Iraq Crisis - Emergency Assistance and Child Protection - Save the Children Canada 2014

August 2014 - The humanitarian situation in Iraq continues to deteriorate as armed clashes continue to drive displacement. The recent surge in violence between armed groups and government forces has displaced an estimated 1.3 million people from their homes. Basic services including health care and water infrastructure are disrupted and cause an estimated 1.5 million people to be in need of immediate humanitarian assistance. Iraqi Kurdistan is hosting an additional 230 000 Syrian refugees which is also placing a great strain on local infrastructure. The situation is expected to deteriorate as fighting and human rights violations persist. With GAC's support Save the Children is helping to reduce the vulnerability of internally displaced people in Zakho Shariya and Khanke in Dohuk Governorate. Project activities include: (1) providing essential relief items such as mattresses blankets pillows kitchen sets and hygiene items to 2 560 people; (2) establishing and operating a child friendly space benefitting up to 500 children; and (3) undertaking case management for 100 vulnerable internally displaced children including unaccompanied and separated children.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased access to essential relief items; and (2) increased protection for children. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crisis or that are food insecure.