In September 2024, the Government of Iraq launched the second phase of the PROSPECTS partnership, a vital initiative designed to enhance the support and integration of refugees and asylum seekers within the country. This initiative is led and funded by the Government of the Netherlands, with the aim of improving the lives of refugees through enhanced protection and livelihood opportunities.
As part of this initiative, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) released the PROSPECTS Partnership in Iraq Factsheet in January 2025, offering a detailed overview of the current status of refugees and asylum seekers in Iraq and the efforts being made to address their needs.
Current Refugee Situation in Iraq
As of December 2024, Iraq is home to over 338,000 refugees and asylum-seekers. Among this group, approximately 90% are Syrians, with the majority residing in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KR-I). Notably, more than 70% of refugees live in urban areas, where they coexist with the local population, while the remaining refugees reside in nine camps spread across the KR-I.
This influx of refugees has had a significant impact on the region, requiring sustained efforts to ensure their well-being and integration into the local community.
Protection Environment in Iraq
The protection environment in Iraq has been relatively favorable, especially in the Kurdistan Region. Refugees and asylum seekers who possess government-issued residency documents are granted access to essential public services, including healthcare and education. Additionally, they can pursue livelihood opportunities, although these are primarily found within the informal sector.
However, despite these positive developments, Iraq still faces challenges in fully aligning its legal framework with international standards for refugee protection. The country currently lacks a comprehensive legal framework that fully addresses the status and safety of refugees, which remains an area in need of attention and improvement.
Key Features of the PROSPECTS Partnership
The PROSPECTS partnership represents a significant step forward in ensuring that refugees in Iraq are provided with the resources and opportunities they need to lead dignified lives. The initiative focuses on the following areas:
- Protection: Enhancing the legal framework and policy environment to ensure refugees’ rights and safety.
- Livelihood Opportunities: Providing pathways to formal employment and self-sufficiency for refugees and asylum seekers.
- Access to Services: Expanding access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and social integration programs.
- Partnerships: Strengthening collaboration between governments, UN agencies, NGOs, and the private sector to create lasting solutions.
The second phase of the partnership will build on the success of the first phase, further improving the livelihoods and protection of refugees while working toward long-term sustainable solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many refugees are currently living in Iraq?
As of December 2024, Iraq hosts over 338,000 refugees and asylum seekers, with the vast majority being Syrian nationals.
2. Where do most refugees live in Iraq?
Most refugees reside in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KR-I), with over 70% living in urban areas alongside the local population. The remaining refugees are situated in nine camps within the region.
3. What services are available to refugees in Iraq?
Refugees in Iraq, particularly in the KR-I, can access essential services such as healthcare, education, and livelihood opportunities, although these are mainly within the informal sector.
4. Does Iraq have a comprehensive legal framework for refugee protection?
Currently, Iraq lacks a comprehensive legal framework that fully aligns with international standards for the status and protection of refugees. This remains a key challenge.
5. What is the PROSPECTS partnership?
The PROSPECTS partnership is an initiative funded by the Government of the Netherlands and led by the UNHCR. Its goal is to enhance the support and protection of refugees in Iraq by improving access to essential services and livelihood opportunities.
Conclusion
The launch of the second phase of the PROSPECTS partnership marks a significant milestone in Iraq’s ongoing efforts to improve the lives of refugees and asylum seekers. While challenges remain, particularly regarding the legal framework for refugee protection, the partnership offers a promising path forward, with a focus on security, livelihoods, and integration. By building on the successes of the first phase, the initiative aims to create sustainable solutions for refugees, fostering a more inclusive and resilient society for all.