Justice Needs and Satisfaction of Forcibly Displaced Persons and Host Communities in Iraq

The study of the Justice Needs and Satisfaction of Forcibly Displaced Persons and Host Communities in Iraq reveals systemic challenges in access to justice. Conducted in partnership with UNHCR, the JNS survey is a call to work from data in Anbar, Ninewa, Salah al Din, and Duhok governates and the Kurdistan Region.

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Data is the foundation for understanding how to deliver better justice. Now political and community leaders in Iraq have the opportunity to collaboratively shape high-quality justice that’s tailored to meet the needs of internally displaced people (IDPs) and their host communities.

Legal problems affect thousands in Iraq, especially vulnerable communities. The report exposes the harsh truth – many face unresolved issues, lacking fair solutions.

Our JNS study shows the extent of legal challenges faced by forcibly displaced individuals and host communities in Iraq. For example, it unveils that 73% of IDPs in Ninewa, Anbar and Salah al Din governates and 54% of those in the host communities deal with legal problems, averaging almost 2 per person. In total, the report shows that almost 50% of all people surveyed face significant legal issues and it helps us understand how debt, domestic violence, family problems, land disputes, and security significantly impact social cohesion, health, and economic progress.

Unveiling the Justice Gap

Numbers give a glimpse into the severity:

  • Over 50% of the interviewed individuals experienced one or more significant legal issues within the last four years.
  • Only 15% of IDPs’ problems are entirely or partially resolved.
  • 22% of refugees’ problems are perceived as completely or partially resolved.
  • At a broader social level, tens of thousands of legal problems occur in the lives of already vulnerable individuals and communities.

The JNS provides eight recommendations for improving justice delivery in Iraq, emphasising a more people-centred approach focused on accessibility and affordability.

 

 

Photo: © UNHCR/Seivan M.Salim