Protection
Protection
Mohammed Abdalla is the receptionist at UNHCR’s Registration Centre in Sulaymaniyah.
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Law and Policy
UNHCR works within national laws to make sure policies, practices, and legislation related to refugees and asylum seekers align with international standards. To strengthen such laws and policies, UNHCR provides technical advice and support to government the authorities. This helps improve protection for refugees and find solutions for their needs. In Iraq, this support includes assistance in developing a new Refugee Law and implementing Administrative Instructions related to the procedures of the Political Refugee Law No. 71 of 1971.
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Registration and Documentation of Refugees and Asylum-seekers
UNHCR in Iraq registers asylum seekers seeking international protection. Once refugees and asylum seekers are registered with UNHCR, they are in principle issued with a UNHCR registration certification and can approach the government authorities for further steps leading to the issuance of their residency documents, namely a card issued by the Permanent Committee for Asylum Affairs and the Personal Identification Card (PIC) issued in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. UNHCR also provides technical support for the issuance of this documentation. UNHCR’s registration is a key protection intervention for refugees and asylum seekers as it mitigates the risk of detention, restrictions on movement, and prevents the risk of refoulement. Registration and the issuance of residency documentation also enable access to public services.
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Support with Civil Documentation for Iraqi Returnees from Northeast Syria in Al Amal Centre
Having a civil identity document – a birth certificate, national identity card or housing card – is the first step for any individual to be recognised as a citizen in their country. These documents serve as official proof of identity, enhancing access to public services provided by the state. UNHCR works with UN partners and the Government of Iraq in the Al-Amal centre for Iraqi returnees from North-East Syria to support returnees obtain core civil documents to facilitate their sustainable reintegration.
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Legal Assistance
Working with partners, UNHCR provides refugees and asylum seekers in Iraq with legal aid, including counselling and representation. UNHCR also assists detained refugees and asylum seekers, often arrested due to their status or lack of documentation.
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Communication with Refugee Communities
UNHCR has a dedicated helpline (0662330304) that helps refugees and asylum seekers by giving them clear and up-to-date information about available services and assistance, including from UNHCR, its partners and public institutions. It also supports urgent protection needs by connecting people to relevant services, explains the process for voluntary return to Syria, and allows individuals to report issues like fraud, corruption, or misconduct.
Additionally, UNHCR has a comprehensive HELP website featuring a catalogue of services available to refugees. Refugees can also stay informed through UNHCR Iraq’s WhatsApp channel, the Yalla Sawa Facebook page and UNHCR Iraq’s Facebook page, ensuring timely and inclusive communication.
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Resettlement and Complementary Pathways
In Iraq, resettlement remains a protection tool for those with urgent protection needs that cannot be addressed in the country. Resettlement is also an essential form of international solidarity. In addition, UNHCR supports refugees access complementary pathways like family reunification, humanitarian visas and private sponsorship. UNHCR does this by assisting refugees, where feasible, with navigating restrictive documentation requirements, supporting them to apply to such opportunities, and advocating with third-country representations for flexibility with visa issuance.
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Protection Services
In response to the humanitarian needs of refugees and asylum seekers, UNHCR has provided protection services, including support for survivors of gender-based violence, child protection, and the establishment of refugee community centres and services in and out of camps. Until mid-2025, these activities were implemented in partnership with NGOs in both refugee camps and urban areas hosting large refugee populations. During 2025, UNHCR has phased out of providing protection services through humanitarian actors, as refugees and asylum seekers, in principle, have access to support through public protection services.