Statement by the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, Ghulam Isaczai World Humanitarian Day

On World Humanitarian Day, we pause to honour the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of humanitarian workers everywhere, and to stand in solidarity with the people we serve.

I dedicate my statement commemorating the World Humanitarian Day to all those who remain in displacement in Iraq. Today, Iraq has made significant strides. More than five million internally displaced Iraqis have found pathways to return, relocate, or integrate into new communities. This has been made possible through the resilience of the Iraqi people, and the collective work of the Government of Iraq, the United Nations, and humanitarian partners. Yet, thousands remain in displacement in IDP camps, informal settlements, and in urban areas across the country, still waiting for solutions that will allow them to rebuild their lives in dignity and security.

Solutions to Internal displacement continue to be at the heart of United Nations Humanitarian and developmental priorities in Iraq. We recognise that rebuilding lives requires more than physical return; it demands stability, dignity, and empowerment. The United Nations continues to work with the Government and people of Iraq to ensure families have safe and adequate housing, a pathway to property restitution, or fair compensation and access to government services. 

On this World Humanitarian Day, the United Nations renews its commitment to continue working diligently to implement a comprehensive road map to ending protracted displacement in Iraq. 

We commemorate the World Humanitarian Day by honouring those we lost, recognizing those who we serve, and committing to finish the work. We carry this spirit forward so that every displaced person can live with dignity, safety, and hope.