Humanitarian funding is urgently required to assist 700,000 civilians displaced from Mosul [EN/AR/KU]

(Baghdad, 9 July 2017) – Since the military campaign to retake Mosul began on 17 October 2016, 920,000 civilians have fled their homes. Close to 700,000 people are still displaced, nearly half of whom are living in 19 emergency camps.

“It's a relief to know that the military campaign in Mosul is ending. The fighting may be over, but the humanitarian crisis is not,” said the Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, Ms. Lise Grande.

“Many of the people who have fled have lost everything. They need shelter, food, health care, water, sanitation and emergency kits. The levels of trauma we are seeing are some of the highest anywhere. What people have experienced is nearly unimaginable,” said Ms. Grande.

"We've been working around the clock for months. Enormous efforts have been made by the Government and front-line partners to stay one step ahead of the crisis. We've done our best to protect and assist the people who need it the most.”

"There's a lot to do in the weeks and months ahead. Of the 54 residential neighborhoods in western Mosul, 15 are heavily damaged and at least 23 are moderately damaged.”

"The civilians who are trapped in the areas where fighting is likely to occur, including Tel Afar, Hawija and western Anbar, will be at extreme risk. We have to make sure we are ready to help them,” said Ms. Grande.

Only 43 percent of the USD 985 million Humanitarian Response Plan for Iraq has been received. Partners urgently require US$562 million to meet the needs of millions of Iraqis who need help.

For further information, please contact: Orla Fagan, Head of Communications and Reporting Officer, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Iraq, (fagano@un.org) Tel +964 751 740 3858