Iraq crisis
Om Saker, 34, first fled her home in Iraq in 2015 to escape war and persecution. Since then, she and her family have been displaced multiple times.
There are currently 1.14 million internally displaced people in Iraq. Please give these families the support they need to survive. Photo: ©UNHCR/Ivor Prickett
There are currently more than 280,000 internally displaced people in Iraq. Please give these families the support they need to survive.
Emergency shelter
to protect families from the elements.
Essential supplies
like mattresses, blankets and kitchenware.
Help to rebuild
so families can return to their damaged homes.
What’s happening in Iraq?
Iraq is currently experiencing relative stability. However, the country still faces protracted humanitarian and development needs, a complex political environment and a volatile security situation.
At the end of 2023, Iraq hosted over 300,000 refugees and asylum seekers, more than 90% of whom are Syrian.
UNHCR is supporting families through sustainable development, protection and community empowerment.
Iraq has an internally displaced population of 1.14 million, some of whom face significant obstacles preventing their return to their homes or successful integration into local communities. IDPs report insecurity, a lack of livelihood opportunities and financial resources, and damaged housing as barriers to return. In addition, five million IDPs have already returned and enjoy equal rights to the rest of the Iraqi population, but also face similar challenges.
Where are Iraqi families fleeing to?
In Iraq, about 180,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) live in 26 camps and over 103,000 IDPs live in informal sites scattered throughout the country. From the initial displacement of 3 million people from 2014 onwards, there have been mass returns to areas of origin. However, there is still a dire need to support those still displaced with humanitarian assistance.
How is UNHCR supporting displaced Iraqis?
Together with UN agencies and the Iraqi government, we’ve helped set up several camps for fleeing families. The eleven camps outside Mosul provide internally displaced people with shelter, protection and other life-saving support.
What about those who can’t access the camps?
We also provide tents and emergency supplies to those sheltering elsewhere in the surrounding region.
How is UNHCR helping families rebuild their lives?
Wherever possible, we’re helping families to go home to their communities when it’s safe to do so. We help them repair their homes and rebuild their lives. This means supplying tools and building materials, as well as labour and physical support.
Did you know that over 90 per cent of the 300,000 Syrian, Iranian and Turkish refugees in Iraq live in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq?
Where can I access latest data, maps and reports?
Iraq Operations – UNHCR’s relief work to protect displaced people inside Iraq.
Iraq Situation Portal – for latest updates on the crisis overall, including UNHCR situation reports, funding requirements and UNHCR’s support for countries hosting refugees from Iraq.
Did you know that over 90% of the 300,000 Syrian, Iranian & Turkish refugees in Iraq live in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq?
In 2006, during the Iraq war, Othman and his family fled their home and headed towards Syria to seek safety.
He started his higher education as a medical student and then shifted to dentistry. When his younger brother joined the university, his father couldn’t afford the expenses for both of his children, prompting Othman to apply for UNHCR’s Refugee Scholarships Programme.
Othman looks forward to continuing his education and getting a master’s degree. “When we fled Baghdad, I was six years old. As I grew up, I knew we were forced to flee because of persecution.”
© UNHCR/Emad Kabbas