Ministry for Foreign Affairs
The Government has decided to extend the phase-out period of bilateral aid to Iraq in view of the serious situation in the country. The previous government decided to phase out support completely in 2015.
Support is now being raised by SEK 10 million, from SEK 60 million to SEK 70 million in 2015, and in 2016 an additional SEK 30 million will be provided. The money will go to strategically selected projects that will help central and provincial agencies to re-establish their presence and start up community services in areas that ISIL has held or that have been affected by ISIL's advance.
"Sweden has a major commitment in and close contacts with Iraq. The Government feels a responsibility to help the population in this very serious situation," says Minister for International Development Cooperation Isabella Lövin.
The increased support will supplement the extensive humanitarian aid that Sweden gives to Iraq. This aid totalled SEK 203 million in 2014 and goes to both UN bodies and civil society organisations to assist in areas such as food, shelter and improving the situation of children.
Sweden has been involved in development cooperation with Iraq since 2004. The previous government decided in 2013 to phase out support in 2015 as the country was classed as a middle-income country with sufficient resources to support itself.
Contact
Annika Flensburg
Press secretary to Isabella Lövin
+46 72 212 45 09
Email to Annika Flensburg