Iraqi Refugees in Neighboring Countries: A New Forced Protracted Displacement in the Region

Abstract

The Iraqi refugees as other Iraqis are victims of the abuses of human rights inside their country, and they are also victims of foreign invasion and occupation. This study examines the different legal regimes that have been used by five asylum countries in dealing with the protection and assistance needs of hundreds of thousands of these refugees. While acknowledging the role played by these host countries and in particular Syria and Jordan, in alleviating the suffering of Iraqi refugees the study points that the legal status of these refugees is still ambiguous. The study considers if they are more considered as foreigners or refugee’s, at least de facto refugee’s. It highlights also that the domestic law in these countries is not always in compliance with international law. The role played by the UNHCR is also envisaged. Finally, this study discusses the uncertain future of the refugees whether they decide to stay at the asylum countries, to return home, or to be resettled in third countries.