Displaced Peoples

Iraq

Fast Facts:

 Iraq has a huge number of internally displaced peoples, especially in the Kurdistan region of the country.  Due to years of conflict, aid is difficult to provide throughout Iraq.

Summary:

Iraq has many refugees: internally displaced individuals, internationally displaced Iraqis, and displaced Syrians who have sought refuge in Iraq. It is estimated that the number of Syrians within the country will remain around the same number, while the number of displaced Iraqis will increase.

The UN Refugee Association estimates that the organization will provide aid to over 500,000 refugees and asylum seekers in 2015; this leaves nearly 2,000,000 unassisted. In 2013, this aid cost the organization $293.7million. The UN is the most influential aid organization in the region.

Questions to Consider:

 How can the government of Iraq work with the international community to help internally displaced peoples?

 What should be the most important priority for internally displaced people in Iraq: safety, health, education, jobs, or housing?

 How does armed conflict in the region complicate aid for internally displaced peoples in a country like Iraq?