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What caused the current crisis in Iraq?

After the invasion by coalition forces in 2003, Iraq began fracturing along sectarian lines, ushering in a period of violence and displacement. After war broke out in neighboring Syria in 2011, ISIS took advantage of societal tensions and grievances in the region.

ISIS captured parts of Anbar in 2013, then swept through Sinjar and Mosul in a brutal 2014 campaign that forced scores to flee their homes. Over 3 million Iraqis now live in harsh conditions in camps and unfamiliar towns, with limited access to schools or jobs.

Thousands of Iraqis remain in desperate need of shelter, food, water and safety because of ongoing conflict and economic chaos.

Families have been displaced as many as two or three times. Traumatized children are packed into overcrowded schools or work on the streets to help support their families. Girls are particularly vulnerable and at risk for abuse and early marriage.

Syrian refugees who have lived for years in camps inside Iraq face dwindling services and support. As options run out, some choose to make the dangerous journey to Europe, or even to return to war-torn Syria.

The retaking of MosulIraq's second largest citydoes not mean an automatic end to the suffering of the 1.5 million people who spent more than two years living under harsh ISIS rule.

Despite the June 29 declaration, ISIS still controls some areas in the Old City of Mosul and ongoing fighting will continue to threaten the lives of civilians.

The IRC is working to help Mosul residents rebuild their lives by providing training and grants for new businesses, securing identity documents so people are able to access government services, and investing in education for children.

The IRCs mission is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future.

We first began working in Iraq in 2003, providing humanitarian relief and recovery assistance to the most vulnerable and crisis-affected Iraqis. We also have provided emergency support to thousands of Syrians fleeing the civil war that began in 2011. The IRC now works in 13 out of 18 Iraqi governorates, with main offices in Baghdad, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok. Specifically, the IRC:

The IRCs work in Iraq is more critical than ever as conflict continues and large numbers of people remain at risk. We pledge to put the needs of those most affected by crisis at the forefront of our efforts and to achieve measurable improvements in safety, power, education, and economic well-being.

Safety

The IRC will continue to provide emergency legal assistance and referrals for those in danger.

For those suffering from psychological trauma, we will offer support to promote healing.

We will also work to ensure equal outcomes for women and girls where they live, learn and work.

Power

The IRC will continue to document the state of peoples shelter, safety and rights, providing information and service referrals particularly to the most marginalized.

Our advocacy work in partnership with local and international groups will elevate the needs of Iraqis and Syrian refugees with policy makers and donors.

Education

The IRC is committed to expanding programs for Syrian and Iraqi children by providing specially trained teachers and safe classrooms.

We will also reduce class size and increase access to education by paying teacher incentives.

Economic wellbeing

The IRC will continue to provide cash assistance to vulnerable and uprooted families. We will also help Syrian refugees and displaced Iraqis find safe and legal work opportunities.

As in all our efforts, the IRC will strive to reach more people more quickly, increase the effectiveness of our work, listen to the concerns of those affected by our work, and hold ourselves accountable for results.

Download the IRC Iraq strategy action plan to learn more about our program priorities through 2020.

Visit link:
Iraq | International Rescue Committee (IRC)