From one day to the next, these Iraqis lost everything. They were forced to flee their homes, when Islamic extremists seized control of their towns. With no where to go, thousands have fled to the mountains, but there things aren't easier.
ABU SHAKER
Displaced Iraqi
'Sinjar mountain has no water, no electricity no roads, no bread, not even a single tree. There's nothing in it, nothing for humans to eat.â?
Christians are a minority and they are being targeted. Tens of thousands have left everything behind, hoping for survival.
The international community is starting to take notice. Pope Francis urged governments to respond to the crisis and help the displaced. The UN has responded and the U.S government began airlifting humanitarian aid in northern Iraq. Refugees say it's literally a matter of life and death.
ABU SHAKER
Displaced Iraqi
'We want the government, civil society, the United Nations, Americans, humanity, NGO's to just save these people from the danger zone. FLASH 01 48 We want one of the two options, they get water and food to those trapped or get them out, otherwise it will be a disaster.
Even those who at one point gave refuge to the displaced, now find themselves homeless.
NAIF
Displaced Iraqi
'They came to us and we took them in as our people, now it's us who are fleeing.â?
Before the war, in 2003, there were roughly 1 million Christians in Iraq. No there are about 150,000, most of whom are now displaced.
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