The EU and WFP provide cash assistance to internally displaced and crisis affected Iraqis missing civil documentation
Baghdad, Iraq – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in Iraq welcomed a generous €5 million contribution from the European Union (EU) to provide cash assistance to internally displaced and crisis-affected Iraqis missing one or more essential civil documents until they are integrated within the national social safety net.
Thanks to the contribution from the EU, made through the EU’s Humanitarian Aid Operations department, WFP will be able to provide cash assistance for a total duration of 12 months to vulnerable families in Ninewa, Kirkuk, Anbar, Baghdad, Babylon, and Diyala Governorates.
Having valid civil documents is crucial for accessing national social safety nets and social protection mechanisms. These documents ensure that people in dire need receive the necessary assistance to address their immediate food requirements and livelihood challenges.
“Over the past 8 years the EU has supported conflict-affected and displaced Iraqis who are among the most vulnerable,” says Christophe Reltien, Head of Office for European Humanitarian Aid Operations in Iraq.“ The cash assistance will help beneficiaries to obtain documents facilitating their reintegration in the national social protection scheme.
This cash assistance aligns with the Iraq Cash Forum’s standards and approach as well as with the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs' distributions aiming to provide temporary support for households involved in programs assisting their access to civil documentation.
“We are grateful for the generous contribution from the EU,” said Ally-Raza Qureshi, WFP Representative and Country Director in Iraq. “Cash provides the power of choice and allows families exposed to vulnerabilities – including lack of key documents – to pick what they need most to get by.”
Additionally, WFP will advocate for the prioritization and inclusion of crisis-affected populations in national protection mechanisms and support the coordination of cash assistance within the humanitarian response to these targeted populations. This intervention is expected to promote social cohesion, reintegration, and address the livelihoods needs of vulnerable communities.
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The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.
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