Iraq still suffers from the consequences of years of armed conflict and political turmoil. The country has been affected the most by the recent invasion of the self-proclaimed Islamic State which has forced millions of Iraqis to leave their homes. To this day, many people do not have adequate shelter, access to basic services, and not even a sufficient livelihood.  

Caritas Czech Republic has been operating in Iraq since 2015 and our work is gradually transitioning from providing immediate humanitarian aid to more permanent forms of aid, such as restoration of livelihoods and creation of new jobs. Our mission in Iraq quickly grew to become a stable branch with dozens of employees who operate in six Iraqi regions.

Restoration of Livelihoods

For most Iraqi refugees, repatriation is very complicated because their original livelihoods were destroyed during the conflict. As such, many of them are dealing with existential problems. Specifically, Caritas Czech Republic supports returnees in restoration of economic activities and small businesses. For example, in the agricultural area of Nineveh, we build high-capacity greenhouses, provide farmers with seeds and equipment, and help to start small businesses in cities.

Providing Shelter

The armed conflict has been devastating for ordinary Iraqis. Up to six million people had to leave their homes due to the invasion of the self-proclaimed Islamic State. Many have been able to return; however, nearly two million Iraqis are still internally displaced or are dealing with damaged infrastructure and housing as returnees. Nevertheless, numerous internally displaced people live in refugee camps, which are often non official.

That is why we in Iraq help internally displaced persons and returnees by providing adequate shelter. Our aid comprises shelter repairs, providing materials for repairs, contribution towards rent, and providing essential equipment, such as heating sources.

School Meals for Children from Poor Families

For a number of poor families, getting food and medical care is more important than supporting children in compulsory schooling. Hungry children, however, have difficulties concentrating and they perform worse at school. In Iraq, we provide children from poor families with school meals for free. Through this, the number of pupils which regularly attend school has increased as well as their school performance. It also leads to a reduction in child labor. 

READ MORE ABOUT the MISSION IN IRAQ

May 8, 2022 CCR-Iraq

Thaer's dream of working in the cooling and air conditioning maintenance business came true

Tháer Hazem Aziz, a 25-year-old newlywed, is also a father-to-be. Despite the fact that he was born and raised in Ramadi, he and his family live Al-Heet today. He was studying before ISIS attacked, but after ISIS he sometimes would his father fix heaters, refrigerators, and cookers. Thaer was unemployed before to enrolling in the Livelihood Initiative, but he had a strong interest in refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment repair and wanted to learn more about it. Thaer was able to work in this field thanks to the Caritas Czech Republic and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

May 19, 2022 News

8 million from church collection increase self-sufficiency for the needy in the Middle East

Thanks to the 8 million Czech crowns raised in a church collection, Caritas Czech Republic can provide a source of livelihood for people in need in the Middle East. We have helped women start their own businesses, and provided local farmers with the knowledge and equipment to farm in the face of growing water scarcity. Young people can continue their education thanks to our support. This year's church collection to help Christians in need takes place this Sunday, 22nd May.

April 22, 2022 News

6 ways Caritas Czech Republic invests in our planet

On International Earth Day, we remind ourselves why is it important to protect nature and to alert society to the possible negative impact of our activities on the environment. We at Caritas care about the state of our planet too, which is why we help protect it in several ways. Whether it is supporting organic farming in Zambia, educating people about recycling in Mongolia or composting in Georgia.

March 31, 2022 CCR-Iraq

Kamal launched his own sweets shop in the Al-Kubaisa sub-district

Kamal Hadi Sahab is a 43-year-old man, originally from the Al Heet district's Al-Kubaisa sub-district of Iraq. He lives with his family and has three children, two sons and a girl. Before the ISIS attack on the area, Kamal worked as a daily wage laborer in a local factory. After returning, he worked as a selfemployeed. Kamal had always wanted to open his own sweets factory in the region but he lacked the money to do so. Thanks to Caritas Czech Republic and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), he was finally able to launch his confectionery business.