IHP deploys to the urgent crises in Iraq

Published 07 July 2014

IHP deploys to the UN OCHA (Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs) in Erbil to support coordination of relief efforts to the ongoing crises.

According to OCHA the situation in Iraq has forced more than 1.2 million people to flee their homes. There is an urgent need of water, food, shelter, healtcare, sanitation and protection from violence. Humanitarian agencies are scaling up to meet the needs of the affected population.

OCHA requested IHP to provide expertise and equipment to establish an operations room in the UN compound in Erbil to facilitate coordination, communications and information sharing. Based on a rapid assessment done by IHP representatives already in country, an IHP team was deployed last week. The team consists of four experts from MSB, supported by THW and DFID representatives in country. In addition, a close collaboration between IHP and Map Action has been initiated, whereas two staff from Map Action has joined the IHP team. "The operations room in Erbil has been finalized during the week and some minor works remains to make it fully functional" - says Martin Sjöholm, the IHP Team Leader.  

For further information please contact the IHP Chair.