Numerous Iraqis have fled in the Middle East since the displacement of Palestinians following the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948. Most of the Iraqi refugees have settled in Jordan and Syria with over 2M in population, others, in Lebanon, Egypt, Iran and Turkey. The flight created a humanitarian crisis of oppressive proportions, yet it was just recently that governments, the UN and the global media began to notice the scope of the tragedy. Most Iraqis are restricted from gaining rightful employment, education, and healthcare. They live in deplorable conditions and are unable to meet basic needs for shelter, sanitation, nutrition and education for children. Although Europe and US offered aid by providing contributions to the work of UNHCR and intake of some of the refugees, it is only scratching the surface of this enormous and continually mounting problem. Unless other countries take proactive role in alleviating this crisis, the Iraqi refugees will remain in perpetual state of hopelessness, their plight potentially sending negative effect throughout and well beyond the Middle East.

[No Keywords available]

social justice Eurasia border region refugee Israel Europe Jordan Syrian Arab Republic Asia Middle East Iraq Iran human rights United States Lebanon North America Africa North Africa international migration Turkey Egypt humanitarian aid