Iraq

In December 2017, the then Iraqi Prime minister Haider al-Abadi announced victory over the Islamic State (IS), three years after the militant group captured a third of Iraq's territory.?Following IS defeat, the number of families returning to their place of origin increased. The rate of return is now decreasing largely due to the lack of safety, basic services and critical infrastructure. The lack of national reconciliation between the different sects and ethnicities across the country is contributing to protracted displacement and often leads to forced returns, displacement, and blocked returns. There are 1.5 million IDPs in Iraq, many in protracted displacement or at risk of long term displacement. The majority of IDPS live in private, out of camp settings. Almost 55,730 IDPs reside in 43 formal camps (67 including sub-camps). Salah al-Din and Ninewa  governorates host the highest number of returnees living in severe conditions.?

In August 2019, the Government of Iraq consolidated and closed a number of IDP camps, aiming to have all IDPs returned  home by the end of 2020. Returnees encounter challenges such as difficulty re-establishing livelihoods, that prevent return. The prolonged nature of displacement has led to increased vulnerabilities among IDPs who face multiple needs, including health, food, and adequate shelter, especially during winter months. Many children in both in- and out-of-camp settings are out of school.?

Some 3,400 square kilometres of agricultural and urban land is contaminated by landmines and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and is a threat to safety. Homes, schools, hospitals and vital infrastructure are littered with dangerous explosives and many accidents have been reported; the situation deters IDPs from returning to their homes.?