International Migration Organization Reports Nearly One Million Internally Displaced in Iraq

The International Organization for Migration reported that the number of internally displaced persons in Iraq stands at 997,334. Pascal Rentgens, head of the mission in Iraq, stated that among these displaced individuals, 97,272 reside in 18 camps within the Kurdistan Region, including 89,709 in 13 camps in Dohuk Governorate and Zakho administration, four thousand in two camps in Erbil Governorate, and 3,194 in three camps east of Mosul in Nineveh Governorate. He pointed out that the displaced face multiple challenges hindering their return, including housing, land, and property issues. Damage to or destruction of homes, unresolved land disputes, lack of documentation, property seizures, and difficulties obtaining compensation all prevent some families from returning, especially in areas of Nineveh severely affected by conflict. He also highlighted that limited access to basic services and infrastructure remains a major obstacle to sustainable reintegration, revealing that monitoring results showed 59% of families could not consistently access clean water. Additionally, there are deficiencies or disruptions in some infrastructure facilities, including schools and health centers, posing challenges to reintegration efforts. He noted that 40% of families lack at least one civil document nine months after leaving camps, mostly the national ID card, restricting their access to rights and essential services. He warned that the large-scale process of registering displaced persons and their camp departures has been suspended since July 2024, with families returning independently bearing their own return costs and logistical arrangements. He disclosed that some families could not continue their return journey, with 23 families comprising 107 individuals returning to displacement camps in Dohuk in early 2026.