Iraq Humanitarian Update No.5, Mar 2009

HIGHLIGHTS

Draft NGO law still under consideration

New legislation regulating NGOs in Iraq is currently under consideration by Iraqi lawmakers. NGOs have voiced concern over aspects of the draft law, including provisions providing for extensive government control over NGO funding and registration. NGOs have initiated a petition against the draft law, which they claim will endanger an independent civil society.

CAP 2009 Iraq Pillar I at 39% funding

As of 21 April 2009, the Consolidated Appeals Process (CAP) for Iraq (Pillar I) has received almost US$74.3 million or 38.9% funding of the US$192.3 million requested. Humanitarian operations targeting the most vulnerable in Iraq currently thus far facing a shortfall in funding for 2009.

WFP to double number of beneficiaries in Iraq

World Food Program (WFP) has announced a shift of its strategic focus in Iraq from food aid to food assistance to produce more effecive durable solutions to hunger. WFP's Emergency operation for IDPs will be extended until the end of 2009. The agency plans to assist 1.4 million vulnerable people, including IDPs, children, female-headed households and small farmers in the most food insecure areas of Iraq.