Refugees enjoy improved conditions in new camp, says UNHCR

While life is safer now for the Iranian-Kurdish refugees who moved from central Iraq to the new Kawa camp in the north of the country, getting back on their feet again will take time. “The people helping us are trying to provide us with the best possible living conditions, but we’re still in need of permanent places to live, where we can rebuild our lives,” said Kawa camp resident and refugee spokesman Ahmed Lawik. For the refugees, currently living in tents, employment – along with the construction of permanent residences – is the pressing issue. “The main needs for refugees at Kawa are employment, which [UN refugee agency] UNHCR will assist in through income generation activities, vocational training and livelihood grants,” said UNHCR spokeswoman Astrid Van Genderen from Geneva. Hundreds of Kurdish refugees, who lived in the al-Tash camp in central Iraq for more than 20 years, were transferred to Kawa, near the northern city of Arbil, in November 2005. They are currently receiving assistance from the UNHCR and the Kurdish regional government (KRG). There were originally some 12,000 Iranian Kurds in al-Tash, most having fled Iran during the Baghdad-Tehran war in the 1980s. But clashes between multi-national forces and insurgents following the US-led invasion in 2003 have since caused most to flee. According to the UNHCR, only 267 refugees currently remain in al-Tash. Better facilities on offer, says UNHCR Upon arrival to Kawa from al-Tash, UNHCR officials assist refugees with registration and ID cards and coordinate the issuing of ration cards for monthly food supplies. “UNHCR provides comprehensive protection and support to over 50,000 registered refugees throughout Iraq, in addition to some 2,050 registered asylum-seekers,” said Van Genderen. Each family from al-Tash camp receives US $250 to cover transportation costs, and those from the Iraqi-Jordanian border receive US $500 per family because of the longer distance. Another $200 is provided for essential needs. All families in Kawa are provided with tents, replete with their own latrines and bathing facilities. The construction of permanent homes is planned for later this year. According to Van Genderen, refugees also receive non-food items like cooking fuel, clothing, mattresses, blankets, lanterns, stoves and kitchen sets. “Special attention is being given to the needs of women, children, the elderly and the disabled,” she said. Health and basic medical services are also being provided to all families. “My children don’t get sick anymore, and their health has improved because the doctors here pay attention to us,” said Emani Nadir, a 34-year old mother of two and Kawa camp resident. Access to primary and secondary schools for all children is also being negotiated. At least one school facility has been built so far, opening its doors in February with some 16 teachers. “The school here is very good and the teachers help us with our homework,” said Rana Diar, 11, who lives with her family in Kawa. “It’s much better than in al-Tash.” Additionally, roads have been built connecting the camp to Arbil and Kirkuk, as well as other major population centres where bakeries, barbers, grocery stores and clothing can be found. Security and discrimination While the current climate in Iraq strongly affects refugee populations, the Iranian Kurds at Kawa do not face particular discrimination based on their national or ethnic origins, according to UNHCR officials. “The Anbar authorities were generous in their support of al-Tash camp and its refugee population,” said Van Genderen. “The KRG and the Governorate of Arbil have likewise welcomed the relocation to Kawa.” Security issues had been one of the main factors that led to the refugees’ initial relocation to safer areas. “The relocation occurred due to security concerns arising from ongoing hostilities in Ramadi near al-Tash camp, which also limited the ability of UNHCR's partners to access the camp and provide assistance,” said Van Genderen. “The site allocated by the authorities at Kawa presents a secure and durable location.” According to officials at the Ministry of Migration and Displacement, refugees in Kawa are receiving the full protection of the state. “They’ve been accepted by the local population, who try to offer them minimum support and treat them as equals,” said senior ministry official Baker Hussein. Kawa camp resident Daro Goran confirmed that he and his colleagues had been welcomed by the local population. “We’ve been well accepted by the locals,” he said. “This new place makes us feel like we are like any other Iraqi.” The UNHCR, together with the International Organisation for Migration, is also helping local authorities develop a “national policy” aimed at addressing displacement issues and identifying the means to a durable solution.