Number of internally displaced Iraqis continues to rise

The latest United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) estimate of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Iraq is over two million, according to IRIN. The figure for refugees now stands at 2.2 million. Some Iraqi officials are blaming a lack of unity among politicians for the worsening displacement problem.

“Individual governorates inside Iraq are becoming overwhelmed by the needs of the displaced. At least 10 out of the 18 governorates have closed their borders or are restricting access to new arrivals,” said UNHCR spokeswoman, Jennifer Pagonis. The growing number of IDPs has led to shortages of adequate food, water, housing and other basic necessities.

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