With the onset of COVID-19 in Iraq, cities face particularly high risk of virus transmission given their relatively dense populations. This is especially true for those urban locations hosting large shares of the remaining 1.4 million internally displaced persons (IDPs).  The current situation thus makes it necessary to better understand the policy and regulatory landscape that surrounds IDPs in relation to the public health crisis, which may help or hinder their ability to pursue local integration as a durable solution to displacement.

The “Access to Durable Solutions Among IDPs in Iraq” panel study conducted by IOM Iraq and Georgetown University has yielded significant insight into the lived experiences of IDPs over time, the dynamics of Iraqi displacement and the changing perceptions of IDPs about their current situation as well as their aspirations for solutions.

Access to Durable Solutions Among IDPs in Iraq: Experiences of Female-Headed Households explores life in displacement of the subset IDP families in the “Access to Durable Solutions Among IDPs in Iraq” panel study conducted by IOM Iraq and Georgetown University. The study found that by early 2020, nearly five years after being displaced, female-headed households are more likely to still be in displacement than male-headed households. To meet their basic needs, female-headed households reduce food and other expenses, and borrow money from family and friends.