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Refugees Fleeing ISIS Overwhelming Kurdistan

CBN

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The refugee crisis caused by Christians and other minorities fleeing Islamic State terrorists is threatening to overwhelm Iraqi Kurdistan.

According to IRIN News, the more than 1 million displaced people are placing a huge burden on the state's resources.

In 12 months, the region's population has grown by 28 percent and poverty has increased to more than twice the amount.

The territory's health and education services are feeling the pressure, and the economy is also suffering as the influx of workers is reducing wages and household incomes.

With the threat of more refugees likely to come if ISIS continues its assault on northern Iraq, it's possible the crisis will grow worse, meaning the international community will have to do more to help these people.

CBN News spoke with Kristin Wright, with Open Doors USA, during her visit to Iraqi Kurdistan. She said the refugees and the relief agencies are beginning to see that it will be a long time before they can return home and are shifting to long-term planning.

Click play to watch the interview.

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