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Every day more and more Iraqis move to
Kurdistan
26.2.2007 |
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Erbil, Kurdistan
region (Iraq), February 26, -- Every day more and
more people are abandoning their homes in central
Iraq and moving to the country's northern Kurdistan
autonomous region, according to officials. Many are
settling in the less violent northern city of Erbil,
the one million-strong capital of Kurdistan.
"By the end of 2006, we had registered 6,000
displaced families," said Emad Maroof Jameel, Head
of Disaster Management Coordination in the Arbil
branch of the Iraqi Red Crescent Society.
Jameel said that the increase in the number of the
displaced arriving in Erbil in recent weeks has been
phenomenal. Within 15 days, from 15 November to 1
December 2006, the Red Crescent registered 434
displaced families. At present, the total number of
displaced families is estimated to be between 7,000
and 8,000 - and the number is increasing.
Officials blame sectarian violence for the
increasing numbers fleeing to central Iraq.
A displaced Sunni Muslim living in Erbil told IRIN
on condition of anonymity that Shia militia attacked
his village near Baghdad. Some of his relatives were
killed, some imprisoned and others escaped. In
addition, he said their life there was becoming
increasingly difficult because Shia owners were
firing Sunnis from their jobs and replacing them
with other Shias.
The displaced Sunni said that life in Erbil was not
easy as Kurdistan's regional government would not
provide them with housing, health care and jobs. He
was, however, satisfied with the better security
there.
"We are victims of a civil war. This really is a
civil war. I get about US $15 a day and pay $8.50 a
day for housing. But I don't have enough to go to a
doctor. Right now, I am sick," he said.
Abu Ibrahim fled to Erbil with his wife and five
children. He is satisfied with conditions in Erbil
and his children are enjoying being back in school.
"I am working with a private employer and my
children have been accepted in school. We're praying
for the wellbeing of all Iraqis. I hope that peace
will be restored and that whenever we are able to go
back home our problems will be solved," he said.
The Red Crescent's Jameel said they do not have
camps for displaced people, although initially they
provided them with first aid, shelter and food.
"We coordinate with Erbil Governorate for refugee
issues. They have opened two Arabic schools in Erbil,
one in Ainkawa [just north of Erbil] and the other
in 100 Meteri Street," Jameel said.
He added that the displaced are not provided with
housing. Some of them live in villages with their
relatives and others have rented houses in Erbil.
The government also does not provide the displaced
with employment.
irinnews org
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