Two decades of conflict has taken its toll on the people of Iraq. In 2017, over 3.2 million people were forcibly displaced, mostly migrating to the northern region of the country. Today, many of them are still living as refugees, suffering from a lack of access to basic needs such as proper healthcare and equal employment opportunities. To add, Iraq plays host to over 260,000 Syrian refugees, many of whom also reside in the northern region.
Communities from Iraq are still recovering from the shockwave of conflict that has devastated the country over the last two decades. Famine, disease, and severe economic instability created a vacuum of poverty drawing families in by the millions. Conflict intensified in 2017 greatly, displacing over 3.2 million Iraqis. Today, many Iraqis are still living as refugees, experiencing hunger, and suffering from the lack of proper medical care.
With all this considered, one thing remains clear: The people of Iraq are resilient, and with the support of donors like you, families in need can access opportunities to break the chains of poverty and move toward success.
Islamic Relief has been working in Iraq since 1997. Our goal is to provide emergency and long-term aid to vulnerable communities across the country including internally displaced people (IDPs) and Syrian refugees.
A few of our interventions include:
Thanks to you, we’ve been able to accomplish so much. But there’s still so much more to do. By continuing to support our efforts in Iraq, you can help make a difference in the lives of those in desperate need.
Maha’s house burned to the ground and everything of value inside her family owned was destroyed. Like many people who were living in Al Fluuja when the conflict started, her family evacuated when the opportunity came.
At 60 years old, she is now working to help her large family land on their feet. Before the fire there more than 15 people she lived with, 5 sons and their children. Her retirement income was the main source of stability. Finding adequate money has been difficult for her family.
Currently there are several children they care for with disabilities. It keeps them from attending school. Islamic Relief delivered food parcels to her family as they are struggling to manage tending to the children and survival.