Iraq: United Nations and Humanitarian Aid Organizations

Iraq: United Nations and Humanitarian Aid

Organizations

-name redactedInformation Research Specialist

July 18, 2008

Congressional Research Service

7-....

www.crs.gov

RL31766

CRS Report for Congress

Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress

Iraq: United Nations and Humanitarian Aid Organizations

Summary

Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) overthrew Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003 and a permanent

(four-year) Iraqi government is now running the day-to-day operations of the country. However,

coalition forces continue to combat insurgents and are attempting to improve the security

situation in Iraq. According to the Department of Defense, since early 2007 overall violence is

down as much as 80%, as a result of the Administration’s “troop surge” strategy.

Elections were held in Iraq for a transitional National Assembly on January 30, 2005, and a

permanent constitution was adopted on October 15, 2005. On December 15, 2005, elections were

held for a permanent (four-year) national assembly, and Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki was

named and won approval of a 37-member cabinet on May 20, 2006. According to U.S. officials,

the Iraqi government needs to increasingly focus on provision of public services, which is a

growing source of public complaint, and on achieving political reconciliation among the relevant

parties involved.

This report provides an annotated list of U.N. agencies, key U.S. government agencies, and a

sample list of major international and U.S.-based aid organizations that are providing

humanitarian assistance to Iraq. Internet links to the U.N. agencies and humanitarian aid

organizations are also provided. For detailed discussion on humanitarian and reconstruction

assistance in Iraq, see CRS Report RL31833, Iraq: Reconstruction Assistance, by (name redacted);

CRS Report RL31339, Iraq: Post-Saddam Governance and Security, by (name redacted); CRS

Report RS21968, Iraq: Politics, Elections, and Benchmarks, by (name redacted); CRS Report

RL33936, Iraqi Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons: A Deepening Humanitarian Crisis?,

coordinated by (name redacted); and CRS Report RL32105, Iraq: Foreign Contributions to

Stabilization and Reconstruction, by (name redacted) and (name redacted).

This report will be updated as events warrant.

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Iraq: United Nations and Humanitarian Aid Organizations

Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................................................1

U.N. Agencies in Iraq..................................................................................................................1

Key U.S. Government Agencies ..................................................................................................3

Selected Major International and Nongovernmental Organizations—Iraq ....................................5

Selected U.S.-Based Humanitarian Aid Organizations—Iraq .......................................................7

Contacts

Author Contact Information ........................................................................................................8

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Iraq: United Nations and Humanitarian Aid Organizations

Introduction

Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF)1 overthrew Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003 and a permanent (4

year) Iraqi government is now running the day-to-day operations of the country. On January 30,

2005, elections were held in Iraq for a transitional National Assembly and a permanent

constitution was adopted on October 15, 2005. On December 15, 2005, elections were held for a

permanent (4 year) national assembly, and on May 20, 2006, Prime Minister designate Nouri alMaliki was named and won approval of a 37-member cabinet.2 However, even with some relative

success recently as a result of additional U.S. forces (“troop surge”) to help stabilize Baghdad,

coalition forces continue to combat insurgents and are attempting to improve the security

situation in Iraq.3 Also, the current refugee crisis and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Iraq

have become another major challenge for the Iraqi government and its neighboring countries. It is

estimated that there may be 2 million Iraqi refugees who have fled to Jordan, Syria, and other

neighboring states, and approximately 2 million Iraqis who have been displaced within Iraq

itself.4

This report provides an annotated list of U.N. agencies, international organizations,

nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), key U.S. government agencies, and a sample list of

major international and U.S.-based aid organizations that are providing humanitarian assistance to

Iraq.

U.N. Agencies in Iraq

Following is a list of U.N. agencies currently providing humanitarian assistance to Iraq. Internet

addresses of the U.N. agencies as well as links to their websites on Iraq (if available) are

provided.

U.N. Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI)

http://www.uniraq.org/

The UNAMI was mandated by the U.N. Security Council Resolution 15005 on August 14, 2003,

as a mission to oversee the U.N. Oil for Food program handover on November 21, 2003.

Currently, this mission helps direct the United Nations’ future role and the various humanitarian

and reconstruction programs in Iraq, and this site is a Web portal for U.N. agencies and NGOs

working in Iraq.

