Iraq Flash Update #13: Update on Displacement from Lebanon (16 October 2024)

Data referenced is based on information UNHCR has collated from Government sources and partners between 27 September and 15 October

Situation Overview

• UNHCR is aware of 11,700 Lebanese arrivals to Iraq since the escalation of hostilities in Lebanon through various points including the Al-Qaim border crossing (7,980) and airports in Baghdad and Najaf.

• Over the previous three days, UNHCR has observed a slight decrease in the daily numbers of Lebanese arriving through Al-Qaim border crossing with 320, 340 and 390 individuals arriving on Sunday 13, Monday 14, and Tuesday 15 respectively.

• It is worth noting that UNHCR continues to observe Lebanese as the primary nationality of individuals crossing from Syria to Iraq after fleeing the hostilities in Lebanon. There have been no reported instances of Syrian refugees, or other nationalities, previously hosted in Lebanon, entering Iraq. UNHCR continues to monitor this situation.

• At Al-Qaim, the border crossing is mainly open to receive Lebanese arriving to Iraq between 15:00 – 20:00. Individuals arriving after 20:00 are reportedly having to wait until the next day to be processed and enter Iraq.

• 46 percent of the Lebanese new arrivals are hosted in Najaf and Karbala. The remaining are spread across different Governorates in central and south Iraq, including Salah al-Din, Babil, Ninewa, Basra, Diyala and Baghdad.

• An estimated 62% of the Lebanese arrivals are women and children. In addition, approximately 50% of households are reportedly headed by women.

• Since Monday 14 October, buses bringing Lebanese to Iraq organized by the Ministry of Transport and private entities, have been taking the new arrivals to Babel as opposed to Najaf and Karbala where accommodation facilities have reportedly reached capacity.