Iraqi Refugees: Reasons to Hope

Last night, I heard Sayib*, a Fulbright scholar from Iraq, tell his story. He spoke at The Iraqi Refugee Crisis—Bearing Witness, an event hosted by the Open Society Institute in New York City. His father was kidnapped and killed, a brother was almost killed, and two other brothers were kidnapped, though they later returned, shaken and upset. After all of this Sayib and his family decided to leave Iraq and they now languish in Syria, unable to work. The violence Sayib’s family experienced in Iraq and their flight into Syria are not unique. In one way or another, I have heard these stories over and over again. However, for me the compassion in Sayib’s voice truly stood out. Despite all of things that happened to him and his family, he still has great confidence in Iraq’s future. “I’ve already lost a lot of friends,” he said. Let us hope he does not lose any more.

The event also included a short lecture from Advocate Kristele Younes on what needs to be done to alleviate the crisis, as she continues to successfully publicize Iraqi refugees’ needs. In addition, Kristele and RI President Ken Bacon published an op-ed in the Washington Post Outlook section describing where Iraqi refugees have fled and the level of aid needed to help them.

Policy makers are hearing our call. Late last week, Congressmen Alcee L. Hastings and John Dingell sent a letter urging President Bush to do more for Iraqi refugees. They asked for next year’s budget to include $1.5 billion for Iraqi refugees, including humanitarian support for Iraqis displaced inside their country and bilateral assistance to help Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon cope with the influx of refugees.

The 4.5 million refugees within and outside of Iraq require long term, comprehensive assistance until conditions in Iraq become safer for their return. Refugees International will continue our efforts to ensure that such assistance is given.

* Name changed to protect his identity.