Iraqi Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons: A Deepening Humanitarian Crisis?

Abstract

Some aspects of the humanitarian crisis many feared would take place in March 2003 as a result of the war in Iraq continue to unfold as a result of post-war insurgency and sectarian violence. It is estimated that in total (including those displaced prior to the war) there may be as many as 2 million Iraqi refugees who have fled to Jordan, Syria, and other neighboring states, and approximately 2.7 million Iraqis who have been displaced within Iraq itself. Some experts think that the Iraq situation now outpaces other refugee crises worldwide.