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UNHCR statement on attack on Al Salam camp for displaced families

Countries
Iraq
Sources
UNHCR
Publication date

Baghdad, 05 July 2016 - An attack occurred at Al Salam camp (also known as Al-Takia camp) for displaced families, south of Baghdad in the early evening of 5 July, around two hours before families marked the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Three people, two young children aged 10 and 16 and one man, aged 45 are reported to have been killed, while another 13 people injured, two critically.

UNHCR has been working in Al Salam, the largest IDP camp in Baghdad with its partners (including ISHO, Muslim Aid, the Al Mortaqa Foundation and CAOFISR) to provide upgraded shelters for families who had fled from Salah al Din and Anbar governorates in 2014 and 2015 as well as opening a small bakery as a livelihood project, organizing clean up campaigns of the camp and other quick impact projects. There are currently 1,550 families (more than 6,000 people) living at the site.

UNHCR Representative in Iraq, Bruno Geddo:

“We condemn this cowardly attack on a camp for displaced families, which has injured innocent civilians and killed children.

“The attack was cruelly timed just before the end of the Holy month of Ramadan. It was also particularly cruel to target a camp holding vulnerable displaced families, who had already fled their homes to escape conflict and violence, in search of peace and safety.”

“We express our deep condolences to the families of the dead and wish those injured a speedy recovery”

For more information please contact Caroline Gluck, Senior public information officer UNHCR Iraq, Mobile phone +964 780 920 7286, e-mail GLUCK@unhcr.org
Skype caroline-gluck
Twitter @carogluck. @UNHCRIraq
Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/UNHCRIraq