Iraq Policy Forum provides the latest on-the-ground perspective of the
                      crisis and what needs to be done

    WASHINGTON, April 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Leading experts just
back from Iraq joined with hundreds of constituents from across the country
to raise the urgency of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. A
coalition of leading U.S. non-governmental organizations (see below) came
together Monday to provide the latest on-the-ground perspective of the
deepening humanitarian crisis in Iraq, especially in and around Basra, and
described the best way forward from the crisis.

    "On my recent trip to Iraq, it was completely clear and apparent that
the country and the region are in the throes of a major humanitarian
crisis. Tens of thousands of people -- the UN is estimating over a million
-- do not even have access to clean water, food, or shelter -- let alone
adequate health services or educational opportunities," said Heather
Hanson, Director of Public Relations, Mercy Corps. "US officials need to
recognize that real stability in Iraq and the region depends upon our
capacity to work together with the international community and Iraqi
partners to support programs that provide the required emergency
life-saving assistance, lay the groundwork for long-term reconciliation and
development, and prevent further displacement."

    "This is one of the fastest growing humanitarian crises in the world,
yet the US response has been largely slow, meager and halfhearted," says
Bob Carey, Vice President of Resettlement Programs, International Rescue
Committee and Chair of Refugee Council USA. "Displaced Iraqis are growing
more traumatized, sick and destitute every day, yet find the prospect of
returning home safely any time soon, unimaginable. The scale of the
emergency requires a significant global response, but the US has a special
responsibility to lead the way in aid and resettlement."

    "The people of Iraq and the United States are interconnected by the
events over the past five years, and a growing number of Americans
understand the need and obligation to help displaced Iraqis," said Ken
Bacon, President of Refugees International. "The U.S. should be the global
leader in resettling the most vulnerable Iraqi refugees, but we are lagging
behind other countries. Most disturbing, we are failing to help many Iraqis
who risked their lives to support U.S. forces and help with American
reconstruction plans."

    There was consensus that:

    * Vulnerable Iraqis who are in Iraq r who have fled to neighboring
countries are in immediate and urgent need of the most basic humanitarian
assistance.

    * The United States should strengthen support to non-governmental
organizations assisting vulnerable Iraqis and should fund at least 50
percent of amounts requested in appeals from international organizations
providing humanitarian support to Iraqis.

    * There are many displaced Iraqis who will never be able to return home
safely. The United States should expedite the resettlement of vulnerable
Iraqis and vastly increase the number admitted.

    * The United States should significantly increase humanitarian
assistance to countries hosting Iraqi refugees to ease the strain on their
national systems as well as press Iraq and other countries to also respond
generously to meet these needs.

    Participating organizations: InterAction, Refugee Council USA,
Education for Peace in Iraq Center (EPIC), International Rescue Committee,
3D Security Initiative, Amnesty International USA, Chaldean Federation of
America, Chaldean Assyrian Syriac Council of America, Church World Service,
Center for Victims of Torture, The Episcopal Church, Human Rights First,
International Medical Corps, Mandaean Associations Union, Maryknoll Office
for Global Concerns, Mercy Corps, NETWORK: a national Catholic Social
Justice Lobby, North American Dominican Justice and Peace Promoters, Open
Society Policy Center, Oxfam America, Refugees

    International, Veterans for Common Sense, Women's Commission for
Refugee Women and Children, and World Relief.

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