Nutrition Information in Crisis Situations -
Iraq
RNIS 24, June 1998
A new six-month phase of the 'oil-for-food' programmes was
approved at the end of May. This next phase allows for an increase in the ration
provided by the Government to residents, along with substantial increases in
funds for the water and sanitation sector. The plan is contingent on Iraq
selling about USD4.5 billion worth of oil. In order to achieve this, major
rehabilitation of the oil sector will be needed. Ways of achieving this are
being investigated [WFP 05/06/98]. A survey carried out in Iraq showed that the nutritional
status of Iraqi children had not improved in the last year. Details are not
currently available. Substantial improvement will only come when water and
sanitation, along with food supplies, improve [UNDPI 22/05/98]. It remains unclear how much of this aid reached those in the
southern marshes, who traditionally receive little assistance from the
Government.
RNIS 23, March 1998
There are no new reports on the nutritional situation for the
Marsh Arabs, some of whom are in Southern Iraq and some of whom are living as
refugees in Iran. The general deterioration in living standards in Iraq is
though to more keenly affect the Marsh Arabs, who traditionally receive little
assistance from the government.
RNIS 22, December 1997
Living standards in Iraq have deteriorated sharply since imposition of the
international embargo imposed following the Gulf war. The Marsh Arabs are
believed to be amongst the most affected groups as this population have suffered
persecution for many years. A programme implemented by the government to drain
the marshes has deprived the Marsh Arabs of their livelihoods and their homes.
This population has also had to endure extreme hardships as a result of
arbitrary arrests and torture, as well as discrimination with regard to gaining
access to resources.
The more recent oil-for-food arrangements which have been sanctioned by the
international community now allows Iraq to sell oil providing the proceeds are
used to purchase food and other goods for humanitarian purposes. However, in
spite of this new arrangement, malnutrition remains a problem in the country.
The food rations available through government programmes do provide a
significant portion of energy needs but are deficient in other nutrients,
particularly vitamin A and C. The extent to which the Iraqi population can
supplement this ration to obtain a more balanced diet is not known [FAO
03/10/97, WFP 10/10/97]. Furthermore, as eligibility for this ration requires
the beneficiary to show an identify card, it is likely that many families are
missing out on this ration, i.e. families are in the process of registering,
families choose not to register or families have been denied the right to
register. It is probable that large numbers of Marsh Arabs are unregistered
[RNIS #21].
Many Marsh Arabs have crossed the border and are living in a number of camps
as refugees in Iran. New arrivals are continually being reported and it is
currently estimated that there are 46,000 refugees living in the camps. A
further 57,000 are living outside of the camps and are thought to be
self-sufficient [OHRI 09/09/97]
There have been no new nutritional surveys on this population since 1994. At
that time, wasting in children between 12-60 months was measured at 25% (see
Annex I (17a)). There were many problems identified at this time, including an
inadequate general ration, inadequate water and sanitation and inadequate
medical care. These difficulties have now reportedly largely been resolved.
There are however some residual problems with the regularity of food
distributions and a lack of vitamins, particularly vitamin A and C in the
ration. Also, the ration does not provide a commodity that is suitable as a
complementary food. There is also a reported lack drugs so that antibiotic
treatments are not always offered when necessary [OHRI 09/09/97, ICA 1994].
Overall, the Marsh Arabs in Iraq are thought to remain at heightened
risk of mortality due to inadequate food and medical services (category IIa)
although there are a lack of data to support this assertion. The refugees in
Iran are not believed to be at heightened risk (category IIc in Table 1)
Ongoing interventions: The need for vulnerable group feeding in
Iraq, e.g. orphanages, IDPs, social institutions, malnourished children under
five, remains essential as the current food basket does not meet the special
needs of these groups. These programmes, along with economic rehabilitation,
particularly agricultural rehabilitation will help many Iraqi civilians. It is,
however, unlikely to have a significant positive impact on the Marsh Arabs who
remain a marginal population.
In the camps in Iran, consideration should be given to providing a fortified
blended food which will improve vitamin intake and also make available an
appropriate complementary foods. However, provision of such a food would
necessitate some form of nutritional education to encourage most appropriate use
of this type of food. There is also a need for more drugs and vitamin A and C
distribution for under fives through camp clinics.
