Iraq is still suffering the consequences of years of armed conflict. The country was hit hardest by the recent invasion of the self-proclaimed Islamic State, which forced millions of Iraqis to flee their homes. To this day, many people still do not have adequate shelter, access to essential services or a good source of income. We have been working in Iraq since 2015 and have gradually moved from providing immediate humanitarian assistance to more sustainable aid. We help people rebuild their livelihoods and create new jobs. We help people who have lost their homes to secure permanent shelter.

Restoring livelihoods

For most Iraqis who had to leave their homes, the return is very complicated because they lost their source of livelihood and often a roof over their heads during the conflict. We, therefore, support them in rebuilding their original businesses or starting new ones. We help farmers to rebuild their fields and farms and provide them with seeds, equipment and the necessary training. We also empower women to integrate into the economy.

MORE ABOUT OUR WORK IN IRAQ

April 27, 2026 News

Ceasefire is not enough: War continues to threaten civilians, not only in Lebanon

A regional conflict that began at the end of February 2026 with an attack on Iran and soon spread to other countries has not stopped despite the announced ceasefire. The situation remains uncertain. In Lebanon, political leaders have advised internally displaced persons not to return home, which represents an opposite approach to the one they took during the conflict in 2024. In the country, almost one-fifth of the population has been forced to leave their homes, and more than one million people remain displaced. Caritas Czech Republic supports them through cooperation with Caritas Lebanon. 

March 9, 2026 News

Worsening humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. Caritas Czech Republic is ready to respond

The security situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate. Millions of local residents live in uncertainty and danger; they face forced displacement and lack basic necessities. Caritas Czech Republic operates in Syria and Gaza, where we monitor developments. Previously, we helped address the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, in collaboration with Caritas Lebanon. We remain in contact with our sister organisation and are prepared to respond if needed. At the same time, as a humanitarian organisation, we urge all parties involved in the Middle East conflict to de-escalate immediately and to protect all civilians without exception.

October 13, 2025 News

This shop is my dream come true, says Maha from Iraq, who opened a cosmetics shop thanks to support from Caritas Czech Republic

Maha, now 40 years old, runs a small but carefully arranged shop in the centre of the Christian town of Karakosh in northern Iraq. She sells cosmetics, scarves, accessories, and sometimes even clothing – and says she does not need anything more to be happy. “I opened the shop after we returned home from Erbil, after the city was liberated from ISIS. Back then, we were living in a caravan – now I have my own business. And I’m truly grateful for that,” says Maha, who now runs her business thanks in part to the support of Caritas Czech Republic. 

September 29, 2025 News

Nassim from Iraq was able to open his own blacksmith workshop thanks to support from Caritas Czech Republic

In the small town of Karamles in northern Iraq, the sharp clang of hammer on metal rings out from a modest blacksmith workshop. Inside, 41-year-old Nassim works with practiced ease, bending iron into shape, welding railings, and assembling doors that will protect homes and shops across the region. Thanks to support from Caritas Czech Republic, what started as a passion two decades ago has also become Nassim’s livelihood.