly those married to Jordanians. About 1,150 refugees reportedly remain in camps near the Jordan/Iraq border (Tuesday, Oct-12-04). At the Al-Ruwayshid Refugee Camp, managed by the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO), there are about 152 refugees. Most refugees are Palestinians who previously lived in Iraq, as well as some Sudanese and Somali refugees. About 100 Palestinians opted to return to Baghdad in late May 2004. Between April and July 2004, 226 Palestinians returned to Iraq. However, repatriation has almost stopped, with only two refugees repatriating in August and September, according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Another estimated 1,000 refugees, most of them Iranian Kurds, remain in nearby Al-Karama Refugee Camp, about 38 miles (60 km) away in no man s land between the Iraq and Jordanian border. (Wednesday, Oct-13-04) A total of 202 Iranian Kurd refugees left Amman for Sweden, after spending over a year and half in no-man s land between Iraq and Jordan part of 384 Iranian Kurds accepted to 15
Sweden for resettlement. UNHCR continuing to advocate resettlement for remaining 650 in no man s land. (Friday, Nov-26-04) Medical care and other assistance are being provided in Al-Ruwayshid by various agencies on the ground. Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) is responsible for solid waste and sanitation facilities in the Ruwayshid and Al-Karama camp under an agreement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Care-Austria, in collaboration with ECHO and UNHCR, is providing sanitary and social services including vaccinations for children and nutritional supplements for newborns and pregnant and breast-feeding women. Preparations are being made at the camps for the coming winter. This year, 879 individuals from the two camps have been resettled abroad. In Amman, UN workers have created preliminary election register using database of former UNadministered food distribution system for January elections. In cooperation with the Amman Center for Human Rights Studies, the Iraqi government, and a number of Iraqi human rights groups and networks, the Friederich Ebert Foundation is running 4 seminars for independent Iraqi election observers. About 20 Iraqis from different ethnic and religious backgrounds, who represent a variety of NGOs in Iraq, to attend. (Wednesday, Oct-6-04). Several NGOs have evacuated their international staff members to Jordan due to on-going violence in Iraq. The French branch of the Red Cross announced in April that its activities in Iraq have been suspended and that it will provisionally close its office in Amman, Jordan. Four international staff from the German NGO, HELP, are reportedly among the latest aid workers to relocate to Amman, where they will continue work from there, due to security concerns (Friday, Oct-1-04). The NGO has about 50 local staff and has assisted in demining and water projects in Iraq since 2003. The Government of Jordan stated that borders with Iraq are open for the flow of goods. The Humanitarian Action Coordination Center (HACC-West) has advised that it needs 24-hour advance notice of vehicle movement into Iraq from Jordan. Iran Iraq s Minister for Displacement and Migration told the UN yesterday (Monday, November 29) that up to 1,000 people per day are returning from Iran. Warda says that official statistics put the number of returnees at 116,000. However, many have returned without official assistance and have not registered, making the actual number difficult to ascertain. At least 500 Iraqi families from Iran have ended up at Saad camp near the border. The ministry reportedly delivered food to the camp. (Monday, Nov-29-04) Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari says he will seek border agreements to check foreign militants with Iran and Turkey next week similar to those already with Syria. (Monday, Nov-22-04) UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) continuing to facilitate voluntary repatriation of Iraqis from Iran. Over past 10 days, five convoys brought over 871 people from Iran to northern and southern Iraq. Crossings through northern border will be suspended at end of month, because of weather conditions. In southern Iraq, repatriation extended to another 9 governorates. Over 18,360 people have returned since August 2003. UNHCR says it does not encourage returns, although it will assist those who insist on doing so. (Friday, Nov-19-04) UNHCR says that there were 200,000 Iraqi refugees in Iran 70,000 have since returned to Iraq over past year repatriations from Iran were suspended in August this year. (Friday, Oct-22-04) Of approximately 250,000 Iraqis living in southern Iranian camps and cities, between 80,000 and 130,000 remain. Most have returned to Iraq s nine southern governorates on their own without incident. UNHCR has established voluntary repatriation centers and an assistance program. Since last year, the UNHCR 16
