Iraq in Lebanon is about the plight of Iraqi refugees who have fled their homeland in search of sanctuary in Lebanon.

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IRAQ IN LEBANON is about the plight of Iraqi refugees who have fled their homeland in search of sanctuary in Lebanon.

Attacks on civilians in Iraq since the US-led invasion in 2003 have resulted in the displacement of four and a half million Iraqis, the majority to neighbouring countries. Some 50,000 refugees have fled to Lebanon, where they are classified as illegal immigrants and, until recently, were detained, regardless of being registered with the U.N. refugee agency, UNHCR.  A temporary amnesty led to the release of those imprisoned, but the refugees still live in a state of desperate insecurity; as they find it virtually impossible to obtain residence and legalise their status in Lebanon they are unable to get work and provide for themselves financially.

Many are helped by Caritas, an international welfare agency, but since September 2007, over 700 new arrivals have sought refuge with the Chaldean Bishopric in Beirut, a Catholic sect which is one of several centres trying to assist refugees. This film follows former Lebanese Army General Michel Kasdano, a third generation Iraqi Chaldean in Lebanon, who works for the Bishopric.  Each week hundreds of refugees visit General Kasdano to get help. He also visits those who are unable to make the journey to the centre.  IRAQ IN LEBANON tells the story of the work of the General through the prism of one family’s experience.

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About Al Jazeera - Witness

Rageh Omaar presents Witness, a half-hour daily documentary series which features short, specially commissioned or acquired films gathered from independent filmmakers.
 
Each documentary reveals the unknown lives of ordinary people, following their lives, telling their stories and portraying the challenges that confront them. Our witnesses are people in a situation or those who have observed them first hand.
 
The films cover conflict, belief, the past and the future and as well as bringing new stories to light they showcase the talents of a new breed of multi-skilled, frontline journalist. In the studio, Rageh will further explore the issues raised in the films, with expert guests on the subject matter and the filmmakers themselves.