Iraq has over 1 million internally displaced persons (IDPs). While the majority live in private accommodation in urban settings or informal settlements across the country, as of end December 2024, 109,000 live in 21 IDP camps in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
In 2024, approximately 34 percent of the IDP population who were registered as living in the camps as of the beginning of the year, had departed to their areas of origin by the end of the year.
For the latest data and statistics on the IDP population living inside camps, including returns, please refer to this dashboard.
IDP Camps
In early 2024, the Government of Iraq announced its intent to close the remaining IDPs camps in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. A range of measures accompanied this decision, including the increase of the settlement grant provided by the Ministry of Migration and Displacement (MOMD) from IQD 1,5 million to IQD 4 million, for IDPs departing the camps. Additionally, reintegration measures were announced, including related to employment in areas of origin, as well as reconstruction and property compensation funds.
By mid-2024, the decision to close all IDP camps was postponed. The Government established a high committee and, in December 2024, established a further three joint committees to address the specific matters of security, reconstruction and judicial barriers that continue to impede durable solutions for many IDPs living in camps. As of January 2025, the 21 IDP camps remain open in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
Durable Solutions for IDPs
While many IDPs hope to return to their homes at some point, many may be unable or unwilling to do so because of their specific profiles or the situation in their areas of origin. UNHCR supports closure of camps as long as durable solutions are made available to IDPs and decisions are made on a voluntary and well-informed basis.
These durable solutions include:
- return to their areas of origin
- relocation to other communities within the country
- and local integration in their areas of displacement, including through integration in (urban) communities nearby existing camps or another area of the IDPs choosing.
Overall, IDPs should be able to make an informed and free decision on the most suitable durable solution, according to their personal situation and the conditions in the areas of return as well as displacement so that the solution they choose is not only dignified but also sustainable in the long term. In this regard, the provision of information by authorities on the type of assistance and services available to IDPs is essential.
UNHCR’s IDP Programming
As well as engaging with the Government to solve challenges impeding solutions for IDPs, UNHCR supports IDPs, IDP returnees, and other vulnerable populations in obtaining core civil documentation. This includes documentation such as national ID cards, birth certificates, nationality certificates, and housing cards. This documentation is essential as it allows IDPs to access public services such as education, healthcare and social services.
In 2024, for example, UNHCR and partners have supported displaced Iraqis in obtaining around 41,000 civil documents.
Following the roll-out of the new Unified ID system by the Government in 2024, which facilitates easier access to the UID across the country, UNHCR has significantly scaled down its civil documentation support in 2025.
Inclusion of IDPs in Iraqi Social Safety Net
In February 2023, Iraq’s Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs decided to assess IDPs living in camps in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq for enrolment in the Social Safety Net (SSN). The Ministry also decided to prioritize the assessment of IDPs and IDP returnees in urban areas across the country, regardless of whether they registered in the Ministry´s online registration system. Those who are eligible can now receive financial support to cover their basic needs, which been an important step forward in providing solutions for internally displaced populations.