ICRC - International Committee of the Red Cross

Published purpose

August 2014 - The humanitarian situation in Iraq continues to deteriorate as armed clashes continue to drive displacement. The recent surge in violence between armed groups and government forces has displaced an estimated 1.3 million people from their homes. Basic services, including health care and water infrastructure, are disrupted and cause an estimated 1.5 million people to be in need of immediate humanitarian assistance. Iraqi Kurdistan is hosting an additional 230,000 Syrian refugees, which is also placing a great strain on local infrastructure. The situation is expected to deteriorate as fighting and human rights violations persist. This project is helping to reduce the vulnerability of internally displaced people affected by the civil unrest in Iraq. Project activities include: (1) providing food assistance to up to 342,000 people and essential household items, such as hygiene kits, cooking materials, blankets and tents, to up to 240,000 people; (2) rehabilitating essential water and sanitation facilities, such as drinking water stations and latrines, benefiting 1 million people; (3) assisting health facilities through the provision of medical supplies, training for medical professionals and physical rehabilitation services; and (4) promoting respect for humanitarian principles and international humanitarian law with Iraqi authorities and other influential actors.