Middle East




17th out of 178 countries


Since the 1980s, Iraq has been repeatedly ravaged by years of armed conflict, instability, and war. These challenges are further compounded by a lack of adequate services including poor access to safe drinking water, electricity, and a faltering economy, resulting in extreme hardship for ordinary Iraqis.

Nearly forty years of armed conflict has dealt a massive blow to Iraq’s infrastructure and government institutions, which are struggling to rebuild the country. Though gains have been made in the economy and security at the national level, the delivery of basic services such as safe drinking water and electricity remain a constant struggle for ordinary Iraqis. Tensions between the Iraqi people and their government continue to persist, particularly among the country’s large youth population, which remains highly mistrustful of the political system. Perceptions of a lack of fairness in the political process coupled with few opportunities to earn a living has increased tensions along ethno-sectarian lines in recent years, creating a constant threat of renewed conflict.

Since 2003, Relief International has provided water, sanitation and hygiene services in Iraq to more than one million of the country’s most vulnerable people, working in refugee camps, internally displaced persons camps, host communities, areas of return, and areas destroyed by years of conflict.

We are also helping to rebuild the local economy of Hawija, the last area of Iraq to be liberated from ISIS control. We are providing small grants to help establish businesses and cash-for-work activities. Our goal is to regenerate markets in Hawija and facilitate further returns of displaced people to their homes.

In remote western Anbar Province, Relief International is the only international NGO providing healthcare to vulnerable populations cut off from services, including Syrian refugees crossing the border. Overall, RI has provided 289,855 free healthcare consultations across Anbar.

“Iraqis are hungry for a sense of normalcy that has been denied to them over the last three decades. Relief International’s efforts target basic needs of the most vulnerable communities.”- Johan Chevallier, Middle East Regional Director

Our 2020 Impact in Iraq
people who received information on best hygiene practices
people with improved access to safe water
students with improved access to safe sanitation at school
The Relief International microfinance team visits the Metrography Agency in Iraq. RI
Featured Story

Banking on the Unbanked: Microfinance in Iraq

Since 2006, Relief International has provided more than $60 million in credit products tailored specifically to low-income households and small businesses in Iraq that are unable to access financing through traditional banks.

Featured Project

Delivering Emergency Healthcare to Displaced Families in Anbar Province

Relief International is the only international non-profit organization providing healthcare to displaced families cut off from services in Anbar Province, including Syrian refugees crossing the border.

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Make a difference today

With a gift to Relief International, you can help deliver safe drinking water. You can help provide healthcare to displaced families, far from home. You can help ensure girls and boys alike receive an education, which in turn creates paths towards employment. This all starts with you.

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