Hundreds of families along Iraq’s borders have taken refuge in IDP camps throughout the past eight years of conflict. The Government of Iraq and the Kurdish regional government are looking for long-term solutions while humanitarian support is being provided by non-military organizations and the KRG.

Camp Sangasar, in Sullymania province, is home to approximately 500 displaced families. Most of the individuals fled their Qandhil Mountain homes due to artillery fire. While their current camp is safe from artillery fire, there is another problem caused by the location of the village; it is located on a flood plain.

“Our engagement with KRG officials following the Sangasar visit was to have the KRG allocate space to move IDPs … which will fix the short-term problem,” said Vandal.

For the camp’s residents, returning to their homes in the near future isn’t a safe option. It is believed by government officials and Vandal that the artillery fire was an attempt to clear the village of civilians and that anyone who remains in the area may be labeled as terrorist suspects.

While families at Camp Sangasar wait until they can make a safe return to their homes, the KRG has donated money and is setting aside land for farming.

Like their Camp Sangasar counterparts, the residents of the Dahuk province IDP camps feel that they cannot safely return home. According to the Dahuk Director of Displaced Persons, some of the families in these camps were forced there by Saddam Hussein’s Regime. Many fled their home city of Mosul due to terrorist attacks.

“These IDPs only remember the conditions when they departed four or five years ago from Ninewa province when there were around 300 to 400 violent attacks per month. Now, attacks are down to 10 to 15 per week,” said Vandal.

As security has improved in Mosul, the KRG and GoI are looking for permanent homes for these people, with assistance from the U.S. Army.

“The KRG is more than capable of providing for the humanitarian needs of these people, said Vandal. “What we can do is engage senior leadership within the KRG to ensure that they are focused on long-term solutions.”