Iraq

Understanding justice needs

We began our work in Iraq through a nationwide Justice Needs and Satisfaction survey conducted in 2023 with UNHCR. The study gathered the experiences of 2,640 displaced people and host community members across the country. Nearly half reported facing serious legal problems in the past four years, but only a small share had found lasting solutions—15% for internally displaced persons and 22% for refugees. Most relied on informal actors such as family or tribal leaders; only 3% used courts. Women, especially those who are IDPs, faced greater barriers to resolution. Common issues included land and housing disputes for IDPs, lack of access to services for refugees, and family or neighbour conflicts among host communities. Many respondents linked unresolved legal problems to financial strain and emotional stress.

Our work

Our approach in Iraq focuses on supporting community-based responses to HLP challenges. Many local initiatives already help people navigate land claims or resolve disputes, but they often lack the resources to grow their reach. Through the Iraq Justice Innovation Project (IJIP), supported by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and implemented with UNHCR and UN-Habitat, HiiL strengthens these efforts by providing tailored financial and technical support. We combine data from the JNS with ongoing engagement to co-create solutions with local actors. Our aim is to scale practical, people-centred justice initiatives that are embedded in the communities they serve and adapted to Iraq’s plural legal and governance context.

Watch the video about Success Stories below: