Attachments
The present Humanitarian Implementation Plan (HIP) was prepared on the basis of financing decision ECHO/WWD/BUD/2024/01000 (Worldwide Decision) and the related General Guidelines for Operational Priorities on Humanitarian Aid (Operational Priorities). The purpose of the HIP and its annexes3 is to serve as a communication tool from DG ECHO4 to its partners and assist them in the preparation of their proposals. The provisions of the Worldwide Decision and the General Conditions of the Agreement with the European Commission shall take precedence over the provisions in this document.
1. CONTEXT
Since the liberation of ISIL-controlled areas, the humanitarian crisis in Iraq has transitioned from an acute humanitarian crisis to a protracted situation while reconstruction and stabilization programs are ongoing in liberated areas.
As a result of improved security, stabilisation and reconstruction efforts in liberated areas, many IDPs have returned to their places of origin. While at the height of the crisis an estimated 6 million people were displaced, almost 5 million had returned to their places of origin by June 2023, while 1.1 million people remain internally displaced. Iraq is also hosting 295 448 refugees (mostly Syrian nationals), 10 950 asylum seekers and stateless populations (stateless population caseload numbers to be assessed by UNHCR by November 2023). Even though returnees face difficulties to re-establish their livelihoods and reintegrate into society, the Iraqi state is gradually improving conditions in return areas.
Despite notable improvements during the past few years, Iraq still faces political instability and prevailing ethnic/religious tensions, which may trigger internal conflicts and humanitarian crisis.
At the same time, the humanitarian system is gradually transitioning away from a focus on humanitarian response towards a development approach. The humanitarian coordination system (cluster-system) has been deactivated, while coordination has shifted towards the integrated office of the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator (DSRSG/RC/HC) in line with Iraq’s national priorities.
On the political side, after a long period of negotiations and instability, Iraq has formed a new government under the leadership of Prime Minister al-Sudani, approved the new budget law for 2023, 2024 and 2025, and has stated that the improvement of services to its citizens is one of its core priorities.
Yet, despite the end of the conflict, stabilization and reconstruction programs and government commitments on improving services and ending displacement, there is still a residual caseload with humanitarian needs for whom a durable solution is yet to be achieved. The Worldwide Decision 2024 classifies Iraq as a forgotten crisis. In the Kurdish Region of Iraq IDPs live in camps, informal settlements and urban areas. After the camp closures in Federal Iraq IDPs most often live in informal settlements with poor living conditions and limited access to public services. When it comes to finding durable solutions, a strong emphasis has been placed on return, while for the remaining caseload all three options need to be considered, including local integration or relocation.
In addition to the humanitarian situation resulting from the war against Islamic State, Iraq is also experiencing a severe climate and environmental crisis, impacting on the water availability, agriculture, livestock production and the fishing industry. The southern governorates in the delta of the Euphrates and Tigris rivers are the most severely impacted, where vulnerable communities are at risk of reduced livelihood opportunities and climate-induced displacement/migration.