Refugees

Iraq hosts over 341,545 refugees and asylum-seekers, more than 90% of whom are Syrians. Approximately 85% of all the refugees live in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, while the rest reside in central and southern governorates. Among refugees living in the Kurdistan region, 34% reside in nine refugee camps while 66% live in urban settings, primarily in Erbil, followed by Dohuk and Sulaymaniyah. The rest of the refugee population live in central and southern governorates of Iraq in urban settings, mainly in Baghdad.

Overall, the protection environment in Iraq is relatively favourable for refugees and asylum-seekers in Iraq. Refugees and asylum-seekers can access public services, such as healthcare and education on par with nationals, and pursue livelihood opportunities mainly in the informal sector. Nonetheless, Iraq continues to lack a comprehensive legal framework governing the status and protection of refugees in line with international standards and good practices.