Officials say more than 1.3 million Iraqis remain homeless after being forced to flee six years ago during widespread sectarian violence that threatened their lives.

United Nations diplomat Claire Bourgeois voiced concerns Sunday that Iraq has not taken enough steps to help the homeless “go back to a dignified life.”

She said squatters should be helped into permanent homes instead of evicted from empty buildings or public places where they are living.

Bourgeois also said many of the homeless have lost identification and other documents that would entitle them to government assistance.

Iraqi Deputy Migration Minister Asqhar al-Moussawi said the government has approved spending $257 million this year to help the squatters — less than half of what was requested