Iraqi refugees... yet more shame

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Don't you wish you could read some news from Iraq that didn't make you feel deeply ashamed? DS

US criticized for limiting Iraqi refugee intake to 500 - Guardian

Abstract: Humanitarian groups have criticised the United States administration for failing to pull its weight in providing for up to 3 million Iraqis displaced from their homes, with the official quota for the number of Iraqi refugees to be allowed into the US this year standing at just 500. Aid organisations report a rapidly mounting crisis of refugees inside Iraq and in neighbouring countries as thousands flee sectarian violence every day. The United Nations estimates that more than 1.5 million Iraqis are displaced within the country and a similar number are living as refugees in Jordan, Syria and elsewhere. The US administration laid down the quota of 500 Iraqi refugees for 2007 last September. It has a further 20,000 refugee places that are unspecified and could be allocated to Iraqis, but the administration has failed to provide funds even to meet its identified programme of 50,000 refugees from specific regions in 2007. So far, only 41,000 places have been funded. Robert Carey, head of resettlement at the New York-based International Rescue Committee, said a long-term refugee crisis was being created, with many of those fleeing so traumatised that they had vowed never to return to Iraq. "The need is extraordinary. From what we have heard and seen, the situation in Iraq and neighbouring countries is rapidly degrading and could destabilise the entire region. The need goes far beyond what is being offered, and only real leadership and commitment within the administration will change that," Mr Carey said. READ IT ALL