RNIS 21, September 1997
An international embargo imposed on Iraq after the Gulf War in
1990 has resulted in a dramatic economic decline. Living standards throughout
the country have deteriorated due to a combination of escalating prices, lower
purchasing power, reduced food production and a breakdown of health services
[UNICEF 01/06/97, MOH(GOI), UNICEF, WFP 14/04/97]. These adverse conditions are
likely to adversely affect the Marsh Arabs in the south-east of the country even
more profoundly since this group is traditionally neglected and marginalised by
the government. Security resolution 986 allowed the Government of Iraq to sell
oil to buy food and medical supplies for distribution throughout the country.
This has allowed the Government to make a food basket available to the
population at heavily subsidised and affordable prices for most of the
population. The responsibility to observe and ensure the equity, efficiency, and
adequacy of distributions throughout the country falls under the United Nations
Office of the Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq under the overall authority of
the Department of Humanitarian Affairs (DHA). In addition to food distributed
through the 'oil-for-food' agreement, WFP is continuing its targeted feeding
programmes to vulnerable groups whose needs are not otherwise being met [UNHCHR
10/09/97, WFP 29/08/97]. A nutritional survey was carried out in the southern
governates in conjunction with a 'National Polio Immunisation Day' in April 1997
to provide baseline data. Over 15,000 children under five were weighed and
measured at primary health centres when they arrived for polio immunisation.
Wasting was measured at 8.9% (see Annex I (17a)). For comparison purposes, in
1990-95 wasting averaged 3%1 [MOH(GOI), UNICEF, WFP 14/04/97, WFP
08/08/97]. It is unclear to what extent the Marsh Arabs are represented in this
survey.
1 from UNICEF (1997) State of the
World's Children 1997. p.82. UNICEF. New York.
A subsequent assessment in July 1997 noted that while the food
supply situation had improved, malnutrition remained a serious problem for
vulnerable groups. The second six month phase of the programme began in June
1997 and will be completed in December 1997 [UN 26/08/97, WFP
08/08/97].
In order to be eligible to receive the food basket, people
must first register by showing a government issued identity card. In this
respect, there are three possible reasons why citizens might not be receiving
rations: the person is in the process of registering, the person has not chosen
to register, or has been denied registration. Many of those in the marshes do
not have registration cards for one of these reasons and are therefore not able
to access the subsidised food which is available. This group remains isolated,
and information is lacking on their health and nutritional status [UNHCHR
10/09/97]. Overall, the Marsh Arabs can be considered to remain at
heightened risk of malnutrition (category IIb in Table 1), since it is unclear
to what extent the general improvement in food availability is having a positive
impact on this group. There are a further 28,000 Marsh Arabs in Iran whose
nutritional status is thought to be adequate (category lie in Table
1). Ongoing interventions: As in the past, access to
the Marsh Arabs is limiting the information available on their health and
nutritional status. It was hoped the monitoring of food distributions under the
'oil-for-food' plan would provide much needed information on this population. So
far this has not been the case.
RNIS 20, June 1997
Under Security Council Resolution 986, the Government of Iraq
is authorised to sell oil to procure essential humanitarian goods, including
food and medicines. Food distributions are meant to ensure a daily ration of
2,030 kcals/person/day. The World Food Programme is responsible for
distributions in the north and the Government is responsible for distributions
in the central and southern regions. WFP is however, responsible for observing
the equity, efficiency and adequacy of distributions throughout the country
[UNECOSOC 21/02/97, WFP 28/03/97]. The first distribution of wheat flour was undertaken on the
2nd of April 1997 in the central and southern areas of Iraq [WFP
18/04/97]. It is hoped that these food distributions will allow for
access to the Marsh Arabs, and could be the opportunity for assessment of this
population. Anecdotal information on the desperate state of this population has
been filtering out over the past few years. There have been continual reports,
of destruction of habitats, arbitrary arrests and torture but due to
inaccessibility, no surveys or assessments have been carried out. Overall, the population remaining in the marshes is
likely to remain at high risk, while the population in Iran is not thought to be
at heightened risk as the assistance they receive is likely to be adequate
(category IIc in Table 1).