has helped about 9,000 return from Iran out of 14,000 UNHCR repatriated from Iran, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. UNHCR has organized convoys from Iran to the southern Iraqi city of Basrah since November 2003, but due to the security situation in Iraq, the convoys are sporadically put on hold. Returnees receive a package of relief items, a one-month food ration, travel assistance, and mine-awareness training. UNHCR started facilitating the return of Iraqi Kurd refugees through the northern Haj Omran crossing at the end of June 2004. A total of 543 Iraqi Kurds returned with UNHCR assistance through the crossing. However, UNHCR suspended the returns after local authorities in northern Iraq expressed concerns over housing shortages. UNHCR has been working with partnering organizations to build houses and other structures and facilities. In March 2004 the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) limited ports of entry on Iran s borders to three. Visitors to Iraq need a passport, complete an entry form, and will be entered into an immigration monitoring system. Turkey Foreign Minister Hoshiyar Zebari says he will seek border agreements to check foreign militants with Iran and Turkey next week similar to those already with Syria. (Monday, Nov-22-04) UNHCR scaled down its operations along the border between Turkey and Iraq to focus on relief efforts already underway in Iraq. Turkey will continue assistance to Iraqi refugees who fled Iraq prior the recent war and who now wish to return to Iraq. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is also scaling down their operations in Silopi, Turkey, but said it would be ready to assist in the repatriation of Iraqis. In January 2004 Iraqi, Turkish, and UNHCR officials agreed on return of up to 13,000 Turkish citizens (ethnic Kurds) to Turkey from Iraq who have lived in exile in Iraq since the early 1990s. An estimated 9,200 of these refugees are living in Mahmour Camp, near Erbil, while others are living in Dahuk and Erbil governorates. Iraqi authorities will ensure that the return is voluntary and that the refugees are not subjected to pressure. UNHCR will have full and unhindered access to the refugees both on Iraqi territory and once they have gone back to Turkey. Turkish authorities are to ensure that the refugees who volunteer to go back to Turkey are free to return to their former places of residence or any other places of their choice within Turkey. Kuwait The Humanitarian Operations Center (HOC) requests 96 hours to issue a clearance to agencies to carry out cross-border operations. Established by the Pentagon and the Kuwaiti military in January 2003, the goal of the HOC is to coordinate and facilitate transportation and distribution of aid to Iraq from various sources in Kuwait, other governments, or international and local relief agencies. The HOC is staffed by Kuwaiti officials and US and British military officers. Humanitarian flights are exempt of all landing and parking fees. The Government of Kuwait has issued a statement that it must be notified 24 hours in advance to issue approved legal passes. UN staff wishing to travel to Iraq through Kuwait need security clearance and must complete a Kuwaiti immigration form. The immigration form, in addition to a copy of a mission plan, must be given to the transportation office by 1600 hours one day prior to the mission. Syria 17
Iraqi authorities on Sunday (November 15) reopened border posts of al-walid with Syria and border post of Trebil with Jordan after being closed down last week. Syrian Foreign Minister Faqrouq al-shara on Sunday (November 7) said Syria has reached a cooperation deal with Iraq to increase security along the Iraq-Syria border. According to reports, there are 4,000 Iraqi families registered by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Damascus. Syrian authorities estimate there are about 300,000 Iraqis in Syria. (Tuesday, Oct-19-04) The Government of Syria has granted UN agencies and International Organization for Migration (IOM) a number of exemptions for fees, taxes and levees related to the import/export of humanitarian transit cargo to Iraq. New border crossing procedures have improved cross border movements. In July 2004, Iraq reached an agreement with Syria to seal their 370-mile (600-km) border in an effort to stop the infiltration of foreign insurgents into Iraq. The border is to be controlled form both sides using special security forces. Saudi Arabia All but about 480 refugees have left Saudi Arabia s Rafha camp out of the original 33,000 in 1991. The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that it had assisted a total of about 4,856 Iraqi refugees from Saudi Arabia as of May 18, 2004 (Tuesday). The Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (GoKSA) has issued a blanket authorization for overflight and landing for an unspecified period of time. These clearances apply to flights between Kuwait and Amman. 18