Post by Teddy Bear on Dec 18, 2010 18:21:53 GMT
Thousands of Christians are fleeing central Iraq following an attack on a church by 'militants'.
Which militants are these? While you probably are already correctly guessing ISLAMIC, why does this article, and from what I can see, every other one previously on the subject, leave you guessing? Clearly the BBC prefers not stating the obvious, at least that way it doesn't appear on their search engine if you enter something like 'Islamic or Muslim persecution of Christians'. After all we all know Islam means 'peace' - at least that's what the BBC wants you to believe.
Not only that, but a short way into this article , the BBC are taking the opportunity to include condemnation by the UNCHR that 'European governments are deporting failed Iraqi asylum seekers to areas of the country it does not consider safe'.
Is it only me that finds this absurd? We shouldn't be concerned about Christians fleeing attacks by Muslims, but Muslims, of which this is an example, returned to their country of origin.
Disgusting!
Which militants are these? While you probably are already correctly guessing ISLAMIC, why does this article, and from what I can see, every other one previously on the subject, leave you guessing? Clearly the BBC prefers not stating the obvious, at least that way it doesn't appear on their search engine if you enter something like 'Islamic or Muslim persecution of Christians'. After all we all know Islam means 'peace' - at least that's what the BBC wants you to believe.
Not only that, but a short way into this article , the BBC are taking the opportunity to include condemnation by the UNCHR that 'European governments are deporting failed Iraqi asylum seekers to areas of the country it does not consider safe'.
Is it only me that finds this absurd? We shouldn't be concerned about Christians fleeing attacks by Muslims, but Muslims, of which this is an example, returned to their country of origin.
Disgusting!
Christians flee central Iraq in thousands, UN reports
The UN refugee agency says thousands of Iraqi Christians are fleeing from central provinces of the country.
They are seeking refuge in the relatively safe Kurdish-controlled region in the north.
The UN High Commission for Refugees said about 1,000 families have left Baghdad and Mosul province since an attack on a church left 68 people dead.
It said the flight of Christians to other parts of Iraq and abroad has become "a slow but steady exodus".
The UNHCR also said it was dismayed that European governments are deporting failed Iraqi asylum seekers to areas of the country it does not consider safe.
"UNHCR strongly reiterates its call on countries to refrain from deporting Iraqis who originate from the most perilous parts of the country," Melissa Fleming, the agency's chief spokesperson, said.
Church attack
Nearly 70 people died as security forces stormed a Catholic church in Baghdad to free dozens of hostages on 31 October.
A number of gunmen entered Our Lady of Salvation in the city's Karrada district during Mass, sparking an hours-long stand-off.
UNHCR offices in Iraq are recording a significant increase in Christians fleeing Baghdad and Mosul for the the Kurdistan Regional Government Region and Nineva region, the UNHCR said.
"We have heard many accounts of people fleeing their homes after receiving direct threats. Some were able to take only a few belongings with them," Ms Fleming said.
UNHCR offices in Syria, Jordan and Lebanon are reporting a growing number of Iraqi Christians arriving and contacting UNHCR for registration and help.
Churches and non-governmental organisations are warning the refugee agency to expect more people fleeing in the coming weeks.
While overall civilian casualties are lower this year than last, it appears that minority groups are increasingly susceptible to threats and attacks.
The UN refugee agency says thousands of Iraqi Christians are fleeing from central provinces of the country.
They are seeking refuge in the relatively safe Kurdish-controlled region in the north.
The UN High Commission for Refugees said about 1,000 families have left Baghdad and Mosul province since an attack on a church left 68 people dead.
It said the flight of Christians to other parts of Iraq and abroad has become "a slow but steady exodus".
The UNHCR also said it was dismayed that European governments are deporting failed Iraqi asylum seekers to areas of the country it does not consider safe.
"UNHCR strongly reiterates its call on countries to refrain from deporting Iraqis who originate from the most perilous parts of the country," Melissa Fleming, the agency's chief spokesperson, said.
Church attack
Nearly 70 people died as security forces stormed a Catholic church in Baghdad to free dozens of hostages on 31 October.
A number of gunmen entered Our Lady of Salvation in the city's Karrada district during Mass, sparking an hours-long stand-off.
UNHCR offices in Iraq are recording a significant increase in Christians fleeing Baghdad and Mosul for the the Kurdistan Regional Government Region and Nineva region, the UNHCR said.
"We have heard many accounts of people fleeing their homes after receiving direct threats. Some were able to take only a few belongings with them," Ms Fleming said.
UNHCR offices in Syria, Jordan and Lebanon are reporting a growing number of Iraqi Christians arriving and contacting UNHCR for registration and help.
Churches and non-governmental organisations are warning the refugee agency to expect more people fleeing in the coming weeks.
While overall civilian casualties are lower this year than last, it appears that minority groups are increasingly susceptible to threats and attacks.
ATTACKS ON IRAQI CHRISTIANS SINCE 2003
Aug 2004 - series of bombings targets five churches, killing 11 people
October 2006 - Orthodox priest Fr Boulos Iskander snatched in Mosul by group demanding ransom. Despite payment of the ransom, Fr Iskander was found beheaded and with his limbs amputated
June 2007 - Fr Ragheed Ganni - a priest and secretary to Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahh, killed in 2008 - shot dead in his church along with three companions
January 2008 - Bombs go off outside three Chaldean and Assyrian churches in Mosul, two churches in Kirkuk and four in Baghdad
February 2008 - Chaldean Catholic Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahh kidnapped; body found in shallow grave two weeks later
April 2008 - Fr Adel Youssef, an Assyrian Orthodox priest, shot dead by unknown assailants
February 2010 - At least eight Christians die in a two-week spate of attacks in northern city of Mosul
October 2010 - Nearly 70 people died when security forces stormed a church in Baghdad to free dozens of hostages held by militants
