Iraqi returnees face chaos back home: migration group

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2008

GENEVA (AFP) — Iraqis returning home face immense hardship and bureaucratic obstacles in trying to rebuild their lives in the war-torn country, the International Organisation for Migration said Friday.

Many returnees do not have adequate food or health care while their homes have often been damaged or are being lived in by other families, the IOM said in a report.

"The situation for those returning is grim and isn't necessarily an improvement from when they were displaced," said Rafiq Tschannen, the IOM's Chief of Mission for Iraq.

"Many returnees are unemployed while only a fraction have received any form of humanitarian assistance other than some food rations," he added.

The report surveyed 13,030 families -- 78,180 individuals in all -- 17 percent...