Iraq is still affected by intermittent conflict, as well as economic problems and the impact of climate change. Over a million people are now displaced across the country, along with over 300,000 refugees and asylum seekers.
NRC in Iraq
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is responding to the needs of families living far from home, refugees, returnees and host communities – with a particular focus on hard-to-reach populations.
What’s happening in Iraq?
Right now, Iraq is struggling with the legacy of conflict and the needs of over a million displaced people. Those who wish to return to their areas of origin face difficulties due to insecurity, perceived affiliation with the Islamic State group, lack of livelihoods and destroyed or damaged housing.
In addition, Iraq hosts over 300,000 refugees and asylum seekers, including many from Syria. Life in exile is extremely tough for these families, particularly with Iraq’s struggling economy and the devastating impact of climate change. As droughts become ever more frequent, it’s harder for people to farm the land and grow enough to eat – meaning they may be forced to pack up and move all over again.
Our response
We’re working with our partners in the following areas:
- Shelter and settlements – providing building materials, financial assistance and construction training to help people repair their homes.
- Livelihoods and economic inclusion – delivering cash assistance, supporting small businesses and helping to improve agricultural outputs.
- Education – giving young people access to quality education and vital opportunities for skills development.
- Protection from violence – supporting the recovery of people who have experienced violence, abuse and exploitation, and helping communities protect themselves.
- Information, counselling and legal assistance – helping people obtain identity and civil documentation and claim housing, land, and property rights.
Our operations
NRC office established: 2010
Areas of operation: Anbar, Baghdad, Dohuk, Erbil, Kirkuk, Ninewa, Salah al-Din
Country Director: Sue Clarke
Contact: iq.info@nrc.no
Our impact
In 2025, we assisted 87,811 people through our programmes in Iraq:
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15,991Education
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190Livelihoods and food security
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69,538Shelter and settlements
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969Protection from violence
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3,665Information, counselling and legal assistance
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2,395Multi-purpose cash assistance
Note: some people received more than one type of assistance.