U.N. Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) in Iraq

http://ochaonline.un.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1768

1

Operation Iraqi Freedom began on March 19, 2003 to overthrow Saddam Hussein’s regime. The regime

fell on April 9, 2003.

2

See CRS Report RS21968, Iraq: Politics, Elections, and Benchmarks, by (name redacted).

3

See CRS Report RL31339, Iraq: Post-Saddam Governance and Security, by (name redacted).

4

See CRS Report RL33936, Iraqi Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons: A Deepening Humanitarian

Crisis?, coordinated by (name redacted).

5

For full text, see http://daccessdds.un.org/doc/UNDOC/GEN/N03/467/78/PDF/

N0346778.pdf?OpenElement.

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The Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) is a stand-by fund established by the United

Nations to enable more timely and reliable humanitarian assistance to those affected by natural

disasters and armed conflicts, including Iraq.

U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

http://www.unhcr.org/country/irq.html

The agency’s primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, and to

coordinate efforts to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide.

U.N. Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq

http://www.iq.undp.org/

UNDP http://www.undp.org/ is the United Nations’ global development network, helping

countries build solutions to the challenges of democratic governance, poverty reduction, crisis

prevention and recovery, energy and environment, information and communications technology,

and HIV/AIDS. The United Nations Development Programme has been engaged in Iraq since

1976.

World Food Programme (WFP) Country Involvement—Iraq

http://www.wfp.org/country_brief/indexcountry.asp?country=368

The WFP http://www.wfp.org/ was set up in 1963 and is the U.N. agency that combats global

hunger and supports economic and social development in countries of need.

World Health Organization (WHO) Iraq Country Page

http://www.who.int/country/irq/en/

WHO http://www.who.int/en/ is the United Nations’ specialized agency for health.

UNICEF: Iraq

http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/iraq.html

UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) http://www.unicef.org/ is an advocate for the

protection of children’s rights and is tasked to help children living in poverty, reduce childhood

death and illness in developing countries, and protect children in the midst of war and natural

disasters.

U.N. E-MINE Electronic Mine Information Network—Iraq Update

http://www.mineaction.org/country.asp?c=14

Following the invasion in 2003, a National Mine Action Authority (NMAA) was established in

Baghdad, with regional mine action centers (RMAC) in Erbil in the north and in Basra in the

south. Landmine Monitor reports, Mine Action projects and related documents concerning Iraq

are available at this site.

U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP)

http://www.unep.org/

The UNEP works to promote the future of the earth’s environment. Its activities cover a wide

range of environmental issues, including the promotion of environmental science and information

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and dealing with environmental disasters and emergencies. The UNEP in 2005 issued a report,

Assessment of Environmental ‘Hot Spots’ in Iraq, concerning highly polluted sites in Iraq.6

The following two U.N. resources and two independent organizations provide background

information and major documents pertaining to Iraq, and current news and information

concerning the U.N.’s and the humanitarian community’s role in Iraq:

ReliefWeb Iraq

http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/dbc.nsf/doc104?OpenForm&rc=3&cc=irq

This ReliefWeb Iraq page contains the latest major documents and background information on

humanitarian issues pertaining to Iraq.

ReliefWeb http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/dbc.nsf/doc100?openForm is a project of the United

Nations’ Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and serves the information

needs of the humanitarian community.

U.N. News Centre: Iraq

http://www.un.org/apps/news/infocusRel.asp?infocusID=50&Body=Iraq&Body1=

The Iraq page provides current news stories and information on the United Nations’ role and

work in Iraq.

The U.N. News Centre http://www.un.org/News/ is a U.N. news service that provides the latest

daily news covering the United Nations, as well as links to other U.N. news resources.

NGO Coordination Committee in Iraq (NCCI)

http://www.ncciraq.org/

The NCCI is an independent initiative launched by a group of 14 NGOs in Baghdad in April 2003

to promote information sharing and coordination among NGOs and to enhance the effectiveness

of humanitarian action in Iraq at a national level. The NCCI is currently comprised of a network

of about 80 International NGOs and 200 Iraqi NGOs.

Key U.S. Government Agencies

Following is a list of key U.S. government agencies that are currently involved in providing

humanitarian assistance to Iraq. Internet addresses of these agencies as well as links to their

websites on Iraq (if available) are provided.

