GENEVA - The United Nations was able, at least for a few hours, to draw public attention away from the bombings and attacks that have become routine in Iraq and direct it towards another, equally painful, aspect of the conflict — the humanitarian crisis suffered by nearly four million refugees and internally displaced persons.The U.N. effort to highlight the drastic conditions faced by Iraqi refugees was only relatively successful, however, as Wednesday, the second day of its two-day conference on their humanitarian needs, was one of the bloodiest days in Iraq since the March 2003 U.S.-led invasion.

Media reports indicated that an estimated 170 people were killed by four bombs Wednesday in Iraq, where an average of 100 civilians were killed daily in 2006, according to figures from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Antonio Guterres said the international community has now taken note of the gravity of the crisis and has committed itself to protecting and assisting Iraqis displaced by the violence and to sharing the burden of that effort.