The UNHCR has announced today that it is in urgent need of $61 million to provide humanitarian assistance to help those in need in Iraq, Syria and Turkey.
This comes after Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O’Brien, announced that the UN does not have the sufficient funds to deal with the humanitarian needs of the civilians, after Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi announced the start of the battle to liberate the city of Mosul.
Civilian casualties for liberating the Daesh stronghold are expected to be high. The Iraqi government has dropped leaflets preparing civilians for the operation, along with broadcasting radio messages.
Up to 100,000 Iraqis may flee to Syria and Turkey to escape the Iraqi government’s military assault.
Because of the expected spike in casualties and civilians seeking refuge, the UNHCR is has requested for funds to provide 11,600 tents, 8,000 camp plots, 85,200 hygiene kits, 88,235 stoves, 24,194 tent insulation kits and cash assistance for 7,000 families.
Where is Mosul?
Mosul is the second biggest city in Iraq. It is located in the north of the country.
What is happening there?
Since June 2014 it has been under the control of Daesh.
What’s happening now?
Iraqi and Kurdish forces, backed by an international coalition which is led by the US, are battling to recapture the city from Daesh.