Posted on 23 March 2023
As it reaches 20 years since the US invaded Iraq, there is a recent shift being seen in the UN’s approach – specifically a decrease in humanitarian support compared to the past two decades.
An OCHA report released last month states over 2021 and 2022, only around 60% of the required funding for Iraq was met, and funding has gone to populations experiencing more acute humanitarian crisis. It writes that “The UN has shifted its focus from a humanitarian-only response plan to a development-focused approach, as this will better serve the needs of all citizens in Iraq, not just those affected by the ISIL crisis.”
The hope is Iraq Government and KRG authorities will take over providing the population with this aid. However, there are concerns that the UN and international NGOs stepping back will means those in need will not receive support. In 2022, 2.5 million people in the nation still relied on humanitarian assistance.