UN says time and money running out for Iraqi refugees

Baghdad: One-third of Iraqi refugees who fled to neighbouring Syria expect their money to run out within three months, the UN refugee agency said in a report on Friday.

The findings in the report released by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees highlights what some believe is the main reason families are returning to their still-violent homeland.

The report, which drew on surveys of Iraqis in Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, found that the refugees were most concerned about money, schooling for their children and lack of work.

A UN spokeswoman said those worries, and not improved security in Iraq, appear to be the driving force behind the decision by thousands of Iraqis to return.

As savings draw down, US and UN officials fear many more could be forced to come back to a country still unready for them.