Mission to Iraq (6-8 June 2015) - Main contents

With more than 8 million people needing assistance, the humanitarian situation in Iraq is critical. EU solidariry is solid. It is tangible. The people of Iraq are not alone.

The main objective of my visit to Iraq was to convey a message of continued EU commitment to stand by the Iraqi people and government at a time when the scale and nature of the humanitarian crisis is putting the integrity of the country at stake. My aim was also to directly assess the needs and gaps of the humanitarian response and the EU engagement, following the launch of the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP), co-organised by the EU and the UN, and hosted by the European Parliament in Brussels, on 4 June. During the mission I saw on the ground different elements of our emergency humanitarian response in Iraq to those most in need, especially the internally displaced persons (IDPs). Having visited an IDP camp, a temporary shelter, an IDP cash distribution centre and an aid supply warehouse, I directly witnessed how our support to humanitarian partners alleviates the suffering of those recently displaced from Ramadi and other affected areas, through adapted emergency interventions (water, food, non-food items and cash assistance). EU solidarity is solid and tangible.

Newly displaced victims from Anbar receive survival assistance. IOM distribution center.

Food supplies a necessity to IDPs camps.

Medical personnel in mobile clinic for IDPs in Baghdad doing a heroic job.

10 y/o Rehab fled Anbar to IDP camp. Her favourite school subject was English. Her studies continue in camp.

Listening to the brave humanitarian workers

With NRC listening to Abdel Sattar. Escaped with his 9 kids from Falluja.