The International Organization for Migration says more money is needed to help internally displaced people and other vulnerable groups in Iraq. There are currently close to 2 million displaced people in the country.
The UN agency International Organization for Migration (IOM) has launched a new appeal for emergency assistance for displaced people in Iraq.
In a statement, the agency said that there were still around 1.75 million Iraqis living in displacement as of February 2019, although the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) has gradually declined since 2017. IOM said many people cannot return home because their homes have been destroyed or severely damaged, because their home areas are still seen as unsafe, because of mental and psychosocial distress or because they won't have access to basic services in their hometown.
Around one third of all internally displaced people - over 530,000 persons - is still living in camps, which IOM said require critical support.
Appeal for 41 million dollars
IOM said that a total of 41.4 million dollars is needed to help people in Iraq. The 2019 United Nations' Humanitarian Response Plan for Iraq estimates that approximately 6.7 million people are in critical need of support. Nearly 65 percent of those are concentrated in three Northern regions - Ninewa, Anbar, and Salah al-Din.
The UN agency said it will focus its humanitarian support in Iraq on three groups of concern:
1) IDPs who remain in displacement both within and outside camps
2) vulnerable host communities in areas of displacement and return, where services are overstretched
3) IDPs who have returned to their areas of origin but whose basic humanitarian needs are not being met
'Funding critical for Iraqis' dignity'
"Funding for humanitarian assistance is crucial to uphold the basic needs and dignity of vulnerable Iraqis in displacement and areas of return," said Gerard Waite, IOM Iraq's Chief of Mission. "Through partnership and collaboration with other humanitarian partners, the government of Iraq, the Kurdistan regional government and local NGOs, we hope to address the most critical humanitarian needs while seeking durable solutions for those in protracted displacement."
In 2019, IOM plans to maintain its assistance to IDPs in camp settings through the provision of shelter and non-food items; primary health services; monitoring and addressing protection and psychosocial needs; and supporting water, sanitation and hygiene services.