July 28, 2016 Iraq

The battle for Fallujah in Iraq has resulted in additional tens of thousands immigrants

In June 2016, tens of thousands of people were forced to leave their homes in Fallujah where the bloody battle started. It was led by government forces against ISIS fighters who had taken the area under their control since January 2014.

Most of the immigrants wanted to escape to the surrounding areas of Bagdad. But the government forced them to move to the areas of Amiryat El-Falluja and Bzaibiz, where there are now about 45,000 people (9,000 families) in temporary conditions in the desert. They stay there in tents, the unlucky ones without tents. The temperature these days climb up to a record breaking 54°C. During the night the temperature rapidly drops to 0°C.

Humanitarian aid is provided by Charity Iraq in cooperation with other international beneficent institutions. Only UNHCR (OSN Office for Immigrants) and UNICEF (child´s fund of OSN) have obtained permanent access into these spontaneously established camps. Iraq Red Cross, the World Health Organisation (WHO) etc. operate there with limited permission.

At present, the Charity of the Czech Republic in cooperation with local partners carry out a survey of needs and prepare a project that will respond to the situation.

Even though we have international assistance, many things are still missing for people to live a dignified life in these camps. There is a lack of shelter and challenging conditions. A small tent is often used by more than one family. There are no existing privileges for people with disabilities or for women. Furthermore, the Iraqi government pays little attention to humanitarian help in the area of Amiryat El-Falluja and Bzaibiz.

Czech donors can help internally displaced people living in the Iraqi immigrant camps by a financial donation sent to the account 55660022/800 with variable symbol 180. Thank you very much for all donations!