Iraq - As winter temperatures set in across Iraq, IOM is distributing fuel for use in kerosene heaters to vulnerable refugees, internally displaced people (IDPs) and host communities. These people, many of whom are facing long-term or multiple displacements and hardship, are often unable to afford the fuel needed to keep themselves warm.

A total of 17,000 fuel barrels are being distributed to Syrian refugees, displaced Iraqis, and vulnerable host community families. Each barrel contains 200 litres of fuel. The project is funded by the US State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM).

Nearly 10,000 fuel barrels have already been distributed in the governorates of Dohuk, Erbil and Sulaymaniyah in northern Iraq, which are the coldest in winter. Distribution began in mid-November and will continue through mid-December. The distributions have focused on refugees living outside of camps, who may not have access to the support that would normally be provided in camp settings. 

Ayaz Farhan fled his home in Qamishli city, Syria over two years ago with his brother’s family. They now live in a rented house in Daratu district, near Erbil City. "In past winters I bought fuel on a weekly basis; a 20-liter container cost 20,000 to 30,000 Iraqi dinars, which was a lot. We could only afford to use the heater for five hours per night to keep the children warm. We were still not warm enough. I thank IOM for this barrel of kerosene. It will protect us against the cold, especially because this year there isn't much work, so I can't buy fuel on my own."

IOM Iraq Chief of Mission Thomas Lothar Weiss said: “Freezing winter temperatures pose real danger to displaced people living in inadequate shelters. Refugees, IDPs and host communities in Iraq have all suffered. In cooperation with the UN Humanitarian Country Team, humanitarian partners, and government authorities, IOM is providing support to assist these vulnerable populations with fuel and other items they need, including heaters and heavy blankets, to survive the cold.”

The IOM Iraq Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) has identified 3.19 million internally displaced Iraqis from 1 January 2014 through 19 November 2015. The DTM is IOM’s information management tool that gathers data on the status and location of displaced persons. Supported by PRM, the IOM Iraq DTM monitors displacement and provides accurate data about the needs of the IDP population in Iraq.

For further information please contact Sandra Black at IOM Iraq, Tel. +964.751.234.2550, Email: sblack@iom.int