Introduction
Since the end of the conflict against the Islamic State in late 2017, the humanitarian crisis in Iraq has changed from an acute crisis to a protracted one. Around 1 million Iraqis remain displaced and access to civil documentation and basic services such as education is a challenge. Besides internally displaced people (IDPs), Iraq also hosts over 344,000 asylum-seekers and refugees, mostly Syrian.
Up to March 2025, approximately 102,000 people continue to reside in 20 IDP camps in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Additionally, around 900,000 IDPs are living in urban areas (including informal settlements) dispersed around the country.
Similarly around 30% of the refugees are living in 9 refugee camps in KRI.
The EU provides humanitarian assistance with a strong focus on access to civil documentation, protection and education to the most vulnerable Iraqis and refugees.
over 344,000 refugees and 1 million internally displacedasylum-seekers and refugees are mostly Syrian
What are the needs?
Protection, civil documentation, and access to basic services are among the most pressing humanitarian needs in Iraq today.
Displaced people
In this post-conflict environment, Iraq is working with the international community to find durable solutions for displaced populations. While the focus has been on return, local integration should also be considered as a viable option.
Iraqis that remain internally displaced struggle to earn a regular income. The lack of civil documentation is a major protection issue that hampers their access to services and hinders their movements, including a potential return to their areas of origin.
Climate change
Climate change is one of the main challenges the country will continue facing in the coming years. With the increasing frequency and effects of natural hazards, such as floods, droughts and sandstorms, environmental and climate-induced displacement is increasing in Iraq.
How are we helping?
The EU is a longstanding donor in Iraq, providing humanitarian aid and protection through its partners.
In 2025, the EU allocated €21.1 million for humanitarian programmes in Iraq. This funding primarily focuses on supporting the most vulnerable IDPs and refugees, facilitating pathways to a durable solution. A particular emphasis is put on protection, including access to education and civil documentation,essential, health care. EU-funded multipurpose cash assistance supports the most vulnerable until they acquire documentation to access governmental social protection systems.
Disaster preparedness
Additionally, the EU addresses disaster preparedness among vulnerable communities affected by climate change and supports local institutions to respond to disasters. In response to the 2025 water crisis, the EU is supporting an emergency water supply operation for the most vulnerable populations in Basra.
Since 2014, the EU has provided over €591 million in humanitarian aid to displaced Iraqis and Syrian refugees in Iraq.