RNIS 19, March 1997
Reports have been received on a regular basis depicting the
desperate state of the approximately 200,000 Marsh Arabs in Southern Iraq (RNIS
# 1,3,4,6,10,11,12,15/). These people have been deprived of their livelihoods,
their habitats have been destroyed, and they have been forced to endure
arbitrary detention, arrests, torture and execution [UNHCHR 12/12/96]. The government of Iraq has been called upon repeatedly to halt
discriminatory practices that, inter alia, restrict access to food and health
care in the southern areas of the country [UNHCHR 23/04/96, 12/12/96]. The recent agreement on the sale of oil to purchase food and
medicines for humanitarian purposes pursuant to Security Council resolution 986,
may provide an opportunity to obtain more information on the plight of this
highly vulnerable population. If UN observers are given freedom of movement
throughout the country, it should be possible to begin monitoring the conditions
amongst the Marsh Arabs. How could external agencies help? The agreement
reached on Security Council Resolution 986 allowing for the sale of oil to
purchase humanitarian goods may provide a window of opportunity to assess the
health and nutritional status of the Marsh Arabs. Free movement of UN monitors
will be essential for ensuring the equitable distribution of humanitarian goods
within the country, and that the traditionally neglected Marsh Arabs are able to
reap the benefits of this programme.
RNIS 18, December 1996
There are no new reports on the situation for the Marsh Arabs
in the south, who have been suffering a constantly deteriorating situation for
many years. The systematic destruction of the traditional habitats, loss of
livelihood, arbitrary arrests, detention and torture of this population have
been regularly reported, and have most likely left this population of 200,000
with little or no propensity to cope. There are no reports of change to the generally adequate
nutritional status of the approximately 28,000 Iraqi refugees in Iran. Overall, the Marsh Arabs inside Iraq are likely to be at high
nutritional risk (category IIa in Table 1) while those who have crossed into
Iran are probably not at heightened nutritional risk (category IIc in Table
1).
RNIS 17, September 1996
The implementation of a United Nation’s resolution, which
provides for the export of limited quantities of oil to provide essential food
and medical needs, has been put on hold for security reasons [WFP 06/09/96].
This will most likely adversely impact the Marsh Arabs in the south, who have
been suffering a constantly deteriorating situation for many years. The
systematic destruction of the traditional habitats, loss of livelihood,
arbitrary arrests, detention and torture of this population have been regularly
reported, and have most likely left this population of 200,000 with little or no
propensity to cope. WFP has begun food distributions in the northern governates,
but faces serious shortfalls in pledges for programmes in the centre and south,
including the Marsh Arabs [WFP 13/09/96]. There are no reports of change to the generally adequate
nutritional status of the approximately 28,000 Iraqi refugees in Iran. Overall, the Marsh Arabs inside Iraq are likely to be
at high nutritional risk (category IIa in Table 1) while those who have crossed
into Iran are probably not at heightened nutritional risk (category II c in
Table 1).
RNIS 16, June 1996
A report by the Special Rapporteur for Iraq in March 1996 is
one of a recent series describing “a constantly deteriorating situation for
most of the population, especially the most vulnerable segments, comprised of
children, pregnant and nursing mothers, the elderly, the disabled, and the
increasingly large numbers of destitute.” [ECOSOC 04/03/96]. The report
describes how food prices increased by over 300% in 1995, while salaries and
wages remained unchanged. Although the government has continued distribution of
its subsidised food basket of five essential food items, a large percentage of
the population is estimated to have a shortfall in calorie intake of over 50% of
requirements. Recent nutrition surveys throughout the country have consistently
found widely prevalent moderate and severe malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency
among children. It must be assumed that the nutritional and health status of
the 220,000 Marshland Arabs in particular is being critically undermined by the
economic situation in Iraq. This population have experienced systematic
destruction of their traditional habitat in conjunction with other measures of
persecution. Loss of livelihood, arbitrary arrest, detention and torture, as
well as attacks on habitats have further stretched the survival capacity of this
population. A recent agreement between the international community and the
government of Iraq that the latter will purchase food and medicine in exchange
for oil has raised some cautious hopes that the nutritional and health situation
of the Iraqi population will improve [WFP 24/05/96]. However, the Marsh Arabs
have in the past been one of the most ostracised groups within Iraq so that it
is unlikely that any increased availability of foods and medicine will directly
benefit this highly vulnerable population. There is no reported change to the adequate nutritional status
of the approximately 28,000 Marsh Arabs who have fled the southern marshes and
are now residing in camps in Iran [UNHCR 21/05/96]. Overall, Those remaining the marshes are likely to be
at high nutritional risk (category IIa in Table 1) while those who have crossed
the border into Iran are probably not at heightened nutritional risk (category
IIc in Table 1).
