Iraq Crisis – Water Sanitation Hygiene and Shelter Assistance – Oxfam-Québec 2015

December 2014 - The humanitarian situation in Iraq continues to deteriorate as armed clashes continue to drive displacement. The violence between armed groups and government forces has displaced an estimated 2 million people from their homes. With efforts to retake territory lost to ISIL in 2014 progress additional displacement is expected in 2015. An estimated 5.2 million people across Iraq have been affected by the conflict and are in need of humanitarian assistance. Basic services including health care and water infrastructure are disrupted resulting in acute humanitarian needs. The situation is expected to deteriorate as fighting and human rights violations persist. With DFATD's support the Oxfam-Québec is helping to reduce the vulnerability of internally displaced people affected by the civil unrest in Iraq. Project activities include: (1) providing water and sanitation assistance; (2) raising awareness of hygiene and public health issues; and (3) providing cash and voucher assistance for shelter improvements heating fuel etc.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased access to safe and clean water for drinking and domestic use; (2) improved capacity to address public health concerns and hazards in the community; and (3) improved access to assistance to meet essential needs. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crisis or that are food insecure.