HIGHLIGHTS
USAID/OFDA commits an additional $9 million in FY 2015 funding to support humanitarian response activities for displaced and other conflict-affected populations throughout Iraq
Insecurity in Iraq displaces more than 3 million individuals between January 2014 and May 2015
The 2015 Iraq Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) appeals for $498 million to support critical humanitarian activities through December 2015
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
On June 12, U.S. President Barack Obama and U.S. Vice President Joe Biden met with Salim al-Jabouri, Speaker of Iraq’s Council of Representatives, to discuss ongoing U.S. and Iraqi efforts to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). Vice President Biden took the opportunity to announce an additional $9 million in assistance to meet urgent humanitarian needs in Iraq, bringing the total USG contribution since FY 2014 to $416 million. The new funding—provided through USAID/OFDA—is supporting implementing partners to distribute emergency relief supplies to conflictaffected Iraqis; address shelter and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) requirements for populations in need; and strengthen coordination efforts among the humanitarian community in Iraq.
On June 4, the UN released the 2015 Iraq HRP in Brussels, requesting approximately $498 million for humanitarian assistance in Iraq between July and December 2015. The HRP represents a revision of the 2014/2015 Strategic Response Plan to address critical funding shortages for the Iraq crisis. The HRP identifies approximately 8.2 million people in need—nearly 23 percent of the total population inside Iraq—and aims to reach 5.6 million people with relief activities outlined in the new appeal. State/PRM Deputy Assistant Secretary Kelly Clements and USAID/OFDA Principal Regional Advisor for Europe, the Middle East, and Central Asia Jack Myer attended the HRP launch, among other international donor representatives