In Iraq, residents of informal displaced persons sites are experiencing the consequences of climate change and are facing challenges in accessing essential services. In this context, Première Urgence Internationale is intervening to rehabilitate individual homes, restore community infrastructure, and meet the water, hygiene, and sanitation needs of displaced persons—paying particular attention to households headed by women due to their increased vulnerabilities.

Despite the recapture of the last Iraqi cities from the control of the Islamic State in recent years, many families remain displaced across the country with little hope of returning to their original regions due to persistent insecurity, lack of essential services, and widespread destruction.

In December 2022, the Iraqi Ministry of Migration and Displacement announced the closure of all internally displaced persons camps in the country. This decision led to the transformation of these camps into informal sites, leaving residents in urgent need of humanitarian support.

‘My children can finally sleep peacefully at night’

^{Yasmine’s family, informal site of Latifiyah – © Première Urgence Internationale, 2024}

In the sub-district of Latifiyah, located south of the Baghdad governorate, residents of internally displaced persons camps are experiencing the increasing effects of climate change, characterized notably by extreme heat waves and sandstorms against which their shelters do not provide adequate protection.

“Our income is low, just enough to cover our essential needs and my father’s medication. The end of the month is already very difficult, so I couldn’t even think of doing any work on my house,” admits Yasmine.

At 32 years old, Yasmine is a widow. She is responsible for her four children and her father, who has a physical disability. They lived in a house without a door or bathroom, exposed to extreme heat in summer and cold in winter, until the intervention of Première Urgence Internationale.

After assessing the situation, Première Urgence Internationale teams installed doors in her home, built a bathroom, and provided fans for the summer.

“My children can finally sleep peacefully at night. We are no longer afraid now […]. My father’s health has also improved. We can focus on the children’s education and our health rather than constantly worrying about our safety,” explains the young woman.

Like Yasmine, women whose homes have been rehabilitated report a sense of increased security and well-being for the entire family.

An Emergency Response for Sustainable Impact

Just like Yasmine, 45 households, housing 317 people, have been rehabilitated in Latifiyah by Première Urgence Internationale.

Simultaneously, Première Urgence Internationale has connected to clean water the 1,995 inhabitants of the informal settlement of Kilo 18.

In addition to these restoration and construction activities, teams have organized information and training sessions on good hygiene practices in schools and among families.

Beyond safety concerns, the installation of doors and the construction of bathrooms also contribute to ensuring respect for everyone’s privacy and the personal development of individuals, particularly children.

These initiatives are made possible by the Abbé Pierre Foundation.

Find out more about the mission’s activities in Iraq.