posted December 15, 2006 04:06 PM              

The office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has appealed for governments to help Palestinians fleeing Iraq.

The request follows an attack on a Palestinian neighbourhood in Baghdad. At least nine people were killed and several injured on Wednesday when militias launched mortars on the Al-Baladiya area.

The office of the UNHCR said it was "dismayed" at the lack of protection for Palestinians in Iraq.

Radhouane Nouicer, UNHCR's deputy director for the region, said: "[Palestinians] have very limited freedom of movement and no possibility to leave the country - unlike Iraqis - to find a safe haven."

"We are urgently appealing to the Iraqi government and the multinational forces to provide protection and safety or an alternative safe location for this targeted group.

"We also ask the world to stop turning their back and provide a humane solution and safe haven to these people who have no way out."

Attacks and threats

The office of the UNHCR said that its discussions with the Iraqi authorities left "little room for optimism" that reliable protection could be afforded to the Palestinian refugees in the country.

The agency noted an increase in attacks and abductions of Palestinians living in Iraq. A previous mortar attack on Al-Baladiya injured 10 people, with several Palestinians kidnapped.

Leaflets carrying death threats have also been posted in Palestinian neighbourhoods of Baghdad.

The office said that the unsafe climate has forced "hundreds" to head to the border between Iraq and Syria.

Limbo

Denied access by Syria, more than 350 Palestinians remain in "inhumane conditions" on the border.

UNHCR has appealed to Israel to allow admission into the occupied territories of Gaza and the West Bank.

No constructive response has been received from Israel.