International Conference on Addressing the Humanitarian Needs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons inside Iraq and in Neighbouring Countries

April 19, 2007

The International Conference on Addressing the Humanitarian Needs of Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons inside Iraq and in Neighbouring Countries was hosted by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on April 17 and 18 at Palais des Nations (United Nations Office) in Geneva.

The Conference is to focus on the growing problem of refugees and internally displaced persons inside Iraq, and was attended by about 450 people including those from more than 60 states, the United Nations, other international organizations and NGOs. Mr. Makio Miyagawa, Ambassador to the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations and Other International Organizations in Geneva, attended the Conference as a chief delegate of Japan and delivered a statement.

At the Conference, Iraq and its neighbouring countries explained the seriousness of the present situation and appealed for support from the international community. Iraq expressed its intention to play a leading role in dealing with this issue, including that in financial contribution. The participating countries and organizations expressed their concern over the humanitarian situation of the refugees and internally displaced persons, and confirmed the need for enhancing their efforts including support for the neighbouring countries.

Having considered this serious situation, Japan decided to extend grant aid totaling 13.5 million US dollars to the UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) as assistance for the refugees and internally displaced persons in Iraq and the neighbouring countries. Japan welcomes the conference since Japan has been calling upon other donor countries to make more efforts in supporting Iraq, which is in a serious situation.

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