RNIS 15, April 1996
Although there is very little direct information, it can be
assumed that the nutritional and health condition of the 220,000 Marshland Arabs
continues to be undermined by the systematic destruction of their traditional
habitat in conjunction with other measures of persecution. Loss of livelihood,
arbitrary arrest, detention and torture, as well as attacks on habitats have
stretched the survival capacity of this population. Approximately 28,000 people
have managed to cross the border into Iran, and their nutritional status is
reportedly adequate [UNHCR 19/03/96]. There have been a succession of reports describing a declining
nutritional situation for the majority of Iraqi people partly as a result of
economic sanctions. As the Marsh Arab population is currently one of the most
vulnerable in Iraq, it can be assumed that their nutritional situation is worse
than that of the rest of the country which is increasingly being described as
very poor. A very recent report describing the health and nutrition
situation in the country since sanctions were imposed in 1991 described a
catastrophic situation. “A large number of ad hoc nutrition surveys have
been conducted on children in different governorates in Iran, and the results
have been consistently dismal. Moderate and severe malnutrition is widely
prevalent. Kwashiorkor and marasmus, the most alarming forms of protein-energy
malnutrition reappeared in Iraq in 1991. Nutritional anaemia and vitamin A
deficiency ....... are now common occurrences” Mortality rates have
reportedly increased six-fold and incidence of malaria, cholera and typhoid, to
cite a few examples have also increased dramatically [WHO Mar 96]. Overall, the Marsh Arabs who are refugees in Iran are
probably not at heightened nutritional risk (category IIc in Table 1), while
those remaining in the Marshes can be considered to be at high nutritional risk
(category IIa in Table 1).
RNIS 14, February 1996
There has been no updated information on the health and
nutrition condition of the 220,000 Marsh Arabs in southern Iraq. The last RNIS
reported a deteriorating situation for those remaining in country, while the
small portion of this population who have crossed into Iran are not currently
felt to be at heightened nutritional risk.
RNIS 13, December 1995
There has been very little information in recent months on the
condition of the 220,000 Marsh Arabs in southern Iraq. Although a small
proportion of this population have assumed refugee status by crossing the border
into neighbouring Iran, the majority continue to endure extreme hardships in the
southern marshes and are mostly inaccessible to aid agencies. Continued
destruction of their traditional habitat and resulting loss of livelihood and
means of subsistence are compounded by various forms of persecution including
arbitrary arrest, military attack, torture, and executions [UNECOSCO
04/09/95]. Recent information on the declining food security and
nutritional well-being of much of the Iraqi population would imply that the
highly vulnerable Marsh Arabs are likely to be in an even worse situation. At
the end of September a UN inter-Agency humanitarian programme review reported an
“increasingly disastrous” situation in the country. At the same time
WFP were reporting that more than 4 million people including 2.4 million
children under five were at severe nutritional risk and that they were about to
double their target beneficiary population from 1 million to 2.15 million from
October 1995. UNICEF have also been reporting that the number of low
birth-weight babies and monthly averages of mortality and morbidity among
children due to diarrhoea, malnutrition and pneumonia have increased to alarming
levels [DHA 31/10/95, FAO 1995]. There are no immediate prospects for an improvement in the
situation nationally as disagreement continues on implementation of Security
Council Resolution 986 which would guarantee revenue from the sale of Iraqi oil,
to be used to import humanitarian goods under UN supervision [DHA
31/10/95].
