PRESS RELEASE: IRAQ, IOM CHART PATH TO RECOVERY, DEVELOPMENT, AND SAFE MIGRATION

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Iraq, in cooperation with the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government, launched its Iraq Country Strategy 2025-2029 this week in Baghdad and Erbil, setting out how the Organization will support national efforts to strengthen migration governance, advance durable solutions to displacement, and expand safe and regular migration pathways. The launch events brought together representatives of the Government of Iraq, the Kurdistan Regional Government, the international community, United Nations agencies, partners, media and academia.

"As we move from humanitarian response to development and durable solutions to displacement," said IOM Iraq's Chief of Mission Pascal Reyntjens, "the operationalization of the strategy will build on past successes, adapt to present day realities and leverage the future aspirations of the people of Iraq."

Iraq has made significant progress in recovery and stabilization, with more than 4.9 million people returning or relocating since the end of the conflict with Da'esh. Yet more than one million people remain internally displaced; and housing, infrastructure, access to services and gainful employment remain barriers to sustainable return. More than 30,000 families have been displaced by climatic factors in central and southern Iraq, adding a new dimension to internal displacement. The strategy reflects IOM's continued support to the country and the people of Iraq, even as national institutions take on greater ownership in managing displacement and migration.

“IOM’s nationwide operational presence, technical expertise, migration and displacement data, and longstanding relationships with national and local institutions enable IOM to connect policy with practical delivery,” said United Nations Resident Coordinator for Iraq Peter Hawkins.

Anchored in IOM's Global Strategic Plan 2024-2028, the Strategy applies three objectives in the Iraqi context: saving lives and protecting people on the move, driving solutions to displacement, and facilitating pathways for regular migration. IOM is a key partner in delivering the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2025-2029, which is aligned with Iraq's National Development Plan 2024-2028, Vision 2030, the Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Compact for Migration. 

In Baghdad, the launch event was attended by Dr. Kareem Al-Noori, Deputy Minister of Migration and Displaced, and Dr. Khaled Al-Saegh, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Affairs; and in Erbil the event was attended by Rebar Ahmed, Minister of Interior (KRI) and Minister Safeen Dizayee, Head of Dept of Foreign Relations (KRI), alongside various esteemed government officials, members of the international community, media and academia. 

Operationalizing the vision of the strategy, IOM will continue providing shelter and protection where humanitarian needs persist; supporting returnees to access basic services and reintegrate; expanding livelihoods and enterprise development; strengthening climate adaptation and water management; and supporting national authorities in expanding regular migration pathways and modernizing border management. Underpinning this work is IOM's nationwide operational presence, technical expertise, data and convening role, delivered through the support of national partners and the international community. 

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Read more: IOM Strategy for IRAQ 2025 – 2029 in English, Arabic and Kurdish

Note to editors

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration, working closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and non-governmental partners to promote humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. Since 2008, IOM has implemented projects and programmes in Iraq worth US$ 1.7B, supporting nearly 5 million people in all governorates. For more information, please contact: iraqmcu@iom.int