UNHCR: Iraq Hosts Over 300,000 Refugees as Stability and Development Continue

PUKMEDIA

A refugee camp in Iraq.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced today, Thursday, that Iraq is currently experiencing stability and making progress towards sustainable development. 

In a report on Iraq, the UNHCR stated: "Iraq is experiencing a state of stability and is making progress towards sustainable development." It was also noted that "Iraq is hosting over 300,000 foreign refugees, 90% of whom are Syrians." The report emphasised that, in line with international policies, the UNHCR supports the closure of displacement camps in Iraq as long as sustainable solutions for the displaced are available and decisions regarding voluntary returns are made. 

In 2024, the Commission provided legal advice and representation services to 37,500 displaced and affected Iraqis, assisting them in overcoming administrative and legal barriers to obtaining civil identity documents. Additionally, over 41,000 displaced persons received support in securing civil documents. 

The report further stated that, as of December 2024, 85% of all refugees in Iraq reside in the Kurdistan Region, with the majority located in Erbil Governorate (53.3%), followed by Duhok Governorate (32.1%) and Sulaymaniyah Governorate (14.6%). The remaining 15% of refugees live in the central and southern governorates of Iraq, particularly in Baghdad Governorate (60%), followed by Kirkuk and Nineveh Governorates. The report also noted that 27% of refugees are accommodated in 9 refugee camps in the Kurdistan Region, with one camp in Sulaymaniyah, four in Duhok, and four in Erbil. The vast majority, 73%, live in residential areas within Iraqi neighbourhoods that host them.



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