RNIS 12, October 1995
There is no evidence of any improvement in the situation of
the 220,000 Marsh Arabs. This population has had to endure destruction of their
traditional marsh habitat and consequent loss of livelihood and means of
subsistence as well as various forms of persecution including arbitrary arrest,
torture, executions and military attack. Some of the affected population has
crossed the border into Iran attaining refugee status but most remain inside
Iraq where they are largely inaccessible to aid agencies [UNECOSOC
04/09/95]. Although there have been no systematic nutritional surveys of
this population and there is no current anecdotal information, a recent UN
assessment mission in the country indicates an overall decline in food security
and nutritional well-being for much of the Iraqi population. This deterioration
must be particularly critical for the Marsh Arabs who are already known to be
extremely vulnerable [WFP 15/09/95]. The mission found that an estimated 60% of the population in
the centre/south of the country (which includes the Marsh Arabs) is in need of
food assistance and that the government ration of 1100 kcals/person/day is
proving insufficient to avert a major crisis. Widespread anaemia, marasmus,
kwashiorkor and vitamin A deficiency have been reported [WFP
15/09/95]. The UN's emergency operation which targets over one million
vulnerable beneficiaries is running into difficulties as food shortfalls have
meant that only one third of the target population can be supplied [WFP
15/09/95]. How could external agencies help? A food aid
shortfall is preventing WFP from supplying food rations to all identified
vulnerable groups.
RNIS 11, July 1995
It must be assumed that the dire plight of the 220,000 Marsh
Arabs is deteriorating further as sanctions against the Iraqi government reduce
national resources and capacity for basic needs provision and as the government
continues with marshland drainage. The Marsh Arabs, who have depended on the
marshes for their livelihood for many generations, are being forced to flee due
to me drainage programme and continued government acts of aggression including
shelling of civilian settlements, arbitrary detention and execution and
religious persecution. Many of the 5,000 people who were trapped on the narrow
stretch of road linking the marshes and Iran have now succeeded in crossing the
border and have found safe haven in the refugee camps in Iran. Approximately
2,000 remain on this strip of land but are expected to be allowed to cross over
into Iran fairly soon [UNHCR 29/06/95]. A recent report on the vitamin A status of children in the
southern governorate of Basrah (where what remains of the marshes are located)
found a public health problem with 1.3% of boys and 1.2% of girls suffering from
nightblindness [DHA 26/06/95]. It has also recently been reported by UNICEF, WHO
and WFP that in the northern governates, 23% of children under five year of age
are malnourished. Given the extreme hardship experienced by those remaining in
the marshes, it is likely that prevalence of wasting and avitaminosis are
similar or possibly higher amongst the Marshland Arabs. [DHA 28/05/95, DHA
26/06/95]. Response to a recent appeal by the Inter-Agency humanitarian
Programme in Iraq has so far been disappointing. Only 7.5% of the overall
programme requirements have been pledged to dale to support planned UN
activities [DHA 28/05/95].
RNIS 10, April 1995
Most recent estimates are that there are approximately 222,000
Marsh Arabs whose very existence continues to be threatened by the destruction
of habitat and livelihood. So far approximately 28,000 Marsh Arabs have crossed
the border and are living as refugees in camps in Iran. The dire situation for the Marshland Arabs in Iraq has been
underscored once again by the February 1995 report of the Special Rapporteur of
the Commission of Human Rights. This report re-iterates and makes more current
the following already well-documented facts. Refugees continue to flee the Southern Marsh area despite
increased impediments to departure. Many of these refugees, who have been
interviewed at Himmet and Ulm-Na’aj along the southern Iraq-Iran border,
report arbitrary detention, extrajudicial execution, deteriorating living
standards, religious persecution and continuous draining of the marshes
resulting in loss of habitat and livelihood. In some instances civilian
settlements have been shelled and razed to the ground. The drainage programme has gradually reduced the opportunities
for fishing, buffalo herding and crop cultivation. It has also made it
increasingly difficult to locate drinkable water. The situation along the strip of road on the Iraq-Iran border
known as Himmet is particularly difficult for the approximately 4,000 people
waiting for entry into Iran. Malnutrition, diarrhoea and infections are
widespread amongst this group and pregnant women have no access to obstetric
care [Statement to the commission on human Rights 27/02/95]. Although lack of access has determined that there are
virtually no quantitative data on the nutritional or health status of the
Marshland Arabs, information from the northern governorate and other areas of
Iraq may allow some extrapolation to the situation in the Marshlands. In October
1994 the government reduced food rations by 33% so that the number of calories
supplied by the food rationing system, which very few Marshland Arabs have ever
had access to, provided for less than 50% of requirements. For many the
short-fall could not be adequately made up through market purchase as inflation
had placed even the most basic food items beyond their reach. Data are available for other parts of Iraq indicate that since
August 1993 food prices in northern Iraq have increased by 84% while in central
and southern governorate inflation may have reached 600%. The effect of this
reduced access to food has been a marked increase in the number of cases of
protein energy malnutrition seen at health centres, a prevalence of 48% severe
anaemia amongst pregnant women, large increases in the number of cases of
moderate and severe goitre and a prevalence of 1.6% night-blindness in children
under five years of age during 1994 [DHA 10/03/95]. It can only be assumed that
there has been an equivalent if not greater deterioration in the nutritional
status amongst the Marshland Arab population. It has recently been reported that 2,000 Marsh Arab refugees
in Iran would be moved from camps close to the border to areas in the western
and central provinces so as to ensure their greater safety and to allow more
regular access by UNHCR [UNHCR 28/02/95]. How can external agencies help? Notwithstanding
the many political initiatives which are being taken by the international
community, the support of those few indigenous humanitarian agencies with
limited access the Marshland Arabs should be strengthened. In particular efforts
should be made to strengthen basic need provision for those people stranded at
Himmet where some access is possible.
