UN hails Syria’s acceptance of Palestinians stranded on Iraqi-Jordanian border

The United Nations refugee today welcomed Syria’s acceptance of 181 Palestinians stranded in difficult conditions at the Iraqi-Jordanian border after they fled Baghdad out of fear for their security.

“We are grateful that the Syrian government is offering a solution to the group,” UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) spokesman William Spindler told a news briefing in Geneva. “Contacts are presently underway with all concerned to ensure a smooth transfer of the group to Syria.”

But UNHCR has not been told whether Syria will accept other Palestinians who have faced intimidation and attacks, with many incidents of harassment, kidnapping, beatings and killings reported over the past few months.

There are an estimated 34,000 Palestinians in Iraq of whom 23,000 have been registered by UNHCR in Baghdad. They came to Iraq in three main waves - in 1948 on the creation of Israel, in 1967 after the six-day war and in 1991 after the Gulf War.

They were provided with protection and assistance by the ousted regime of Saddam Hussein and enjoyed a relatively high standard of living that some segments of Iraqi society considered unfair, according to UNHCR.

As news spread of Syria’s agreement on Saturday to accept the group that had been stranded at the Trebil border point, just inside Iraq, since 19 March, another group of 50 Palestinians left Baghdad, hoping to get admitted as well, but there has been no word so that they will be, Mr. Spindler said.

At first the new arrivals remained on their bus, until the weather turned so bad that 34 women and children were temporarily given shelter with the group of 181. The men moved to a site further away from the camp. They were provided with food and water by the border authorities and other Palestinians.

“The situation inside the Trebil border camp is getting more and more difficult,” Mr. Spindler said. “Over the weekend, strong winds and dust storms blew away several tents and temporary infrastructure such as latrines and caused heavy damage to the camp.

“At the same time, we are continuing our efforts with UNAMI and the Iraqi authorities, to improve the security situation of the Palestinians in the capital,” he added, referring to the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq.