UN conference to spotlight huge Iraqi exodus

[maddezmom]

GENEVA (AFP) - A UN conference opening on Tuesday will try to boost support for Iraqis who have fled violence, amid warnings that the growing refugee crisis could cost billions and drive a wedge between Iraq's religious communities.

Up to 50,000 people are fleeing their homes every month in Iraq, more than any other country in the world, according to aid agencies.

"We're talking about four million people who are uprooted," said Ron Redmond, a spokesman for the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), which called the two-day conference of senior officials from 60 nations.

"Iraq's infrastructure in many places is in a shambles; the capacity of the host governments outside Iraq to care for these people in terms of schools, social services, the economy, skyrocketing rent -- we're talking enormous needs."

"It's hundreds of millions (of dollars), it's probably in the billions," Redmond added.

more:http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070416/wl_mideast_afp/uniraqunrestrefugeesdisplaced_070416092341