RNIS 9, February 1995
Reports indicate that the situation for the Marshland Arabs in
Southern Iraq (approximately 220,000 people) continues to deteriorate. The
drainage programme carried out by government of Iraq forces, limited access to
government food rations, increased control of the marshes restricting population
movements and aerial bombardment and artillery shelling all conspire to push
this population out of the marshes and seek refugee status in neighbouring Iran.
However, there are no current nutrition or health survey data to indicate the
extent of the suffering of the population remaining in the marshes. More
information is however available on those who have managed to cross the border
into Iran. It is estimated that over 12,000 people have crossed the
border to Iran at Himmet since June 1993. In Iran, these refugees are housed in
three different camps. It is currently estimated that there are a further 4,100
refugees at Himmet, a small and narrow dirt road linking the marshes of Southern
Iraq with Iran. In mid-January, assistance in the form of blankets and plastic
sheeting was delivered to the refugees in Himmet [AMAR Appeal 23/01/95, UNHCR
13/01/95].
RNIS 8, December 1994
The most recent reports on the Marshland Arabs in Southern
Iraq (approximate population 220,000) describe a deteriorating
situation. Interviews with Marshland Arab refugees newly arrived in Iran
indicate a dramatic decline of water in the southern marshes, especially in the
summer months. This is mainly due to the drainage programme carried out by
government of Iraq forces. The reduction in the water level has deprived the
population of food, construction materials and means of transportation.
Furthermore, there is almost no drinkable water left in any part of the marshes
[UN: Situation of Human Rights in Iraq, 8 Nov 1994]. Difficulties for the Marshland Arabs are further compounded by
the fact that they have limited access to the monthly government food ration
cards that are normally available to every Iraqi citizen. In most cases this is
simply due to political discrimination. With no direct access to food, many have
become dependent upon intermediaries and smugglers who sell them flour, sugar
and oil at black-market prices. However, increased control of the marshes by
government forces further restricts movements making populations more isolated
and dependent on depleted natural resources. The final insult is the aerial
bombardment and artillery shelling of the marshes indiscriminately pursued by
government Eventually, many refugees have little choice but to flee their
natural territory [UN: Situation of Human Rights in Iraq, 8 Nov 1994]. There is no doubt that the violations referred to above have
continued up until this report and indeed the flow of Marsh Arabs seeking
refugee status into South West Iran has continued unabated. Most of the new
arrivals are in very poor physical and psychological condition which partly
reflects the fact that access to health care is extremely limited for the
inhabitants of the marshes as there are no clinics inside the marsh area [UN:
Situation of Human Rights in Iraq, 8 Nov 1994]. Overall, the refugees in camps in Iran
are not considered to be at heightened nutritional risk (category IIc in Table
1), while the Marshland Arabs still in Iraq are considered to be at high risk
(category IIa in Table 1).
RNIS 7, October 1994
There is no new information on the approximately 222,000 Marsh
Arabs living both in Iraq and in camps in Iran.
RNIS 6, August 1994
There are no reports of change in the poor nutrition and
health status of the approximately 222,000 Marshland Arabs living both in Iraq
and in camps in Iran. How could external agencies help? There is very
little information available on the situation of the Marshland Arabs. Until a
clear picture of the situation is known, it is difficult to make recommendations
about what could be done.
