Jemini Pandya, spokeswoman for the international body, which looks after people displaced within their own countries as well as migrants, said that 30,000-36,000 Iraqis had left their homes.

Most of them were from Baghdad, as well as the Anbar and Diyala regions, Pandya told reporters.

"More than one million people are now displaced in the country as a result of three decades of conflict and the on-going violence," she said.

The IOM is handing out food, as well as other supplies including mattresses and blankets, and providing clean water and medical assistance.

However, many of the people who have fled also lack proper shelter, said Pandya.

The IOM needs 10 million dollars (8.3 million euros) to fund a year-long emergency programme for people who are either living with family or friends or who are squatting in public or abandoned buildings, she said.

In a separate operation, Pandya said, the IOM has sent 150 patients to other countries for medical treatment after the Iraqi health ministry asked it to restart its medical evacuation programme.

At least 6,000 Iraqis are currently on the ministry's list awaiting life-saving treatment abroad for conditions including cancer, heart disease and neurological disorders, said Pandya.

Many of those on the list are children injured by bomb explosions or mines or those who have medical conditions which Iraqi hospitals are unable to treat due to lack of staff, equipment or medicines, she added.

The IOM's programme, which is also in need of funds, matches patients with hospitals abroad that are prepared to give free medical assistance. The previous programme, from 2003-2005, assisted almost 300 patients, said Pandya.