International Medical Corps (IMC) is responding to the growing displacement of Christians from Mosul, the third largest city in Iraq and the capital of Ninewa Governorate. The recent wave of violence directed against Mosul's Christian population has forced 1,154 families to flee Mosul. After the 10th killing of an Iraqi Christian this month, Christian families are continuing to leave the western and central quarters of Mosul in panic. Many are finding their way into the neighboring districts of Tel Kef and Hamdanya, where they are seeking refuge with host populations, many of whom are displaced themselves.

Since October 10th, International Medical Corps' emergency response team began rapid assessments and immediate response in the areas of Hamdanya and Tel Kef that are coping with the sudden influx of Christians from Mosul. IMC has been working in partnership with the Iraq Ministry of Displacement and Migration (MoDM), USAID/OFDA, UNICEF and UNHCR to identify and respond to the needs of the displaced population. Thus far, over 1,500 essential food, hygiene, and household items have been distributed to displaced families.

"The coordinated efforts of our international partners, including IMC and UNHCR, have allowed a swift response to the needs of displaced families," said Dr. Abdul Samid Rahman Sultan, Iraq's Minister of Displacement and Migration. "Together we are committed to ensuring that no family is left without the appropriate support."

With three field teams located throughout Ninewa governorate, International Medical Corps was the first organization to respond to requests for assistance from the local population. Within 24 hours, IMC provided essential food, hygiene, and household items to the governorate's displaced population.

"Half a decade of continued presence and consistent programming in Iraq, especially in this volatile region, has allowed International Medical Corps to assess the situation quickly and respond with much needed relief items for displaced families. IMC, with support from its partners, will continue its efforts for as long as the needs remain," said Agron Ferati, Country Director for the International Medical Corps in Iraq.

Since its founding in 1984, International Medical Corps has worked to relieve the suffering of those impacted by war, natural disasters, and disease through relief and development programs that save lives and build human and institutional capacity. IMC's program in Iraq was established in 2003 to address health, humanitarian assistance, community development and service delivery needs. It works to build the capacity of the national ministries, and is one of few organizations to have operated continuously in-country since that time.