Erbil, Kurdistan, Iraq (KRG.org) – Despite the enormous influx of Iraq’s displaced people to Duhok province, where they have sought refuge after the attacks in Sinjar and elsewhere, local and international efforts continue to provide basic needs to the displaced.

The Sharia district of Duhok governorate is 37 km from the city of Duhok and was originally established to shelter local victims of the Anfal regime years ago. It is now one location accommodating a large number of Yezidi families, mostly from Sinjar and surrounding areas. Approximately 35,000 displaced people are now in this district.

Jaafar Simo, a member of the committee for the displaced, told KRG.org that their committee includes 100 volunteers from the area. He noted that the displaced families are located in various places. Some are sheltered in unfinished buildings in Kavin village, as the KRG renovated the village last year. The rest are housed in the district’s six schools, except for those living with relatives or friends.

The committee distributed the aid provided by non-governmental organisations and donors. Cooks have also been hired to ensure three meals each day to the displaced.

The enormous number of internally displaced people and Syrian refugees has dramatically increased the workload for the Duhok governorate. The basic needs of these families are beyond the capacity of the governorate authorities, who cannot tackle this crisis alone. Donor countries and international and local organisations have therefore played an important supporting role.

Duhok Governor Farhad Atrushi told KRG.org, “On a regional level, Turkey has played a positive role. Following the tragedy they have promised to build two refugee camps, and they have started to build one already. They are providing several trucks of water and bread for the displaced in Duhok through the Shirnakh Road. In addition, they are accommodating a large number of Yezidi Kurds as refugees in the area between the Kurdistan Region and the Turkish border, especially in the cities of Diyarbakir and Shirnakh.”

Germany has sent 12 trucks of aid for displaced families in the Kurdistan Region: six for Duhok and six for Erbil. However, the Duhok Governor stated that the aid is not enough to match the needs of the vast number of displaced people.

The Duhok Governor noted that the Iraqi Government has only played a minor role despite promises to build one or two large camps for the displaced. No action has been taken thus far. Governor Atrushi called upon the United Nations to expedite efforts to bring humanitarian aid to the displaced, especially the construction of camps and the provision of health services. Many children and elderly have not yet received vaccinations or proper medical attention, and this heightens the risk of a disease outbreak among the displaced and throughout Duhok.

Jaafar Simo noted that a large number of displaced people remain in Duhok even though the Peshmerga forces have liberated their villages. Many families are hesitant to return home until they are sure the areas are safe and clear from terrorist threats. He added that the Sharia district was already accommodating approximately 13,000 people prior to the recent attacks, and the number has grown significantly.

Governor Atrushi expressed his concern regarding the number of displaced people and the tremendous workload upon the governorate. Civilians from Bahadre, Mehta, Essia, and Sheikhan remain despite the safety and security of these towns. The Governor urged them to return home because now the ISIS terrorists are far away from these areas, are being pushed back even further, and will be eliminated altogether. He emphasised that the terrorists have been pushed further away from Duhok following the advances of the Peshmerga forces, who are protecting the area.