UNHCR highlights situation of Camp Liberty residents in Iraq 

Geneva, 20 Jul - The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has released an update on the Iranian refugees stuck in Camp Liberty in Iraq.

This update focuses on how well solutions have been put in place to aid refugees in this area, specifically in terms of relocation.

Over 1,700 residents have been relocated to safe countries, which accounts for over half of the original refugees. The UNHCR hopes to have moved all residents out of Iraq before the end of 2016 with a combination of international efforts and middle-eastern movements.

The UNHCR gives a special mention to Albania, for providing refuge and welcoming those from the Camp Liberty into their country, and the United States, for providing “sustained and concerted” support.

The journey is far from universally positive though. Earlier this month Iran launched a rocket attack on Camp Liberty and while no one has been reported as dead, there were over 50 people injured. This attack followed an eight-day barricade of food, clean water, and medical supplies entering the camp.

The UNHCR calls on other countries to offer shelter and provide long-term solutions to the refugee problem before another attack happens. http://bit.ly/2ajoump

UNHCR ATTEMPT TO URGENTLY RELOCATE REMAINING CAMP LIBERTY RESIDENTS

THE OFFICE OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR) HAS PUBLISHED A STATEMENT REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SOLUTIONS FOR RESIDENTS OF CAMP LIBERTY. THEY CLAIM THAT THE RELOCATION OF THE CAMP RESIDENTS IS MAINTAINING MOMENTUM, “WITH MORE THAN 1,700 RESIDENTS HAVING NOW BEEN RELOCATED TO A SITUATION OF SAFETY IN THIRD COUNTRIES” MEANING THAT MORE THAN HALF OF THE RESIDENTS REGISTERED BY UNHCR HAVE NOW BEEN SUCCESSFULLY RELOCATED.

THE UNHCR ARE OPTIMISTIC THAT THE PROCESS OF RELOCATING ALL RESIDENTS WILL BE COMPLETED “WELL BEFORE” THE END OF 2016, ESPECIALLY SINCE INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS STARTED IN 2011. THE RESIDENTS OF CAMP LIBERTY ARE MEMBERS OF THE MAIN IRANIAN OPPOSITION GROUP PMOI (PEOPLE'S MOJAHEDIN OF IRAN), WHO WERE FORCIBLY REMOVED FROM CAMP ASHRAF.

THE STATEMENT SAYS: “THIS PROGRESS HAS BEEN ACHIEVED WITH THE COOPERATION OF THE RESIDENTS WHO HAVE PROCEEDED WITH THE RELOCATION PROCESS DESPITE DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES, INCLUDING THE ATTACK ON 4 JULY 2016, WHICH FORTUNATELY DID NOT RESULT IN ANY CASUALTIES.” ALTHOUGH THERE WERE NO FATALITIES, THERE WERE IN FACT MORE THAN 50 PEOPLE INJURED.HTTP://BIT.LY/29WMEXU