2 MILLION INTERNALLY DISPLACED IRAQIS: STATEMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE OF SECRETARY GENERAL OF UN

(There are) almost 2 million internally displaced Iraqis, of whom over 700,000 have been displaced in the past 14 months. Reports indicate that internal displacement is continuing and, unless peace and stability are restored soon, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) will likely increase.

People are leaving their homes because of the violence in Iraq and while many have sought safety in neighboring countries – as is their right under international law many are unwilling or unable to leave their country. Although systematic data are lacking, it is likely that those who are internally displaced are even more vulnerable than refugees: IDPs are closer to the conflict which led to their displacement and the provision of humanitarian assistance inside Iraq is extremely difficult.