Possible sign of security gains in Iraq

GENEVA — The number of Iraqis applying for asylum in other countries dropped by 10% in the first half of 2008, which may be because of improved security in their homeland, the United Nations refugee agency said Friday.

About 19,500 Iraqis applied for asylum during the first six months, compared with 21,400 in the same period last year, according to a report by the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees.

Nonetheless, the country is still the main source of asylum applications, the Geneva- based agency said.

“Overall the situation in Iraq seems to have improved and that might have had some impact,” agency spokesman William Spindler said. But, he said, “the situation in Iraq is still very difficult and people are still leaving.”

He said that few refugees make it to rich countries where they can apply for asylum; the vast majority stay in Syria, Jordan and Lebanon.

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Seeking asylum

About 19,500 Iraqis applied for asylum in the first half of 2008, making it the leading country of origin of asylum applicants for that period.

Top destinations, plus U.S.

Sweden: 3,936

Germany: 3,442

Turkey: 2,704

Netherlands: 2,351

U.S.: 433

Main countries of origin

Number of claims of asylum-seekers, January to June 2008

Iraq: 19,500

Russia: 9,400

China: 8,700

Somalia: 7,400

Pakistan: 6,300

Afghanistan: 6,300

Source: United Nations