June 19, 2015 Photos from Iraq

One year after the fall of Mosul

One year ago the Nineveh Plains and city of Mosul fell into the hands of Daesh, the so-called Islamic State. Thinking they would be able to return in a few days, millions of people fled from their homes into the unknown taking no worldly possessions with them. They never expected that one year later the crisis would still be raging on.

The displaced residents of this area currently live in Kurdistan with no idea of what the future holds for them. There are no signs that suggest an end to the crisis and no one knows when their homes will be freed. The greatest difficulty now facing the residents is uncertainty about their future. Not knowing what will come next paralyzes and prevents them from living a peaceful life, they feel helpless and much worst, hopeless.

Most refugees are living off the humanitarian aid that they receive. They lack job opportunities, prices are high and other aid options are dwindling. Some of the refugees are barely surviving and while some families wait for a chance to be granted asylum in another country, others still live in hope that the crisis will soon be over and they can return home again.

Caritas Iraq was among the first organizations to react to the crisis and helped tens of thousands of people in the country. The main focus of their efforts was providing shelter and immediate aid in the form of food and drinking water. The caritas also organized counseling and mobilized the local population to support their efforts.

Caritas Internationalis member organizations from all over the whole world, including Caritas CR, continue to support displaced families and people in need. For example, Cordaid (Charitas of the Netherlands) is currently organizing a fundraising campaign in support of Caritas Iraq and other local partners.

Caritas Iraq has appealed to other countries and organizations for assistance as the need for further help is immense. They are urging those in power to stop the violence and end the conflict with the use of armed forces to restore peace and stability in the country.

“We ask for peace, above all, for Syria and Iraq, that the roar of arms may cease and that peaceful relations may be restored among the various groups which make up those beloved countries,” said Pope Francis during his Easter visit in the Middle East.

Caritas CR is still accepting donations for Iraq in the form of financial sums of any value to the caritas account No. 55660022/0800, variable symbol 180; or a donation via text message in the form DMS CHARITASVET to number 87 777.