Iraq Mission

Over the last two days, Said and I have met with Iraqi refugees, representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and national and international non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

We were told by refugees, the UNHCR, and NGOs that in the last few weeks Iraqi children have been registering for enrollment in public schools throughout Jordan, following the decision of the Jordanian government to allow Iraqis to attend public schools even if Iraqi families do not have residency. This is a very important step for refugee families because the placement of children in school should ensure that they will be allowed to remain in the country throughout the academic school year.

The impossible decisions of an Iraqi refugee
We continue to document refugee testimonies illustrating the extremely high level of violence in Iraq, and the persecution suffered by many Iraqi people. We met one man who fled Iraq after multiple members of his family were targeted and killed due to their religion. Because his life was in great danger, he was forced to leave his pregnant wife and young child in Iraq. The man is Sunni and his wife is Shi'a. Marriage between Sunni and Shi'a was not at all uncommon in the past, but such families are now in danger as neighborhoods are cleared for members of only one religious viewpoint. His wife and child have tried to leave Iraq but they have been denied permission to enter another country. If he leaves Jordan, he may not be able to return.

Iraqi refugees are forced to make these impossible decisions every day in attempting to secure protection from persecution. The international community must do more to ensure:

• that refugees have meaningful access to protection
• that neighboring countries are supported so that their borders remain accessible
• and that families are not forced to separate without any assurance of safety

Sarnata Reynolds
AIUSA Refugee Program Director