Iraqi refugees flee Syria but also fear returning home: UNHCR
Listen /
Outreach worker registering a displaced Syrian family in Lebanon
Insecurity in Syria has caused 10,000 Iraqi refugees to return home within the past week, according to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR).
UNHCR says approximately 80,000 Iraqi refugees are registered in Syria and since May about 13,000 have left the country.
Spokesperson Melissa Fleming reports that although many of these refugees fear for their safety both in Syria and at home, they felt they had no choice but to leave.
"Meanwhile for those remaining, we have increased the numbers of people manning hotlines. We're getting overloaded with calls seeking advice and help and aid. We are hearing from these refugees that although the situation has become a bit calmer over the weekend, they are still quite fearing for their lives and they are running short of basic food and other needs including cooking gas, and that there is a need for medical care."
(Duration: 28″)
UNHCR and the Iraqi government are helping Iraqi citizens to return home, including those who are unable to afford it.
The UN agency is also providing financial assistance to Iraqis who remain in Syria so that they can stockpile essential items.
