Australian support for stabilisation efforts in Iraq

Today I announce that the Australian Government will provide $18 million over three years to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to support stabilisation efforts in Iraq.

Australia recognises Iraq faces formidable humanitarian and stabilisation challenges as it seeks to rebuild after its defeat of ISIS. The UN estimates that 8.7 million Iraqi people require humanitarian assistance and almost 2.6 million remain internally displaced.

The widespread destruction of people's homes, hospitals, schools and other critical infrastructure is a significant barrier to Iraqis returning home and resuming their lives. Women, children and people with disabilities are especially vulnerable.

Australia sees the stabilisation of Iraq as essential to the permanent destruction of ISIS and preventing its resurgence. ISIS and its ideology remain a global threat and Australia is committed to its defeat.

UNDP's Financing Facility for Stabilisation is at the forefront of re-establishing essential public services and critical infrastructure in liberated areas of Iraq. The Facility has committed more than US$770 million for over 1,600 projects across Iraq and is working effectively to create the conditions for people to return home.

This funding is part of Australia's $100 million Iraq Humanitarian and Stabilisation package announced in April 2017. Australia has provided and committed more than $613 million to the Syria and Iraq crises since 2011.