RNIS 5, June 1994
As food and medicine are still not available in southern Iraq,
and the marshes, chief source of income for the people living there, continue to
be drained, people continue to flee to Iran. Current estimates are that there are approximately 22,000
people living in six camps in Iran, just over the Iraqi border. Most of these
people have been in Iran for a few years and are fairly well settled - almost
all have proper housing and some have work. The situation is much worse for the approximately 2,200 new
arrivals from Himmet living in tents, with no escape from the heat which
sometimes reaches 50ºC. It is said that water supply is inadequate and of
poor quality; many are forced to drink unclean water from a nearby river.
Anecdotal reports state that diarrhoeal diseases are quite common and that many
children are anaemic [Al-Hakim 6/6/94, WFP 23/05/94]. Some food is reported to be available to these refugees, but
no milk is available for the children and vegetables are scarce. Anecdotal
reports indicate that the number of marasmic children is growing [Al-Hakim
6/6/94]. No new information is available on the approximately 200,000
Marsh Arabs still inside Iraq.
RNIS 4, April 1994
A recent UN report on the situation of human rights in Iraq,
submitted by the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights [UN-ECOSOC
25/02/94] states that "Since his last report to the General Assembly, the
Special Rapporteur has received a continuous flow of information concerning the
deteriorating food and health situation in the country from a number of both
nongovernmental and intergovernmental organizations."..."particularly the most
vulnerable, are bearing heavy and painful consequences as mortality and
morbidity rates rise...". The Special Rapporteur goes on to note that in the
Southern pan of the country Government prohibitions and restrictions effectively
deny the marsh dwellers access to food and health care, and "the general food
and health situation has been further aggravated by the Government's draining of
the marshes, which constitute the foundation of the local economy, support the
traditional way of life and used to provide the main sources of protein (from
fish and water buffalo) for the local population." Thus, aside from the military
activity, the population is suffering both from little or no access to food and
medicine distribution, and a declining source of livelihood - "water has become
stagnant and polluted and has caused the death of large numbers of fish and
water buffalo, i.e. the main sources of nutrition and income for the local
population". The flow of refugees crossing the border into Iran has recently
been "on average, 30 to 40 refugees each week" reported to be less than during
1993. Even the original population of the marshes is not known, but is variously
reported as around quarter of a million people. The numbers internally displaced
are again unknown, but are certainly in the tens or possibly hundreds of
thousands. UNHCR reports that the number of Marsh Arabs assisted by the
Government, UNHCR, and WFP in Iran is around 7,000. More than 600,000 refugees
from all parts of Iraq are known to be in Iran, of which 110,000 are receiving
assistance from UNHCR. The Amar Appear (an international NGO) reports [Amar 19/04/94)
that it is working with local NGOs to assist with food and medical care at
Himmet (the border crossing) and in refugee camps, including some 20,000
squatters: of one group (some 10,000) displaced inside the marshes, the children
are described as starving, many with dysentery, with negligible shelter with no
firm ground under foot. Medical reports from displaced and refugee populations
emphasize the high incidence of respiratory diseases, with the cold
weather. Other reports speak of renewed fighting during March causing
increased internal displacement and destruction of villages. Refugees arriving
on the border are described as suffering from severe malnutrition, and from
exposure to unprecedented swarms of mosquitoes, perhaps due to ecological change
[ICA 18/04/94].
