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

September 21, 2015 Iraq

Helping families in Iraq takes many forms

Due to repeated clashes with the radical terrorist organization Islamic State (IS), Iraq now suffers from major internal displacement. Since the beginning of the conflict in 2014, 1.8 million people have left their homes. The Iraqi Kurdistan region now accommodates 90,564 families, 47% of which are displaced residents who have settled in only three of the region’s districts (Dohuk, Al-Shekhan and Akre). In the area of northern Iraq, 222,000 refugees from war-stricken Syria also continue to seek refuge.

August 14, 2015 Iraq

Education for displaced Iraqi children

One of the many things that gets left behind when a family is uprooted by war, is a child’s education. If left without schooling for a prolonged time, the long-term effects on a child’s life and possibilities can be devastating. Read more on caritas.org.

August 13, 2015 Iraq

Uncertainties for Christians in Iraq

Statement by Msgr Shlemon Warduni, Chaldean auxiliary bishop of Baghdad and president of Caritas Iraq Many people ask me about the conditions and lives of Christians in Iraq. I don’t wish to be pessimistic, but unfortunately the situation is going from bad to worse: bombing, car bombs, suicide bombings, rape, torture, kidnapping and robbery are just some of the agents of death used by ISIS. Read more on caritas.org.

July 9, 2014 Iraq

Caritas aids families caught in Iraq conflict

Caritas Iraq is providing food, bedding and hygiene kits to 2000 Iraqi families who have fled their homes after fighting broke out in the north of the country. Read more on caritas.org.