Iraq

The last 5 years have been very challenging for Iraq and its people – financial support has decreased year on year, while recovery efforts have been hampered by the effects of climate change and record water shortages. Covid-19, high unemployment levels and volatile security levels all add up to make an uncertain landscape in Iraq.

Nearly 1.2 million Iraqis are internally displaced – many having had to move 2 or 3 times in recent years. These communities face obstacles related to documentation, shelter, livelihoods and education. Security, and poor access to basic services are also serious obstacles facing Iraqis.

In addition, the 250,000 Syrian refugees reside in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq face significant barriers in accessing consistent work, and education opportunities for children.

Significant challenges

The precarious humanitarian situation in Iraq is a legacy of the 4-year-long conflict that began in 2013 and displaced more than 6 million Iraqis.

Although efforts to stabilise the country and repair the damage done to vital infrastructure have been ongoing, significant challenges remain. Limited attention and resources have been made available to provide basic services to those living in particularly remote regions.

Iraq also faces significant challenges related to climate change, including water scarcity, which has a knock-on effect on peace and security throughout the region.

It is predicated that Iraq will face severe water scarcity in 2023, due to low groundwater levels and reduced flows in the main rivers. An estimated 15 per cent of children will be affected by this in Iraq’s central and southern governorates and will require humanitarian assistance.

On the ground for over 20 years

Islamic Relief has been working in Iraq since 1997 and was one of the few aid agencies that continued working on the ground during the military incursion in 2003. Islamic Relief has successfully supported 1.3 million women, men, girls and boys with its life-saving and life-changing activities in Iraq.

The local team is diverse and represents many of the religious and ethnic components of Iraqi society, including Christians, Sunni, Shia, Kurds and Arabs.

We are currently implementing projects in both the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), including Erbil, Dohuk and Halabja Governorates, and in Federal Iraq Governorates, such as Ninewa, Anbar, Kirkuk, Diyala, Baghdad and Karbala. Our climate change and resilience projects are also soon to be launched in the southern part of the country, in areas such as Thi Qar, Mesan and Basra Governorates.

Our teams on the ground are providing food, clothing, shelter, water and sanitation, blankets and other essential items, as well as health care, education and vocational training to almost half a million people.

We are also protecting the most vulnerable by addressing gender-based violence and child protection issues.

Please support our Global Emergency Response here.