RNIS 3, February 1994
There have been many reports of severe food shortages among
the Marsh Arab population in the southern marsh area of Iraq - for example, from
February 1993 that "the inhabitants remaining in the marshes are apparently no
longer able to feed themselves as the environmental destruction taking place has
removed local food sources and they are not able to purchase food due to the
blockade..." [UN-ECOSOC 19/2/93]. Further reports are coming in from several
sources on the conditions, including nutritional, of (a) the population in the
Marshlands, and (b) refugees from the Marshlands, in Iran or on the border strip
[AI 23/11/93, Amar/Nicholson 11/2/94, UN-GA 18/11/93]. All the available reports point to a very serious nutritional
situation for many of the people within the marshland area, e.g. "in terms of
needs, reports and testimonies indicate that malnutrition and disease are
widespread within the marsh area... coupled with inadequate food, the effects of
disease have been severe, particularly for infants, lactating mothers and the
elderly." "The complex of controls effectively denying access to food and
healthcare in the marsh area similarly forces Marsh Arabs to move in an effort
to obtain sufficient food and medical supplies and services." [UN-GA
18/11/93]. The population from which refugees continue to flee has been
estimated at somewhere around one quarter of a million before the current
situation, although "The exact number of people who live in the marshes is
unknown, but several hundreds of thousands live in small towns and villages on
the edges of the area". [UN-SC, 5/8/92] The refugee camps within South West Iran for Southern Iraqi
refugees are accommodating just under 27,000 of these refugees. Another 11,000
unregistered Southern Iraqi refugees are thought to be sheltered in Iranian
border towns and villages. Almost 1,600 refugees are now sheltered at Himmet, an
8 metre wide strip of road spanning the marshes between Iraq and Iran on the
Iranian side. Around 30 new refugees arrive daily. [ICA 27/1/94] The health conditions for refugees arriving in South Western
Iran were previously reported by the UN to be very bad - for example in August
1993 80% of patients seen had amoebic dysentery [UN-GA 18/11/93]. Aside from
general malnutrition, specific deficiencies such as anaemia are reported to be
very widespread. Dysentery, diarrhoea and respiratory infections continue to be
reported. The situation of the 1,600 refugees at Himmet is reported to be that
they are living in plastic tents and reed huts with limited fresh water
supplies, but have some access to basic food staples. No surveys have been carried out on the marsh population
within S Iraq, but it is expected that the nutritional state of the population
is extremely poor. This is likely for a variety of reasons including the
unofficial government embargo on the marsh area, the drainage of the marshes and
consequent destruction of environment, and the fact that vulnerable groups such
as the elderly are sometimes reported to be left by the fleeing population. [ICA
27/1/94, Amar/Nicholson 11/2/94] Recent reports from medical teams in Himmet
show that "malnutrition" was the commonest single diagnosis, nearly 20%, both in
children one to ten years and in adults (next commonest were diarrhoea and
bloody diarrhoea), with anaemia also very common. [Amar/Nicholson
15/2/94]
RNIS 2, December 1993
The overall population in the marshlands of Southern Iraq is
approximately 350,000. The health and nutritional crisis affecting the marsh
Arab population of Southern Iraq which was reported in the last RNIS bulletin is
continuing as the life sustaining marshes are further destroyed through the
government drainage programme. The traditional sources of food, such as water
buffalo and fish, are increasingly scarce. Additionally, government offensives
and recently reported attacks (September 1993) against the Hammar marsh
populations are factors contributing to the increasing number of Iraqi refugees
in Southern Iran. 28,200 marshland Arab refugees are now living in refugee camps
in Southern Iran administered by the Iranian Red Crescent and government. New
arrivals passing through the border crossing, Himmet, number 80-100 daily. Over
800 refugees are currently waiting at Himmet for transfer to other camps. No
nutritional surveys have been carried out on the new arrivals for security and
logistical reasons.
RNIS 1, October 1993
At the end of July a nutritional and health crisis affecting a
large number of Marshland Arabs in Southern Iraq was publicized. The crisis was
brought about largely by the government policy of draining the marsh area,
polluting the waters and launching offensives against the resident population.
The population in the area was believed to be approximately 350,000. A small
percentage of this population (15,000) had made their way to the Iraq/Iran
border either to a strip of land linking the two countries (Himnet) or to a deep
and relatively safe marsh called Um Al Naj where they resided on floating rafts.
Apart of limited supplies of fish from the marshes this displaced population
were without access to food and their health and nutritional situation was
believed to be critical. Estimates of prevalence of wasting amongst children
were 60% with cessation of lactation amongst a high proportion of mothers.
Surveys were not possible for security and logistical reasons. Over the last six weeks the population in Himnet (currently
estimated at 4,500) has been supplied with food by local NGOs and their status
has improved considerably as a consequence. However, the situation of those in
Um Al Naj (currently estimated at 15,000) which is far less accessible, is
unclear. The Iranian Government are now allowing these Marshland Arabs into
camps in Iran at a controlled rate, although 50-75 new arrivals still appear
each day in Himnet. The Iranian Government has allowed local NGOs to conduct a
nutritional and health survey in the border area which should commence soon. The
status of the larger population in the Marshland area can only be guessed at,
but must, at the very least, be extremely precarious. | 
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