Iraq

The ICRC has been present in Iraq since 1980, assisting people and communities severely affected by past armed conflicts and other violence.

Children read brochures in an awareness session conducted by the ICRC on explosive remnants of war for displaced people.

Our work in Iraq

As the situation in Iraq has evolved since 2017, and the country focuses on recovery and reconstruction efforts, the ICRC has also been significantly adapting its operations in line with the remaining humanitarian needs across the country. Many of our activities are carried out in cooperation with the Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS) and the relevant authorities.

Our activities mainly focus on vulnerable groups, namely detainees, displaced families, returnees, the missing and their families, persons with disabilities and communities living in highly contaminated areas. Additionally, we always stand ready to support the authorities in responding to emergencies arising from any potential new episodes of violence in the country.

The impact of our work - In 2024

64,466

Detainees have improved access to health care following the technical support and donation of medical equipment in 14 places of detention across Iraq.

47,000

Detainees have enhanced their living conditions through the distribution of hygiene and bedding items, in coordination with the prison authorities, in 19 PoDs.

12,707

People benefited from ICRC-supported mobile clinics across 7 governorates in response to mass gathering events and natural disasters.

11,028

Persons have strengthened their livelihoods thanks to cash assistance for agriculture/ livestock activities or small businesses.

14,639

Persons with physical disabilities received physical rehabilitation services.

10,450

Red Cross Messages were exchanged between separated family members, mostly between detainees and their relatives.

11,800

Individuals benefited from the ICRC's support to IRCS water activities in conflict and climate change-affected areas of Iraq.

8,990

People were trained in sessions on risk awareness and safer behaviour.

163

Sets of human remains from the Iraq-Iran War were exchanged under the auspices of the ICRC.

Quotes From the field

When the ICRC visited and gave me a Red Cross message from my son — telling me he was still alive after so many years of being missing — it felt as if they had brought him back to me in flesh.” Abu Talib, a father who was reunited with his missing son.

I have a missing relative, so I relate to their [families of the missing] suffering. The coordination between the ICRC and Iraqi Bar Association is so successful that I began receiving calls from other governorates, like Salah al-Din and Karbala, from families of the missing not referred by the ICRC, asking for my help with their documentation procedures

Abdelhameed Fadel one of the participating lawyers who volunteered for the Accompaniment Programme to facilitate the issuing of official documentation for families of the missing.

The collaboration between ICRC and the Iraqi Bar Association allowed me to get the unified national identity cards for my two children. It has made it easier for them to access many services and benefits, including official school registration, social welfare, and other programmes provided by NGOs and government institutions.

Sabrin Kareem A mother whose husband is missing.

Even birds grieve when they lose their young — so just imagine how we feel as parents.

Abu Talib A father who was reunited with his missing son.

Our services in Iraq

  • Our Community Contact Centre in Iraq is the first point of contact for communities and families suffering the consequences of armed past conflicts and seeking information on the ICRC’s assistance and work in the country.

    If you have a missing family member or would like to share your feedback regarding our activities, please call the toll-free number:

    800 22222 (Iraq)

Contact us

Community Contact Centre

Telephone

80022222

Opening Hours:

8:30 - 15:30
Saturday - Thursday

Address

Al-Salhiya - Al Sikak district - Quarter 220, Street 4, House 6 P.O. Box 3317 Al-’Alwiyah Post Office Baghdad, Iraq

Opening Hours:

8:00am–4:00pm

Media contact

Hiba Adnan

Our work with the Iraqi Red Crescent Society