Summary of publication

The last five years of armed conflict in Iraq have increased vulnerabilities for millions of Iraqis through widespread displacement, destruction of infrastructure and decreased stability. In 2019, the UN estimated that approximately 6.7 million Iraqis remain in need of humanitarian assistance. This figure is particularly high amongst those affected by the Da'esh conflict (85 per cent). Female headed households are disproportionately affected, with many living without enough food.

Over the course of the Da'esh conflict, the UN estimates that over 5.9 million Iraqis fled their homes. Since the military defeat of Da'esh announced in December 2017, nearly 4.2 million displaced Iraqis have returned to their homes. However, as at August 2019, over 1.6 Iraqi civilians remain displaced from their homes; over a million of whom will likely never return home. The scale of protection needs in Iraq are so great the UN has described it as a 'protection crisis.'

On 25 April 2017, the Prime Minister announced a three-year $100 million humanitarian and stabilisation package for Iraq (the Package). This announcement brought the total amount Australia had committed to Iraq to over $180 million since the Da'esh conflict began in June 2014.

The overall objective of the Package is to support international efforts to meet the humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable conflict-affected populations in Iraq, and assist communities become more resilient and stable. Activities will address short and medium-term humanitarian needs of affected populations, with a particular focus on humanitarian assistance; rapid recovery and stabilisation activities in liberated areas (including rehabilitation of essential public services and economic opportunities); and reconciliation and social cohesion. These investments will contribute to two end-of-package outcomes:

1. Vulnerable people in Iraq affected by the crisis receive inclusive humanitarian assistance and have greater access to protection services
2. Institutions, infrastructure and social conditions improved for conflict-affected populations to recover and build resilience in a safe and stable environment.

Full publication

Iraq Humanitarian and Stabilisation Package – Investment Design Summary [PDF 1.16 MB]

Iraq Humanitarian and Stabilisation Package – Investment Design Summary [Word 1.07 MB]