Background
The Logistics Cluster has been active in Iraq since 2014 to support the humanitarian community in responding to the country’s growing needs. Logistics constraints, mainly caused by limited access, an unstable security situation and damaged/destroyed infrastructure in affected areas remain a leading cause triggering the need for Cluster intervention.
Since the operation to retake Mosul began in October 2016, the Logistics Cluster has significantly scaled up activities across the country, mainly in the Ninewa governorate. The Logistics Cluster has been conducting a range of activities aimed at addressing bottlenecks and gaps to enhance the response capacity of the humanitarian community through the facilitation of logistics services, coordination and information management.
Highlights
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The Logistics Cluster has significantly scaled up common storage facilities in operational areas, including new hubs in Owainat, Khazer, Qayyarah Jad’ah, Qayyarah Airstrip and Hajj Ali. The total amount of common storage available to the humanitarian community in Iraq is now more than 23,000 m³.
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In January, the Logistics Cluster handled 11,100 m³, equivalent to 3,011 mt, of humanitarian cargo on behalf of 18 organizations.
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The Logistics Cluster worked closely with the newly established One Stop Shop (OSS) for customs clearance for humanitarian cargo entering the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). The OSS is providing a free-of-charge service for all agencies, local and international NGOs, and the Logistics Cluster is supporting this with information sharing, networking with humanitarian actors, and provision of operational advice on how to further streamline the process.
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In January, the Logistics Cluster through WFP, continued to facilitate the customs clearance, receipt, storage and dispatch of ten flights carrying 304 mt of EU Civil Protection Mechanism in-kind contributions (including shelter and non-food items, WASH and health equipment).
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The Logistics Cluster conducted a joint mission to Hamam al ‘Alil camp and identified an area for a common storage set up. The base will also be available for prepositioning items to respond in southern and western Mosul.
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In mid-January the Logistics Cluster participated in an inter-cluster visit to Gogjali. A warehouse (1,750 m²) on the outskirts of the town was identified and will be used as a common storage facility to serve operations in east Mosul and retaken areas.
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The Logistics Cluster is supporting the capacity extension of the two emergency sites of Qayyarah Airstrip and Hajj Ali with the transport of over 3,000 family tents.