Iraq

Slepa mapa_Irak 2015 orezIn Iraq, we had been active since 2015 and gradually shifted from immediate humanitarian assistance to more sustainable forms of support. We helped people restore their livelihoods and create new jobs. For those who had lost their homes, we provided permanent shelter. 

Restoring livelihoods 

We supported the restoration of people’s original trades and the start-up of small businesses. We helped farmers restore their fields and farms, including by providing seeds, equipment, and training. We also strengthened the position of women to enable their participation in economic activities. 

Support for internally displaced persons 

Approximately 1.2 million people in Iraq remain internally displaced, prevented from returning home by the unstable security situation. We helped these people secure dignified shelter and distributed kits for shelter improvements and the construction of new latrines. 

We concluded our operations in Iraq in 2025. 

Articles

7 pillars of Caritas Czech Republic’s work in Iraq
May 25, 2026 News

7 pillars of Caritas Czech Republic’s work in Iraq

After more than ten years, Caritas Czech Republic completed its operations in Iraq. In this article, we would like to remember the milestones of our work in the country. At first, we provided only humanitarian assistance to local people. However, in 2017, we opened our own office there, and our support shifted to restoring livelihoods and infrastructure, which helped improve and sustain the quality of life for the people of Iraq.

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

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

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