Al Tanf

Al-Tanf is a refugeecamp in the no-man’s-land between Iraq and Syria. It is home to some 750 Palestinian refugees who became stateless after Saddam Hussein was toppled. Located in a desert area with no protection against the most extreme weather conditions, UNHCR is trying hard to have its inhabitants resettled and the camp closed down for good.

But despite many visits from foreign delegations, only few people have been resettlements. The Palestinians are literally stuck here; they are legally unable to enter Syria and fear persecution when they enter Iraq. And for every family that leaves, another arrives. Sudan offered to take 2000 refugees, but the camp members rejected the offer. In the meanwhile, they have nothing to do but wait.

© 2009