Press Release: EU announces increased humanitarian assistance to Iraqis fleeing from violence

The European Commission announced on the 19 June 2014 that it will increase its humanitarian assistance to Iraq by €5 million following the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people as a result of the recent attacks perpetrated by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and other armed groups. This additional funding will bring the total 2014 humanitarian funding for Iraq to €12 million.

A large-scale humanitarian crisis is developing. The UN has reported casualties in the hundreds and massive displacement of the population. Violence continues to cause displacement across central and north Iraq, causing the numbers of internally displaced people (IDPs) to rise. Current estimates suggest that up to 500 000 people have been displaced since January. An estimated 300 000 IDPs have arrived in Erbil and Dohuk in recent days.

• Primary Source

European Commission: DG Humanitarian Aid & Civil Protection http://ec.europa.eu/echo/index_en.htm

ESO: Background information: Iraq: Another humanitarian crisis in the Middle East http://www.europeansources.info/record/statement-iraq-another-humanitarian-crisis-in-the-middle-east/

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