Iraq Strengthens National Efforts to Improve Living Conditions in Informal Settlements

Communities living in informal settlements often lack access to key services and documentation. This includes legal land ownership, clean water, electricity, paved roads, and access to schools and healthcare. To discuss concrete solutions for these challenges, the Iraq High Steering Committee of the National Programme for Rehabilitation and Regularization of Informal Settlements, with support from the European Union (EU), held its Fourth Policy Dialogue in Baghdad. The discussions aimed at developing a national response to improve the standard of living for residents in informal settlements. 

Led by Dr. Maher Johan, Deputy Minister of Planning, this meeting focused on finalising the tools and coordination mechanisms needed to implement the Law on Addressing Informal Settlements, which is currently under review by the State Council before being submitted to Parliament.

“The greatest challenge currently facing this committee is to finalise the drafting of this law in the most comprehensive manner possible, ensuring its effective implementation and ultimately fulfilling its true purpose: to improve the lives of millions in Iraq,” said Dr. Maher Johan, Deputy Minister of Planning. “This process takes time and demands significant effort from everyone present, for which I express my deep appreciation and respect. To truly succeed, we must also agree on a clear roadmap, supported by strong coordination and dedicated resources.” The law, and its roadmap, aims to:

• Upgrade infrastructure and services in informal areas;
• Provide legal land ownership to residents;
• Prevent the spread of new informal settlements;
• Include these communities in national development plans;
• Expand access to jobs and improve living conditions.

The Policy Dialogue is financially supported by the European Union and receives technical assistance by UN-Habitat under the project ‘Increasing Access to Employment Opportunities for Vulnerable Urban Populations in Basra City in Response to the COVID-19 Crisis’.

“The European Union congratulates the Government of Iraq for its efforts in helping Iraqi citizens living in informal settlements,” said Mr. Lennart Deridder, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Iraq. “The ongoing discussions reflect a serious approach to urban planning that puts people first and aligns with both national priorities and international best practices.”

The dialogue brought together key ministries and stakeholders to (i) establish a Technical Working Group to monitor progress and report to the High Steering Committee; (ii) strengthen coordination among government departments for effective implementation; and (iii) advance the endorsement of the updated Roadmap, which will guide how the law is put into action.

“It’s encouraging to see Iraq continue building on a programme that began after the housing crisis in 2014,” said Mr. Muslim Qazimi, Head of UN-Habitat Iraq. “The law and roadmap reflect a strong commitment to better housing, secure tenure, and inclusive urban development.”

The next steps include finalising the roadmap based on feedback from the workshop and submitting it to the Council of Ministers for official endorsement.