As of the end of August 2019, over 284,000 IDPs remained in 91 camps (42 managed by UNHCR). Most are expected to remain in camps during 2019, as conditions for principled returns are still not established. The KR-I hosts over 187,700 people in 30 formal camps; whereas Ninewa hosts the second highest percentage of IDPs in camps, followed by Anbar, who report no intention to return to their area of origin in the next 12 months. Of those not intending to return, the primary reported reasons include: damage to or destruction of houses and infrastructure; security concerns due to fear or trauma; perceived lack of security; or perceived lack of livelihoods opportunities.
In 2020, UNHCR will continue to lead the CCCM Cluster and support the Government to fulfil its responsibilities related to camp management and coordination, with the overall aim of ultimately phasing out. As per the CCCM Cluster Camps Profiling, overall minimum service standards have not been enhanced since the initial emergency phase due to lack of investment and upgrades. The large caseload and the protracted nature of displacement, with some camps over four years old are contributing factors. While UNHCR and the CCCM Cluster will continue to work with the authorities to reduce the number of camps where feasible to do so in a principled manner, multi-sector services and camp maintenance need to remain in place as an interim measure until conditions for principled returns are met.
UNHCR will continue to equip camp managers with appropriate tools to ensure effective service delivery through appropriate and efficient planning, and in line with applicable international standards. Under the 2020 comprehensive plan, UNHCR will ensure effective camp coordination mechanisms through its activities as CCCM Cluster lead by ensuring roles and responsibilities for camp managers and service providers are defined, agreed and documented in 100% of managed camp sites across Iraq. In addition to supporting government staff’s salaries and incentives, as well as logistical means, UNHCR and its partners will continue to respond to identified training needs. Through their field and protection staff, camp managers will also be encouraged to promote broad-based community participation in all sectors, integrating as much as feasible an age, gender and diversity approach. In collaboration with partners, further efforts will be devoted to improving information management products, providing timely and appropriate information (through the use of ActivityInfo in particular) for more effective coordination and agencies’ programme planning.