Iraq is the topic de jour in Congress, where both Gen. David Petraeus and Ambassador to Iraq Ryan Crocker are now testifying before both the House and Senate on the war. While lawmakers are debating troop withdrawal and a new way forward in Iraq, one must not overlook the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.

As a result of the widespread sectarian violence that erupted in Iraq in 2006, masses of Iraqis began fleeing to neighboring countries in the region for shelter. It is estimated that more than 1 million Iraqi refugees have fled to Jordan, Syria and other neighboring states, and approximately 2.2 million Iraqis have been displaced within Iraq itself.

As chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission), I along with Commission Co-Chairman Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), will hold a hearing tomorrow on the Iraqi refugee crisis. The hearing will focus on the impact of the massive displacement of Iraqi citizens on Jordan, Syria, Egypt and Turkey, as well as other countries in the region; the security implications of this humanitarian crisis; and efforts by the United States and others to address the plight of Iraqi refugees, including humanitarian relief, resettlement of Iraqi refugees, host-country commitments, European cooperation and a long-term plan to address this crisis.

The day-to-day needs of Iraqi refugees have continued to increase as their resources are diminishing.

Multiple families are sharing a single dwelling and those seeking medical attention frequently suffer from severe depression and stress related illnesses. Many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) offering services are attempting to address this burgeoning medical crisis but lack the resources to provide comprehensive psycho-social counseling, and frequently encounter cultural barriers to this type of outreach as well — leaving increasingly large numbers of the vulnerable Iraqi refugee population simmering in a cauldron of stress and depression. This situation is not a positive sign for long-term societal stability in the region.

Additionally, increasingly desperate refugees interacting on a daily basis with resentful host-country populations could sow the seeds of instability on the streets — the current situation may just be the calm before the storm.

Irrespective of one’s view on the war, Congress must work with the administration to appropriately address this humanitarian crisis — including substantially increased bilateral assistance and funding for international organizations and other NGOs working in the region — before it is too late.

I have introduced comprehensive legislation to address this humanitarian and security crisis. In January, Rep. John Dingell (D-Mich.) and I wrote to President Bush requesting an additional $1.5 billion in funding for assistance to Iraqi refugees in the fiscal 2009 budget. We also wrote to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in February, calling on her to develop a long-term plan to address the plight of Iraqi refugees and internally displaced populations (IDPs).

Additionally, as Special Representative on Mediterranean Affairs of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) Parliamentary Assembly, I remain committed to encouraging my European counterparts to play a larger role in helping the plight of Iraqi refugees. The United States cannot go it alone; we need the support of our allies.

While I believe that legislation is a step in the right direction, it cannot be the only mechanism to solve the problem. Congress, along with the administration, must put partisan politics aside and work together to effectively find a way to assist Iraqi refugees and IDPs. The downward spiral in the situation of Iraqi refugees poses a significant security threat to the region. Before this crisis implodes, we must implement feasible solutions. The United States has a moral obligation.

Hastings is chairman of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission), and special representative on Mediterranean Affairs for the OSCE PA.