Assistance to Vulnerable Populations in Iraq - ICRC 2010

While Iraq continues to progress through the post-conflict recovery process everyday lives of civilians continue to be disrupted by violence and many have limited livelihood opportunities and difficulties accessing even the most basic social services. Some groups remain particularly vulnerable including those living in fragile areas where essential services may be unavailable or interrupted; households headed by women without any income-generating activities; and displaced populations facing various difficulties in returning home. In addition the lack of mine clearance activities in Iraq means that communities are forced to live in close proximity to large quantities of explosive remnants of war threatening their lives and livelihoods. CIDA’s contribution is supporting the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to provide protection and assistance to vulnerable civilians in Iraq. Activities focus on providing emergency food assistance hygiene items and other basic necessities to vulnerable households; supporting livelihoods through income generating programs; conducting mine clearance and mine risk education activities; and promoting respect for the principles of International Humanitarian Law among weapon bearers and all other concerned parties.