Iraq Crisis - Emergency Assistance to Internally Displaced People - Mercy Corps 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 DFATD’s support Mercy Corps is helping to reduce the vulnerability of internally displaced people in Sulaymaniyah Diyala and Kirkuk Governorates. Project activities include: (1) providing essential household and hygiene items including blankets mattresses kitchen sets soap and diapers to 3 000 families; and (2) providing bi-monthly reports on conflict-affected communities to better inform the humanitarian community’s response.

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