CARE International’s history in Iraq
CARE has worked in Iraq since 1991, providing life-saving assistance to communities affected by conflict and crisis. Early efforts focused on health, nutrition, and essential services for people facing severe hardship.
CARE suspended operations in 2004 and returned in 2014 following a major military offensive in Nineveh that caused large-scale displacement across the country. Since then, CARE has supported refugees and internally displaced people across multiple governorates, including Dohuk, Ninewa, Salah Al-Din, Al-Anbar, Diyala, Basra, and Thi Qar.
As Iraq has moved toward stabilization, CARE’s work has expanded beyond emergency response. Today, CARE supports both immediate needs and longer-term efforts that help communities recover and rebuild.
CARE and partners’ work in Iraq today
CARE works with communities and local partners to support people affected by conflict, displacement, climate challenges, and economic hardship. Our work focuses on:
Crisis response
CARE provides humanitarian aid to communities affected by conflict and displacement, including cash support, essential items, and services that help families meet their basic needs.
Making the economy work
We support women and vulnerable households to earn an income through livelihoods support, skills training, and small business activities that help families rebuild and stabilize.
Climate
CARE works with communities to respond to climate-related challenges, including through climate-smart farming and locally led adaptation approaches.
Health
We support access to health services and information, including maternal health, with a growing focus on how climate impacts health outcomes for vulnerable groups.
CARE delivers most programs through national and local partners, with a strong focus on working with women-led organizations and strengthening local capacity over time.
Focus on women and girls
Women and girls are at the centre of CARE Iraq’s work and are the primary participants across programs.
CARE works in close partnership with local organizations, particularly women-led and women’s rights groups, including The Lotus Flower, Better World Organization, Women Empowerment Organization, and BWA, to strengthen leadership and support women’s participation in community life.
CARE and our partners support women and girls to:
Strengthen leadership and participate in decision-making
Earn an income through livelihoods and small business activities
Access health services and information, including maternal health care
Adapt to climate-related challenges
CARE also supports programs that connect climate and health, helping pregnant and breastfeeding women access care and information in areas affected by climate risks.
Across its work, CARE supports local women’s organizations to lead programs, strengthen their capacity, and continue supporting their communities over time.
For recent updates on CARE Iraq, please see here.
