1.3.4 Conflict-induced displacement and return

1.3.4 Conflict-induced displacement and return

After the official defeat of ISIL in Iraq in 2017, more than 1.1 million Iraqis remain internally displaced, primarily in the KRI.151

IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM)152 unit stated in its Iraq Master List Report 134 (covering the period September – December 2024) that, as of 31 December 2024, 1 031 475 individuals were reportedly displaced across the country. They were spread across in 2 507 locations in 102 districts of 18 governorates, with a decrease of 92 188 IDPs or 8 % compared to the number of IDPs recorded in reporting round 131 (covering September – December 2023).153 As of 31 December 2024, the governorates hosting the largest numbers of IDPs were reported to be Ninewa (221 911 IDPs), Dohuk (211 028 IDPs) and Erbil (204 990 IDPs).154 See section 3.3. on the situation of IDPs.

Although a general decrease in the number of IDPs across the country was reported, IOM documented 8 797 newly displaced persons during the period between September and December 2024. 57 % of these cases involved IDPs who were relocated and 42 % experienced secondary displacement, due to camp closures or better living conditions. In addition, 73 cases of failed return were reported, the majority of which involved persons originating from the districts of Sinjar and Al-Baaj. Reasons for the failed return included a lack of employment opportunities and public services.155

In terms of return, IOM’s DTM identified 4 927 890 individual returnees between April 2014 and end of December 2024, depicting an increase of 64 818 individuals or 1 % by 31 December 2024 compared to the reporting round 131 (covering September - December 2023). Between September and December 2024, the governorates of Salah Al-Din and Ninewa saw the highest increase in people returning.156 In Ninewa governorate, the most significant population increase was observed in Sinjar, with 18 246 individuals, followed by Al-Baaj, which recorded 13 722 of them. In Salah Al-Din, Balad experienced the largest rise with 7 542 individuals, while Fares and Baiji saw increases of 5 346 and 5 040 respectively.157 See section 3.3.