UNHCR calls for $261 million to assist displaced Iraqis

The United Nations refugee agency on Tuesday made a plea for $261 million in 2008 in order to address the Iraqi refugee crisis, The Associated Press reported the same day.

“The money is needed to provide health care, financial support and other assistance to the most vulnerable of the 2 million Iraqis who have fled the country, as well as to help some 400,000 of those who have left their homes but remain in Iraq,” the article said, citing statements from Ron Redmond, the spokesman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees.

“Redmond said the agency was unable to confirm Iraqi government reports that at least 30,000 families returned in late 2007,” the article added. “He said the U.N. doesn’t encourage Iraqi refugees to return home because of the security situation but supports Iraqi government efforts to help those who return voluntarily.”

It continued, “The agency also helps neighboring nations strained by the influx of Iraqi refugees, he said. Iran, Egypt, Lebanon, Turkey and several of [the] Gulf states, in addition to Jordan and Syria, are hosting refugees from Iraq.”

For the full article, click here.