Report: Number of Iraqi refugees in Europe expected to double

About 2 million Iraqis have fled the bloodshed in their country since 2003, mainly to Syria and Jordan. An additional 1.7 million are believed to have been displaced within Iraq. Within Europe, most Iraqis have headed for Sweden, followed by the Netherlands, Germany, Greece, Britain and Belgium.

BRUSSELS, Belgium: The number of Iraqi refugees arriving in Europe is expected to double to 40,000 in 2007 based on trends from the first two months of the year, the U.N. refugee agency said Friday.

As the security situation has deteriorated in Iraq, European governments have come under increasing pressure to open their doors to asylum-seekers. Many are worried that an escalation of violence in 2007 could generate large waves of refugees.

"We're asking the European Union to take a consistent and generous approach to the needs of the refugees," said Judith Kumin, head of the office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees in Brussels.

Read the rest at the International Herald Tribune

Related Link:
UN refugee agency 'deeply disturbed' over raid on Palestinians in Baghdad

Related Link:
Jordan adding visa requirements for Iraqi refugees

Related Link:
Jordan tightens rules on Iraqi immigrants

Related Link:
Perspective: War in Iraq Propelling A Massive Migration

Related Link:
Kurdish leaders deny deal to allow Palestinians in Iraq safe haven

Related Link:
Report: Syria tightens access for Iraq refugees under new rules

Related Link:
Report: 1.5 million Iraqis now internally displaced, most due to threats

Related Link:
Syria rejects accusations by Iraq over refugee restrictions; Says some 'linked to Washington' trying to stir split

Related Link:
Tensions rise as Iraq blames Syria over treatment of refugees, restrictions on travel; Decries Assad meeting with al-Dhari