Iraq: UNHCR Iraq welcomes Japan’s announcement of a further USD 13 million in funding to support Iraqi IDPs and returnees and Syrian refugees in Iraq [EN/AR]
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency welcomed a generous contribution of USD 13 million from the Government and people of Japan to protect and assist Internally Displaced People (IDPs), returnee families, and Syrian refugees across Iraq. Japan’s funding will help UNHCR work with local stakeholders and partners to support the targeted communities with cash assistance, quick impact projects, legal assistance, and psychosocial prevention and response activities in response of sexual and gender-based violence.
Ayman Gharaibeh, UNHCR representative in Iraq said ‘Japan’s generous contribution demonstrates commitment to supporting Iraq's transition out of emergency and pave the way for solutions.’ Gharaibeh also added ‘it will also support UNHCR’s efforts to reshape its strategic priorities to feed into the transition to stability while addressing the needs of Iraqi IDPs, returnees, and Syrian refugees across Iraq.’
With Japan’s support, UNHCR will be able to launch various quick impact projects for the benefit of around 18.000 individuals in 2019. Up to six quick impact projects are expected to improve and expand service facilities in out of camps situations across Iraq. Furthermore, up to 6000 individuals will receive legal assistance services thanks to these funds. The additional funds from Japan will help UNHCR in providing monthly cash assistance for more than 6,953 vulnerable IDPs families and 700 refugee families across the country.
H.E. Mr. Naofumi Hashimoto, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Iraq, expressed Japan’s commitment to providing necessary services to the vulnerable people, he said, “Japan has recently decided new assistance package for Iraq amounting to 63 million US Dollars including this project as contribution to IDPs, returnees and Syrian refugees in meeting their basic needs. With this package, total amount of Japan’s assistance to the people affected by the crisis reaches 500 million US Dollars.” The Government of Japan has been one of UNHCR’s most important contributors in the last years. Thanks to the generous contributions of Japan, thousands of IDPs, returnees and Syrian refugees in Iraq have benefited from enhanced assistance in past years.
Today, more than 1.8 million Iraqis remain internally displaced. Returns of IDPs to areas of origin increased at a steady rate in 2018 and is likely continue in 2019, but many among the returnees are facing constrained access to basic services and security. Iraq also continues to host a large Syrian refugee community of around 252,526 individuals.
