U.N. fears for Palestinians evicted from Iraq homes

Reuters | 5/09/03

[kattracks]

U.N. fears for Palestinians evicted from Iraq homes

GENEVA (Reuters) - The United Nations expressed concern Friday that Iraqi landlords have forced Palestinian refugees out of previously subsidized homes, raising fears that up to 90,000 people could be put out on the street.

In addition to 1,000 Palestinians reportedly evicted in Baghdad, dozens of Iranian refugees have been turned out of homes by local communities in southern Iraq, the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees said in a statement.

Palestinians, displaced from their homes when Israel was founded in 1948, enjoyed ousted Iraqi President Saddam Hussein's protection, often being housed in the homes of Iraqis evicted by authorities for opposing the government, or in government property.

But now that U.S. troops have toppled Saddam, many have found themselves on the streets after some original homeowners returned to claim their property or when other Iraqis, taking advantage of the legal vacuum following Baghdad's fall in April, have simply taken over government houses, forcing tenants out.

"UNHCR fears that more of the 60,000 to 90,000 Palestinian refugees believed to be living in Iraq may lose their homes, as other landlords reclaim property they were forced to rent out for minuscule sums to the Baath government on behalf of the refugees," the agency said.

"Since the fall of the regime, even this money -- sometimes as little as $1 per month -- has not been paid to the owners."

The evicted Palestinians are camping in unused buildings and on open land, according to the agency which does not yet deploy any officials in Iraq, pending U.N. security clearance.

Many have been living in Iraq since 1948, although others were displaced from Kuwait following the 1991 Gulf War, according to UNHCR. The majority live in Baghdad.

The UNHCR sent a three-truck convoy with tents, mattresses and blankets, as well as stoves for up to 2,000 people. It was due to arrive in Baghdad Friday from Jordan.

05/09/03 09:21 ET

[kattracks]

So, where was the outcry from the UN when these homes were taken from the Iraqis?

The UN is very selective with their "fears".

[samtheman]

What that country obviously needs is more homes. Time to get a local construction industry into high gear. And for real estate, start by confiscating all palace lands.

[Asclepius]

The United Nations expressed concern Friday that Iraqi landlords have forced Palestinian refugees out of previously subsidized homes, raising fears that up to 90,000 people could be put out on the street.

North Korea has nuclear weapons. SARS may depopulate mainland China's hinterlands. Sudan is systematically extirminating its Christian and animist citizens. And this concerns the UN?

[Dutch Boy]

Are these people just afraid that Bush is going to pull this off? If Iraq ends up a better place without the UN then what is their mission? I may not know all the facts but I can't recall a single country the the UN "helped" that actual became a better place.

[Alouette]

When will they get around to blaming THE JOOOOOOOZ?

[MEG33]

America..bad...America should solve all problems immediately that developed for the last 30 years!Saddam gets a pass because he had no sense of justice and certainly no morals.

[Bahbah]

LOL. It won't take long, I am sure.

[samtheman]

The UN doesn't want solutions, only more power. It doesn't care about solving problems, only extending its influence.

[Mister Baredog]

LOL! You are sooooooo right. None of the ARABS like the Palestinians. That's why they prevented them from assimilating into Arab countries for 60 years, instead holding them, in refugee camps.

[Mister Baredog]

When will they get around to blaming THE JOOOOOOOZ?

That's a daily occurance at the almighty UN.

[cookcounty]

Why do the Palestinians get their rent paid for by others? Why won't they pay their rent like everybody else?

[10mm]

During Gulf War I, Pallie savages sided with Saddam and got themselves evicted from Kuwait en masse. During Gulf War II, Pallie savages sided with Saddam and are now getting kicked out of Iraq.

Here's an idea; let's give these losers their own state. They obviously have earned it due to their civilized behavior. [/sarcasm]

[sheik yerbouty]

Give it another day. make the Ross Ice Shelf "Palestine"!

[NFOShekky]

Hey Sheik,

I spent 7 months in Antarctica! The last thing they need down there are a bunch of stinking Palis! McMurdo looks enough like a "refugee" camp as it is! :-)

Send em to Paris!

[JSteff]

"The UN doesn't want solutions, only more power. It doesn't care about solving problems, only extending its influence."


Are we talking about the UN or am I reading a thread about the Democratic Party?