Key messages
-The humanitarian situation in Iraq continues to deteriorate and needs are skyrocketing: 10 million people, nearly a third of the total country’s population, are expected to be in need of lifesaving assistance by the end of the year. 8.7 million need help right now. 3.2 million are internally displaced. Iraq is also hosting almost 250 000 Syrian refugees.
-With the recent escalation of the conflict, the protection of civilians is one of the main challenges, with limited access for affected populations to safer ground, and lifesaving assistance. The European Union calls on all parties to the conflict to fully respect the rules of international humanitarian law, including the principle of distinction between civilians and combatants. Access to safer ground must be guaranteed to all civilians fleeing the conflict.
-Humanitarian access in hard to reach and conflict affected areas is a priority in Iraq.
-Responding to growing humanitarian needs, the European Commission has significantly increased its humanitarian aid to Iraq, allocating €104.65 million in total in 2015. Commissioner Stylianides visited the country twice, in June and July 2015.
-The EU's support focuses on the most vulnerable people affected by the crisis, on the basis of needs only. It assists Iraqi internally displaced and Syrian refugees in Iraq. It also supports Iraqi refugees in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey.