Iraqis displaced by conflict struggle to find adequate shelter

As the humanitarian crisis continues to mount in Iraq and the displaced population has increased, many families have sought refuge in less desirable forms of shelter. Early in the year when the conflict was primarily in Anbar, primary shelter arrangements for the displaced population were with host family members. IOM Iraq’s newest Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) report indicates that of those displaced since August, a larger proportion is housed in religious buildings (19 per cent), unfinished buildings (17 per cent), schools (17 per cent), informal settlements (8 per cent), and camps (6 per cent).

The recourse to self-supported accommodations, such as those hosted by relatives, rented accommodation and hotel stays, has decreased, indicating that the coping mechanisms of both the displaced and host communities are strained. Trends in accommodation arrangements vary by region. In Iraq’s Central North region, 38 per cent of displaced families live with relatives or host communities, while in the South, 67 per cent of displaced families reside in religious buildings.

The DTM data, collected by IOM Rapid Assessment and Response Teams, indicate 1,725,432 internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the country (287,572 families). Over the first two weeks of September, the number of IDPs has increased by 16,254 (or 2,709 families). In comparison to previous weeks this represents a slowing in displacement trends. Over this recent period, 792 families fled from Ninewa to Sulaymaniyah District. Further displacement has been recorded south of Baghdad with 916 families seeking refuge in the governorates of Najaf, Basrah, Thi Qar, Missan and Muthana.

The report presents information on IDPs’ governorate of origin and governorate of displacement. Following the August Crisis, Dohuk Governorate in northern Iraq received the largest IDP population of nearly 450,000 individuals. The main governorates of origin for the total displaced caseload since January are Ninewa (49.4 per cent or 141,954 families) and Anbar (28.7 per cent or 86,621 families). IOM Iraq Chief of Mission Thomas Lothar Weiss said, “IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix data informs response efforts to focus our assistance in areas of greatest need. As this crisis becomes entrenched, we are committed to working with government authorities to identify and meet the most pressing needs of affected populations.”

IOM is responding to the massive humanitarian needs in Iraq through non-food item distribution, health services, shelter provision, livelihoods activities, transportation, and information management through the DTM.  IOM is operational in all of Iraq’s 18 governorates.

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