Iraq’s displacement crisis is massive; according to the best estimates, the number approaches two million Iraqi refugees and 2.8 million internally displaced persons (IDPs). This means that between fifteen and twenty percent of Iraq’s population are now living outside their communities of origin. … The consequences of Iraq’s displacement for Iraq’s future are many. The flight of professionals complicates Iraqi efforts to rebuild its infrastructure and restore social services. There are political consequences as well. … No government in the region—or indeed in the world—wants Iraqi refugees. …
It is in the interests of all stakeholders—refugees and IDPs themselves, the government of Iraq, the governments of countries hosting Iraqi refugees, and international organizations —that solutions be found for refugees and IDPs. Given the scale and complexity of displacement, finding durable solutions will require high-level commitment on the part of the Iraqi government and commitment of far more financial resources from its budget. …
A comprehensive plan of action should be developed which includes support for voluntary return of refugees and IDPs, negotiations with and support for governments in the region to enable those who cannot return to Iraq to remain in the region, and use of resettlement to support local integration. The United Nations should take the lead in mobilizing a coordinated response from the international community in support of such a comprehensive plan. … But in order to be effective, this comprehensive plan needs to be owned by the Iraqi government. Access the full paper>>
