Iraqi Refugees in Syria: Silent Exodus Leaves 500,000 in Need

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

From Refugees International. Go to www.refugeesinternational.org for more information about this and other refugee situations around the world.

Iraqi Refugees in Syria: Silent Exodus Leaves 500,000 in Need

Little known to the rest of the world, the war in Iraq has created an estimated 500,000 refugees who have fled to Syria. Some have been accused of supporting the Americans, and cite attacks, kidnappings, and threats of murder by insurgent groups as reasons for their flight. “I was threatened that if I didn’t quit , they would kill me. For our security, I brought my family to Syria,” one recent arrival told Refugees International. Syria and the UN Refugee Agency have implemented some programs to assist Iraqi refugees, but more steps need to be taken. Once perceived to be a temporary issue, protecting Iraqi refugees in Syria is proving to be a protracted problem that will require attention and resources from the international community.