Millions of Iraqis Are in Crisis, Lacking Basic Food, Water and Shelter

A July 30 press release reports that 8 million Iraqis are in need of emergency aid in the form of basic food, water and shelter. Putting that number into perspective, nearly one out of every three Iraqis is suffering from hunger, lack of water and inadequate protection from the elements.

Two aid organizations working in Iraq submitted a report on July 30 entitled "Rising to the Humanitarian Challenge in Iraq." The report states that four million Iraqis (15 percent) cannot buy enough to eat on a regular basis. In 2003, 50 percent were without adequate water; in 2007 that number has risen to 70 percent. Prior to the start of the war in Iraq, 19 percent of Iraqi children were malnourished; the number is 28 percent in 2007. The report states that some 92 percent of the children have learning difficulties, which are attributed to the climate of overwhelming fear. Some two million Iraqis are refugees, primarily in Syria and Jordan, and more than two million have been displaced. Of those displaced, the report says, most are women and children.

One of the aid organizations responsible for the "Rising to the Humanitarian Challenge in Iraq" report is Oxfam International. Jeremy Hobbs is the director of the agency. The press release quotes him as saying: "The terrible violence in Iraq has masked the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Malnutrition amongst children has dramatically increased and basic services, ruined by years of war and sanctions, cannot meet the needs of the Iraqi people. Millions of Iraqis have been forced to flee the violence, either to another part of Iraq or abroad. Many of those are living in dire poverty.

"Despite the terrible violence the Iraqi government, the UN and the international community could do more to meet people's needs. The Iraqi government must commit to helping Iraq 's poorest citizens, including the internally displaced, by extending food parcel distribution and cash payments to the vulnerable. Western donors must work through Iraqi and international aid organisations and develop more flexible systems to ensure these organisations operate effectively and efficiently.

"The fighting and weak Iraqi institutions mean there are severe limits on what humanitarian work can be carried out. Nevertheless more can and should be done to help the Iraqi people."

The report states that, although ending the war must be a top priority, the humanitarian crisis - the need for food, water, shelter and sanitation - must be given more attention. The press release states that the Iraqi government should take an approach that allows local authorities to deliver aid, and American and UK troops should support the implementation of getting aid to those in desperate need.

Further, Oxfam conducted a survey in April 2007, finding that more than 80 percent of aid agencies working in Iraq could do a lot more if they had more money. However, the press release states, many humanitarian agencies won't accept funds from countries that have troops in Iraq because it could jeopardize their security and how they function. That leaves governments who have not sent troops to step up and help the Iraqi people with emergency funding.

Sources:

Press release, Iraq: Nearly a third of Iraqis need immediate emergency help as conflict masks humanitarian crisis; http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900sid/MKOC-75LDQB?OpenDocument

Report, Rising to the humanitarian challenge in Iraq; http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/db900SID/EGUA-75LKGM?OpenDocument&rc=3&cc=irq