More than 1.3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) have returned to their places of origin so far in 2017, NRT reported.

Approximately 2.8 million people remain displaced and 2.7 million others have returned to their areas as of late November, according the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

According to a study cited by IOM, 90 percent of displaced Iraqis are determined to return home. Only in Basra and Najaf did families report that they consider integrating into the local community, where they are displaced.

The study conducted between March and May 2017 showed that Anbar was the most affected governorate where the highest number of people were displaced.

According to the findings, Anbar was the single governorate where most returns took place in both 2016 and 2017, followed by Ninewa in 2017.

“Among the main findings, this study identifies that residential and infrastructure damage is widespread. Nearly one third of returnees are reported to have returned to houses that have suffered significant damage and 60 per cent to moderately damaged residences,” the IOM said.

The number of Iraqi people who have settled in critical shelters and unable to return is on the rise in 2017 compared to the previous year.

“This might be related to the lack of legal documentation for houses, land and property which was reported among the top three challenges in nearly one out of four locations,” IOM continued.

Poverty amongst the displaced Iraqis is also one of the main barriers to return home particularly for the most vulnerable such as females who are heading households. Moreover, the lack of security because of land mines, militia, or ongoing conflict is a barrier preventing returns.

Reporter’s code: 50101