UN warns returning Iraqi refugees

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The UN refugee agency has said it is not encouraging refugees to return to Iraq at present because the situation remains too insecure.

Conditions are not conducive for large- scale return, the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) said.

Many refugees have been unable to return to their original homes.

There have been numerous reports in recent weeks of convoys of Iraqis returning from Syria, in the hope of restarting their lives at home.

But, the agency says, those hopes may be dashed.

Reasons for return

Surveys conducted by the agency of Iraqis still in Syria indicate that while some refugees believe the security situation in Iraq has improved, many more are returning because they have run out of money or are desperate to get their children into school.

However, a UNHCR spokesman said the agency is "not promoting or facilitating in any way returns to Iraq."

"Our position is that the situation in Iraq is not yet conducive to large-scale return," said William Spindler.

"People have a right to return to their country, and if they feel they can return, they are the best judges for that.

"But in our view, the situation in Iraq is not yet conducive to return because of the lack of security, lack of services and so on."

A survey of families who have already returned revealed that only one-third managed to get back to their original homes.

Two-thirds found their houses occupied, so instead of a successful resumption of their old lives, they have simply become displaced for a second time.