Iraq
In Iraq, safeguarding frameworks for children and adults exist in law but are often challenged by political instability, conflict, and limited institutional capacity. Child protection is supported by Iraq’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and national laws provide mechanisms to respond to abuse, neglect, and exploitation. However, enforcement is inconsistent, and cultural norms that prioritise family honour and privacy can discourage formal reporting of abuse—particularly in cases involving domestic violence or sexual harm. For vulnerable adults, including women, elderly individuals, and those with disabilities, there are legal protections in place, but many cases remain unaddressed due to limited public awareness, stigma, and gaps in service provision. Iraqi students in the UK may have experienced a wide range of support systems—formal and informal—and may hesitate to approach safeguarding services due to fears of judgement, unfamiliarity with institutional processes, or concerns about confidentiality.
Mental health in Iraq is a critical but often under-addressed issue, shaped by decades of conflict, displacement, and trauma. Although awareness is increasing, particularly among younger generations, mental illness continues to carry strong stigma, and psychological distress is frequently misunderstood or treated as a private, family-managed matter. Access to mental health services is limited, especially outside of major urban centres, and many people seek help only when symptoms become severe. Iraqi students in the UK may face emotional challenges related to displacement, academic pressure, or cultural adaptation, yet may be reluctant to seek help due to concerns about appearing weak or being misunderstood. UK university professionals can support these students by offering culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and confidential mental health and wellbeing services, presented in a respectful, empowering, and non-judgmental manner. Normalising the use of support services, highlighting student confidentiality,
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Supports multisectoral, gender-sensitive child protection services, including case management and specialized care for children without parental support.
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Assists Iraqis affected by conflict, particularly women, youth, and children, to access vital services and enjoy their rights in a safe environment.
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Provides holistic support for vulnerable children, including medical care, disability support, and efforts to end child labor and domestic abuse.
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Delivers lifesaving humanitarian aid and essential services to children, focusing on nutrition, education, and protection.
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Provides assistance and food aid to the poor and marginalized, focusing on social integration and access to services.
https://www.caritas.org/where-caritas-work/middle-east-and-north-africa/iraq/
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Offers mental health and psychosocial support programs, including psychological first aid and individual consultations.
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Provides comprehensive mental health and psychosocial support programming to address needs arising from adverse political and humanitarian situations.
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Focuses on protecting people affected by violence, particularly those in critical need of protection in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
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Supports children in Iraq by addressing their healthcare, social, economic, and educational needs.
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Provides protection and support to victims of gender-based violence in Iraqi Kurdistan.
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