UNHCR's ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR ASSESSING THE ...

Conclusion
Availability of an internal flight or relocation alternative in the three Northern Governorates
needs to be assessed individually based on the specific Governorate to be entered, as well
as the circumstances, background and profile of the individual concerned, including
whether the individual originates from Central and Southern Iraq or from within the three
Northern Governorates. Consideration should be given to the underlying policies of the
authorities to keep the three Northern Governorates “Kurdish” and the implications this has
for determining the political and ethnic profile of those who may be permitted to enter and
reside. Those from the Arabized areas are not permitted to enter, and neither are those with
the profiles as listed above. Whether the agents of persecution could pursue their targets
would also need to be assessed. The security risks entailed in travelling to the three
Northern Governorates whether from Central and Southern Iraq or from within the three
Northern Governorates are also relevant factors in assessing the relevance of the internal
flight or relocation alternative.
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