UNHCR delivers emergency relief to Rajm Slebi border point, begins evacuations to Al Hol camp

UNHCR has delivered badly-needed emergency supplies and relief, as well as evacuated 115 Iraqis from the Rajm Slebi checkpoint near the Iraq-Syria border to Al Hol camp in Hassakeh.  All are now confirmed to have arrived safely at Al Hol.

8 November 2016   |   عربي

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AL HOL CAMP, Hassakeh, Syria – The operation to move people to safety is ongoing, with buses expected to visit the checkpoint for several days. The move follows earlier deliveries of tents, water and other supplies to help authorities at the checkpoint set up a transit centre for those crossing the border.

But many are in a desperate situation after already being forced to flee their homes to try to keep themselves and their families alive. With winter fast approaching, their situation could deteriorate further, especially those most at risk including the sick, elderly and children.

Rajm Slebi is approximately 30km south of the Al Hol camp in Syria’s Hassekeh governate. UNHCR has – until today – had no substantial access to the checkpoint and has been unable to verify the numbers of people there or to assess their needs.

Alphonse Munyaneza, UNHCR Field Coordinator for North-East Syria, who accompanied today’s arrivals from Rajm Slebi said: “We brought back 115 Iraqis from Rajm Slebi to Al Hol. They are mainly women, children and sick people – the vulnerable. These are priority categories right now; but others also have protection and humanitarian assistance needs which we will spare no efforts to meet – conditions permitting. We hope to return tomorrow until we clear any backlog there – with priority being given to the most vulnerable.”

Following unconfirmed reports over the numbers of people at Rajm Slebi, UNHCR has been working to gain a clearer picture of the situation there. Interviews conducted by an NGO partner with people awaiting processing at the checkpoint, as well as those who have had access, have produced the following estimates.

• The number of Iraqi refugees is around 1, 200 – approximately 700 females and 500 males.
• Approximately 610 of these are children, 200 are thought to be below the age of five. Forty people are thought to be above 60-years of age.
• Some 3, 000 displaced Syrians are also reportedly there: 1, 200 male, 1, 800 female.
• 1, 800 are thought to be children below 5-years old, and 70 are elderly persons.

Many are in need of urgent medical attention. 200 Iraqi refugees are said to be injured, along with smaller numbers said to have urgent health problems. Among the displaced Syrians, 500 are reportedly injured and 150 have severe health problems.

The last major arrivals at Rajm Slebi took place on October 31, consisting of 400 people from Deir-ez-Zor governorate in Syria.

Reportedly, the Iraqis present are mainly from villages in Baji district, Al Mosel and Salah-al-Din.

We will continue to provide emergency relief at Rajm Slebi, but we cannot adequately care for people at a border checkpoint. We therefore urge authorities at Rajm Slebi to conduct the processing as efficiently as possible and with due respect for humanitarian principles – to allow us to take those who have lost everything and been forced to flee, to safety at Al Hol as soon as possible.

At Al Hol camp, UNHCR is currently ready to provide emergency assistance for up to 15, 000 people, with capacity soon doubling and eventually rising to 50, 000.