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Iraq Situation: UNHCR Flash Update - 30 July 2017

Countries
Iraq
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UNHCR
Publication date

KEY FIGURES

  • 837,450 Internally displaced Iraqis verified as being currently displaced from Mosul and surrounding areas since military operations to retake the city began on 17 October 2016

  • 587,299 IDPs, returnees and members of the host community from Mosul and surrounding areas assisted by UNHCR since 17 October 2016.

  • 263,756 Individuals (54,668 households) impacted by military operations to retake Mosul since October 2016 are currently enrolled in ASSIST, UNHCR’s assistance tracking tool

  • 3.3 million IDPs since January 2014

  • 257,476 Iraqi refugees hosted in countries in the region, and 21,503 Iraqis received in camps in Hassakeh, Syria since 17 October 2016

FUNDING

USD 578 million requested for IDPs and Iraqi refugees in the region in 2017

POPULATION MOVEMENTS

Ongoing arrivals to camps near Mosul. Between 26 and 28 July, 125 families arrived in eastern Mosul camps, 93 arrived in camps south of Mosul, and 8 arrived in northern camps. These are similar arrival numbers to the previous week. Most fled fighting in Tel Afar, while others from west Mosul had been initially displaced to the east but relocated to camps over absence of services, insecurity and destruction of homes.

Increasing departures compared with arrivals to camps. During the same period, 347 families departed eastern Mosul camps (an increase in departures compared to the previous week), 91 departed south Mosul camps (similar numbers to recent days), and 54 departed from camps in the north (a decrease on recent days). While some families returned to areas of origin, others went into secondary displacement including under sponsorship arrangements. Families continued to cite improved access to areas of origin and insufficient protection from the hot weather in the tents as the main reasons for departure from camps.

New displacement out of Shirqat. Over the last week the Iraqi Air Force and coalition forces have been attacking extremist groups located on the east bank of the Tigris River at Shirqat in Salah al Din Governorate, west of Kirkuk. Around 40-50 individuals per day have fled to government-controlled areas on the west bank seeking accommodation in government buildings.

SITUATION UPDATE

According to UN Habitat, 15 of the 54 residential districts in west Mosul have been flattened, with nearly 32,000 houses destroyed. Twenty-three districts have been moderately damaged with nearly half of the buildings destroyed. In the 16 neighbourhoods considered lightly damaged, 16,000 homes have been destroyed. All five bridges in Mosul on the Tigris River have been severely damaged. The airport, many roads, hospitals, schools and utility grids have been heavily damaged.

In the first meeting of the High Commission for Coordination between Governorates since Mosul was retaken, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi called for investment in national unity. He said operations to liberate remaining areas under the control of armed groups would resume in Tel Afar, Hawiga and west Anbar. He further reiterated the need for cooperation and coordination between governorates to sustain stability, and protection of civilians was the responsibility and duty of the Government of Iraq.