In Search of Safety

Publication language
English
Pages
20pp
Date published
19 Jul 2016
Type
Research, reports and studies
Keywords
Conflict, violence & peace, Protection, human rights & security, Forced displacement and migration, Internal Displacement
Countries
Iraq
Organisations
Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)

In May and June 2016, an estimated 85,0001 people fled from locations in and around Fallujah City, following operations by the Iraqi military to retake those areas from ISIS. These civilians are now mostly living in makeshift camps in Ameriyat al Fallujah, Habaniyah Tourist City and Khalidiya, and in host communities in other parts of Anbar governorate, as well as a limited number in Baghdad governorate, having undergone a gruelling journey towards safety.

This journey has involved numerous obstacles to movement and associated protection risks, including threat to life.

However, the recent events in Anbar and the resulting humanitarian consequences for civilians will be dwarfed by the access and protection challenges civilians will face when the anticipated military operations on Mosul begin, with over ten times as many people expected to flee.

We have an opportunity now to learn the lessons of Anbar to minimise the risks facing civilians and to prepare ahead of Mosul.