U.S. Embassy in Iraq

http://iraq.usembassy.gov/

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U.N. Environment Programme, Assessment of Environmental ‘Hot Spots’ in Iraq, 2005. Available online

at http://new.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?DocumentID=457&ArticleID=5023&l=en. See

also the 2003 UNEP report, Desk Study on the Environment in Iraq. Available online at

http://www.unep.org/pdf/iraq_ds_lowres.pdf.

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This website provides current information for Iraq, which includes “Key Embassy Links” and

other useful information concerning Iraq.

Office of International Information Programs (IIP)

http://www.america.gov/

The IIP, part of the Department of State, is the principal international communications service for

the State Department.

See “Middle East & North Africa” for latest news, including articles and fact sheets concerning

Iraq. http://www.america.gov/world//mideast.html

Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM)

http://www.state.gov/g/prm/

The PRM Bureau of the Department of State coordinates U.S. international population policy and

promotes its goals through bilateral and multilateral cooperation. It works closely with the U.S.

Agency for International Development, which administers U.S. international population

programs. PRM also administers and monitors U.S. contributions to international and

nongovernmental organizations to assist and protect refugees abroad. Current activities in Iraq are

profiled in “Highlights.”

Agency for International Development (USAID)

Assistance for Iraq

http://www.usaid.gov/iraq/

USAID is an independent federal government agency responsible for providing economic and

humanitarian assistance around the globe. Information is provided on all USAID assistance

programs by country and region. The Iraq pages focus on reconstruction and aid programs.

USAID’s Iraq Community Action Program (CAP)

http://www.usaid.gov/iraq/accomplishments/cap.html

The Iraq CAP is a community-led-development and reconstruction program whose main

objective is to directly engage the Iraqis in rebuilding the country. Its goals include democracy

building at the grassroots level, restoration of basic services, economic stabilization, youth

employment, conflict resolution, and reconciliation.

USAID’s Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA)

http://www.usaid.gov/iraq/updates/index.html

The OFDA focuses on disaster prevention, preparedness, and delivery of disaster relief. This site

provides weekly updates of humanitarian and reconstruction in Iraq.

Center for Excellence in Disaster Management and Humanitarian Assistance (COEDMHA)

http://www.coe-dmha.org/HARIraq.cfm

The COE-DMHA, called COE for short, issues the Iraq Humanitarian Assistance Report every

week, which provides an overview of the current humanitarian situation in Iraq as well as in-

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country humanitarian assistance information by region and by neighboring countries’

humanitarian activities and preparations.

The COE http://www.coe-dmha.org/ is a small U.S. Department of Defense organization whose

focus is to improve civil-military coordination internationally, particularly for humanitarian

assistance, disaster management, and peacekeeping.

Department of Agriculture

http://www.fas.usda.gov/icd/iraq/iraq.asp

United States Department of Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) page, Rebuilding

Agriculture and Food Security in Iraq, describes the work of FAS personnel on provincial

reconstruction teams (PRTs) in Iraq.

Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)

http://www.ustreas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/index.html

The OFAC of the U.S. Department of the Treasury administers and enforces economic and trade

sanctions based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals against targeted foreign

countries, terrorists, international narcotics traffickers, and those engaged in activities related to

the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The OFAC also issues licenses for American

NGOs planning to provide humanitarian assistance independently to the Iraqi people.

See OFAC’s Sanctions Program and Country Summaries—Iraq Sanctions:

http://www.ustreas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/programs/iraq/iraq.shtml

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s (DSCA) Middle East South Asia Division

(MSA)

http://www.dsca.mil/programs/Country_Programs/msa.htm

The mission of the MSA Division is to provide policy oversight, guidance, planning,

coordination, and direction for the execution of security cooperation programs. Programs include

sale, lease, commercial contracts and drawdown of defense articles and services to foreign

governments, including Iraq.

Selected Major International and Nongovernmental

Organizations—Iraq

Following is a list of major international aid organizations that may possibly provide

humanitarian assistance to Iraq. Internet addresses of the humanitarian aid organizations as well

as links to their websites on Iraq (if available) are provided.

Human Rights Watch (HRW)—Iraq

Current information on Iraq: http://hrw.org/doc/?t=mideast&c=iraq

HRW Publications on Iraq: http://hrw.org/doc/?t=mideast_pub&c=iraq

Background on War in Iraq: http://www.hrw.org/campaigns/iraq/

HRW World Report 2007 (Iraq)

http://hrw.org/englishwr2k7/docs/2007/01/11/iraq14705.htm

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HRW http://www.hrw.org/ is an NGO dedicated to protecting the human rights of people around

the world.

