HIGHLIGHTS
In the reporting period:
3,151 Syrians entered the KR-I in August through the Peshkabour border and 3,747 individuals returned from the KR-I to Syria. An increase in returns to Syria continues to be observed, attributed to the rising cost of living in the KRI and a lack of employment opportunities, as well as for reasons of family reunification, property matters and agricultural pursuit.
Based on the results of a tent-to-tent food security and vulnerability assessment, WFP implemented a tiered approach to better target food assistance to Syrian refugees most in need. Refugee families found to be food secure no longer receive WFP food assistance; those deemed moderately food insecure receive reduced assistance at IQD 11,700; and those deemed food insecure continue to receive the full level of assistance at IQD 22,300.
The issue of people smuggling to Europe has been reported in refugee camps and urban locations. Camp authorities have observed incidents of the departure of refugee head of households to Turkey, leaving wives and children behind. According to interviews conducted by UNHCR, the smuggling route from the KR-I goes through Greece, Macedonia, Serbia, Hungary and Austria and ending in Germany. Transportation modes include boats, trains and cars with some even traveling on foot.