The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS)
Japan provides $3.5 million in support to the Kurdistan Regional Government’s response to the IDP crisis
The Government of Japan has announced two new projects to support the response to internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Iraq.
Since the beginning of 2014, an influx of more than one million IDPs to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq has strained the welfare and security systems of the country's northern governorates. These new projects will be implemented by UNOPS, in partnership with the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), to assist in responding to the emergency needs of IDPs.
Through more than 300 new solar street lights, and the rehabilitating and equipping of 30 community police stations, the Government of Japan will help increase and improve access to safety and security for IDPs, refugees and host communities in northern Iraq.
It is my great honour to announce that the Government of Japan has decided to extend grant assistance through UNOPS in order to support the most vulnerable people in Iraq. Through the projects, more than 300 solar street lights will be installed in the most critical areas and construction or rehabilitation of 30 community police stations in the region will be done. I sincerely hope that our contribution enhances safety and security in the region.
UNOPS has been present in Iraq since 2004 and has been supporting the response to the IDP crisis since 2014. IDPs currently constitute around 20 percent of the population of the country's Kurdistan Region.
In 2015, the Government of Japan provided assistance to the KRG's Bureau for Migration and Displacement, providing 20 ambulances to support emergency medical services in IDP camps. This project was also implemented by UNOPS.
