The United Nations today expressed concern about the relocation of 1,600 internally displaced persons (IDPs) within Iraq as the authorities seek to close the camps urgently, raising concerns of human rights groups.
"I am concerned about the lack of organization and good communication with affected communities and humanitarian partners," said Marta Ruedas, the organization's humanitarian coordinator in Iraq.
"Recognizing the stated desire of the Government of Iraq for the displaced to return to their homes at the earliest opportunity, all returns must take place within agreed frameworks with due regard to humanitarian principles," she said.
The authorities have decided in recent days to return displaced people from the governor of Nineveh (north) to their original provinces in Kirkuk, Salah al-Din and Anbar, located in the center and west of the country.
According to the United Nations, the operation took place without warning or clear planning, and some 300 families (an estimated 1,600 people) were returned from the Hamam al-Alil, Salameya and Nimrod camps in Nineveh to their areas of origin.
The United Nations considered that the transfer was characterized by a lack of information exchange and coordination between the authorities in the provinces of Nineveh and Anbar, despite the security concerns expressed by the displaced.
They reportedly received phone calls from their home areas warning them not to return.
In the early hours of Sunday, Basateen al-Shuyoukh camp in Salah al-Din was attacked by three grenades from outside its surrounding, causing no damage.
Displaced people in Anbar have not received security clearances to pass checkpoints.
The United Nations called for coordination between the provincial authorities and humanitarian actors to ensure proper planning of organized, voluntary and safe returns.