The work of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Iraq is facing serious challenges, including budget cuts, as new conflicts around the world have shifted funding and attention away, ICRC spokesperson Hiba Adnan told Sputnik.
"The global shift of attention and resources toward emerging crises has inadvertently affected our work. This diversion of attention and funding may reduce the resources available to address long-term humanitarian issues, not only in Iraq but also throughout the world where we operate. This situation therefore limits our ability to provide the necessary support to those who depend on us, which may exacerbate the problems faced by vulnerable communities," Adnan said.
Humanitarian organizations across the world, including the ICRC, are experiencing "unprecedented problems" amid growing demand for aid and finite resources, she said. The situation in Iraq is similar to what the ICRC is facing "all over the world due to various aggravating circumstances, including new and old protracted conflicts, political instability and consequences of climate change," the spokesperson added.
The lack of financing is forcing the ICRC to make difficult decisions, including cutting the budgets of its field operations, Adnan said.
"Significant budget cuts have affected our ability to provide assistance to communities across Iraq. This situation has forced us to make drastic changes to our operations, while making some very hard decisions. However, the ICRC is committed to continuing to support the most vulnerable population groups," Adnan said.
Even though large-scale military operations ended in Iraq long ago, the need for humanitarian aid remains high for millions of people, the spokesperson also said.
The slow pace of reconstruction and development in the country means that much of the infrastructure damaged or destroyed during the war is not yet operational, despite efforts by the Iraqi government to speed up the process, she added.
Humanitarian needs across the country range from essential supplies to complicated rehabilitation procedures and everyday population support, Adnan said.
"Specific funding needs and reports highlight underfunded sectors such as education, health, clean water supplies, sanitation and hygiene, which demonstrates the ongoing challenges that Iraq is facing. Moreover, the cascading effects of global crises significantly increase the suffering of Iraqi society, which is particularly vulnerable in what concerns economic, health and infrastructure sectors," she said.
Therefore, despite the emerging conflicts, "it is important that all crisis situations are continually addressed in an equitable manner to ensure that the plight of the Iraqi people and others living in similar conditions is not ignored," the spokesperson said.