Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mosul (Agenzia Fides) – The grave situation of Iraqi Christians, suffering intimidation, threats, and being forced to flee their land, has now been officially recognized, as well, by the United Nations, which has launched an aid program through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
The UNHCR is now helping thousands of Iraqi Christians who have left Mosul over the past fortnight. Most have found shelter in villages elsewhere in Ninawa province, but about 400 have crossed into Syria. It is still not clear who is behind the intimidation.
An estimated 2,200 families (nearly 13,000 people) have left Mosul since midweek, most of whom have taken refuge in areas north or east of the city. This is over half of the Christian population of Mosul. There are also those taking refuge in the neighboring areas of Dahuk, Erbil, and Kirkuk. The majority have been taken in by other Christian families. Right now, it seems that the movement has died down a bit, according to UNHCR staff present in the area.
The UNHCR in Iraq and their collaborators have provided aid to at least 1,725 refugee families in nearly 20 zones of northern Iraq.
UNHCR representative in Syria, Laurens Jolles, says that many of Mosul's Christians have been systematically targeted recently and are no longer safe there. The UNHCR will provide support for those Iraqis that seek refuge in neighboring countries and they are grateful that Syria continues to welcome refugees. The country is currently hosting at least 1.2 million Iraqi refugees.
UNHCR has fast-tracked the registration of Christian refugees from Mosul who have turned up at the agency's offices in the cities of Damascus and Aleppo. Those interviewed have told similar stories of sudden flight from Mosul. Many left with limited financial resources and are in need of aid. All said they hoped to be able to return to their homes in the Iraqi city soon. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 27/10/2008)
