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Iraq

Boosting humanitarian aid to victims of the Iraq crisis

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In 2007, the European Commission allocated €17.8 million to meet the humanitarian needs of the victims of the crisis in Iraq. Funds target internally displaced people as well as refugees in neighbouring countries.

Assisting displaced people inside Iraq

A refugee woman with her belongings on a Damascus street. Up to 2.2 million Iraqis are living outside the country.
A refugee woman with her belongings on a Damascus street. Up to 2.2 million Iraqis are living outside the country.
Photo : UNHCR/J.Wreford

The very difficult security situation in the country has caused a serious breakdown in many areas for the delivery of basic services such as water, sanitation and health-care. In 2007, the Commission adopted a funding package of €7.8 million for the 2.3 million displaced people inside Iraq. This assistance provides protection and relief to displaced persons and other vulnerable populations - including the host communities - affected by the conflict. The International Committee of the Red Cross is funded by the Commission to implement activities aimed at improving water, sanitation, habitat and protection operations.

Helping Iraqi refugees who have fled to Syria and Jordan.

Around 2.2 million Iraqis have crossed into neighbouring countries and are living in dire conditions. In 2007, the Commission allocated a funding package of €10 million for the most the most vulnerable refugees. Aid consists of basic health-care and education, as well as the targeted distribution of food and essential household items. Protection activities are also included, as well as specific support for the UNHCR refugee registration system. This is particularly important in identifying the most vulnerable groups and assessing their specific needs.

Access to victims: a daily challenge for humanitarian actors.

The Commission, in particular its Humanitarian aid department, will continue to strengthen its partnerships and work alongside the humanitarian actors responding to the crisis including UN agencies, NGOs and the Red Cross. However, Humanitarian access is still a major problem as many areas in Iraq remain inaccessible due to ongoing sectarian violence and heightened security risks. The result is that very few agencies are present on the ground and reaching the most vulnerable groups to provide assistance is proving exceedingly difficult.