HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOON BRIEFING
BY FARHAN HAQ
ASSOCIATE SPOKESPERSON FOR SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON
U.N. HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
UNHCR REVIEWS OPERATIONS FOR RETURNEES, REFUGEES AND IDPs IN IRAQ
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The UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees, L. Craig Johnstone, is in Iraq today as part of a five-day mission to review UNHCR's operations for returnees, refugees and internally displaced people and to hold a series of meetings with Iraqi officials.
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In his meetings, Johnstone acknowledged the improvement in security inside Iraq and described the situation as much healthier compared to his last visit two years ago. He also urged the Iraqi government to engage more with Iraqi refugees outside of Iraq and to include them in national reconciliation efforts.
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The Deputy High Commissioner also commended the Iraqi Government for implementing a compensation package for returnees and internally displaced families. He stressed, however, that much more needs to be done, and he added that there will not be a solution to the Iraqi situation as a whole until the plight of displaced people and refugees has been resolved.
http://www.un.org/News/ossg/hilites.shtml
BY FARHAN HAQ
ASSOCIATE SPOKESPERSON FOR SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON
U.N. HEADQUARTERS, NEW YORK
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
UNHCR REVIEWS OPERATIONS FOR RETURNEES, REFUGEES AND IDPs IN IRAQ
*
The UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees, L. Craig Johnstone, is in Iraq today as part of a five-day mission to review UNHCR's operations for returnees, refugees and internally displaced people and to hold a series of meetings with Iraqi officials.
*
In his meetings, Johnstone acknowledged the improvement in security inside Iraq and described the situation as much healthier compared to his last visit two years ago. He also urged the Iraqi government to engage more with Iraqi refugees outside of Iraq and to include them in national reconciliation efforts.
*
The Deputy High Commissioner also commended the Iraqi Government for implementing a compensation package for returnees and internally displaced families. He stressed, however, that much more needs to be done, and he added that there will not be a solution to the Iraqi situation as a whole until the plight of displaced people and refugees has been resolved.
http://www.un.org/News/ossg/hilites.shtml