More Than 1,000 Iraqis Displaced Daily

Thousands have fled their homes, like this boy at a Baghdad camp for displaced families (file photo) (epa) January 31, 2007 -- Sectarian violence and crime are forcing more than 1,000 Iraqis to flee their homes daily and aid resources are inadequate to help them, an international migration agency reports.

In a report published January 30, the International Organization for Migration said some 360,000 people had been displaced since February last year due to sectarian violence, military clashes, and criminality.

Dana Graber, a coauthor of the report, said people were leaving mixed communities for more homogenous communities, marking a polarization of the country.

The Geneva-based group says it needs about $50 million annually to help those fleeing their homes, but only received $4 million for 2006 and even less for 2007.

(AFP)