Humanitarian coordination in Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan has been undergoing significant transition since the end of 2021, following the deactivation of traditional Clusters in 2022 and the closure of the NGO Forum (NCCI) in 2023. This rapid shift has often left gaps in joint needs analysis and fragmented understanding of the humanitarian situation. Despite the withdrawal of the IASC-led system, humanitarian needs persist, and NGOs attempting to address them frequently face bureaucratic and operational challenges.
Rehabilitation, Education, and Community Health (REACH) is one such NGO, providing nearly 30 years of humanitarian support across Iraq, including in Kurdistan, Ninewah, Sulaymaniyah, and Erbil. Since 2019, REACH has relied on INSO for security information and coordination, particularly for real-time incident reports that guide safe movement and operational planning. INSO’s verified updates and accessible expertise have become indispensable for NGOs operating in unfamiliar or high-risk areas.
During the June 2025 escalation between Israel and Iran, which led to temporary closure of Iraqi airspace, NGOs relied on INSO for regular updates and guidance. Although Iraq was not directly targeted, debris from missile and drone activity affected some areas. INSO provided contingency planning, safe travel route advice, and facilitated informal and larger coordination meetings, helping NGOs like REACH maintain operational continuity.
INSO’s security briefings and roundtables have become one of the few remaining spaces for NGOs to meet, share information, and coordinate activities. REACH integrates INSO’s analysis into its internal reporting, especially after restructuring and funding cuts reduced their capacity for dedicated security staff. These briefings enable NGOs to maintain a clear understanding of safety and access landscapes across the country.
Despite these support systems, NGOs in Iraq continue to face bureaucratic challenges, including restrictions on domestic movement, complex access letter requirements, arbitrary checkpoint delays, and occasional programmatic interference. Areas like Sinjar remain particularly difficult, slowing operations and increasing costs. Coordination platforms provided by INSO are essential for preserving humanitarian principles and ensuring projects can continue despite these obstacles.
REACH values INSO’s continuous engagement, adaptability, and close collaboration with partners, which provide crucial support in navigating both security and administrative challenges. INSO Iraq operates with the support of Global Affairs Canada and offers free safety and access services to NGOs operating in the country.
