NGOs: Too soon for Iraqi refugees' return

BAGHDAD, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- Baghdad should reconsider its stance on inviting Iraqi refugees back to the country until the security situation is stabilized completely, aid groups said.

The umbrella group, Commission for Civil Society Enterprises in Baghdad, said the Iraqi government policy of offering travel compensation for returning refugees was premature, IRIN, the U.N. humanitarian news agency, said Monday.

Basil al-Azawi, who heads the group, said refugees are returning to the country only to find their homes razed or occupied by other displaced families, with Baghdad unable to offer the care they need.

"For the time being, the government should take care of the refugees and meet their daily needs in their host countries until it can secure suitable life conditions to allow them to go back to their homes," he said.

Baghdad should reform its policy to advocate a gradual return that complements incremental improvements in the living situation in Iraq, Azawi added.

A Nov. 1 report by the International Organization for Migration echoed those sentiments, saying security was a factor for returning refugees.

"Despite increased protection efforts, however, there were several episodes of violence targeting Baghdad returnees during the past month, including murders of entire returnee families," IOM said.

U.N. estimates put the total number of displaced Iraqis at more than 4.2 million since the U.S.-led invasion of 2003.