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Iraq

http://www.icrc.org/Web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/iwpList74/F8EB853A6796F202C1256B6600601EDD

The ICRC http://www.icrc.org/, established in 1863, is an impartial, neutral, and independent

international organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and

dignity of victims of war and internal violence and to provide them with assistance.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)—Where We

Work: Iraq

http://www.ifrc.org/where/country/cn6.asp?countryid=87

The IFRC http://www.ifrc.org/ is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, and its mission is

to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity.

International Organization for Migration (IOM)—Iraq

http://www.iom.int/jahia/Jahia/pid/423

The IOM http://www.iom.int/jahia/jsp/index.jsp is the leading intergovernmental organization in

the field of migration and works closely with governmental, intergovernmental, and nongovernmental partners. The IOM was established in 1951and currently has 120 member states

and offices in more than 100 countries.

Iraqi Red Crescent Society (IRCS)

http://www.ifrc.org/cgi/pdf_profile.pl?iqprofile.pdf

The IRCS, founded in 1932, works closely with the ministries of health, education, foreign

affairs, communication, and industry in relief and emergency assistance programs.

Oxfam International—Rising to the Humanitarian Challenge in Iraq, July 2007,

http://www.oxfam.org/en/policy/briefingpapers/bp105_humanitarian_challenge_in_iraq_0707

Oxfam International http://www.oxfam.org/ is a confederation of 12 organizations working

together in more than 100 countries to find lasting solutions to poverty, suffering, and injustice.

Refugees International—Iraq

http://www.refintl.org/content/country/detail/2939/

Refugees International http://www.refintl.org/ provides humanitarian assistance and protection for

displaced people around the world and works to end the conditions that create displacement.

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Selected U.S.-Based Humanitarian Aid

Organizations—Iraq

Following is a selected list of U.S.-based aid organizations that may possibly provide

humanitarian assistance to Iraq. Internet addresses of the aid organizations as well as links to their

Web pages on Iraq (if available) are provided.

InterAction

http://www.interaction.org/

InterAction, formed in 1984, is the largest coalition of U.S.-based international nongovernmental

aid organizations (NGOs) with more than 165 members who work in developing countries,

including Iraq.

American Friends Service Committee (AFSC): Learn About Iraq

http://www.afsc.org/iraq/guide/default.shtm

The AFSC http://www.afsc.org/ is a Quaker organization that includes people of various faiths

who are committed to social justice, peace, and humanitarian service.

Church World Service (CWS): Response to Iraq Crisis

http://www.churchworldservice.org/news/Iraq/index.html

CWS is the relief, development, and refugee assistance ministry of 35 Protestant, Orthodox, and

Anglican denominations in the United States. CWS works worldwide to meet human needs and

foster self-reliance.

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR):—Iraq (current and historical reports prior to the war

search for “Iraq” in the search box)

PHR http://physiciansforhumanrights.org/ promotes health by protecting human rights. Using

medical and scientific methods, PHR investigates and exposes violations of human rights

worldwide and works to stop them.

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI): Iraq: World Refugee Survey 2007

Country Report

http://www.refugees.org/countryreports.aspx?id=2002

USCRI http://www.refugees.org/ defends the rights and calls for adequate protection and

assistance of all uprooted people, including refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants.

World Resources Institute (WRI): Environmental profiles for Iraq and other Middle Eastern

Countries

http://pubs.wri.org/pubs_content_text.cfm?ContentID=2865

WRI http://www.wri.org/ is an environmental think tank that provides information, ideas, and

solutions to global environmental problems and finds practical ways to protect the earth and

improve people’s lives.

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World Vision International—Iraq Refugee Crisis

http://www.wvi.org/wvi/wviweb.nsf/section/

2D3F471B917A649F8825738C0079053A?opendocument

World Vision http://www.wvi.org/wvi/wviweb.nsf is an international Christian aid and

development organization that promotes the well-being of all people, especially children, in

countries around the world.

Author Contact Information

(name redacted)

Information Research Specialist

/redacted/@crs.loc.gov, 7-....

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