Protection for Conflict-Affected Civilians in Iraq - UNHCR 2009

While armed conflict continued throughout 2008 early 2009 shows signs of a decrease in new population displacements; improved access to humanitarian assistance; and the return of small numbers of internally displaced persons and refugees. However water sanitation and electrical infrastructure remain inadequate to support the local population; and levels of poverty unemployment and dependency on government food rations are on the rise. CIDA's contribution is supporting the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to help improve the protection of civilians throughout Iraq particularly by working to create an environment that ensures that the human rights of all Iraqis are upheld. Activities focus on helping to mitigate the effects of displacement for those displaced by the conflict assisting them to find lasting solutions to their situations and providing them with social support and other services based on their most pressing needs.