Aiding Syrian Refugees and Vulnerable Groups in Iraq

Peace Winds’ very first humanitarian aid efforts began in Iraq in 1996. Since then, our teams have supported refugees and other displaced persons in the Kurdistan Region, in northern Iraq, as well as Ninewa, Baghdad, Kirkuk, and Diyala Governorates. 

In 2018, Peace Winds began a large-scale program in seven refugee camps with funding from the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration. It supported Syrian refugees in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq who have sought safe haven from the war in their country. Our work touched the lives of more than 100,000 individuals by providing safe, accessible shelter and vocational opportunities that helped participants become self-reliant and integrated into their local communities.

In 2025, our program was one of thousands of humanitarian assistance programs to be terminated by the U.S. government, and our cornerstone program for Syrian refugees and displaced Iraqis was brought to a close. 

The Peace Winds team in Iraq continues to carry out several smaller initiatives supported by other donors as we work to scale back up our programming. Other initiatives include a program to create work opportunities, revitalize infrastructure, and mitigate environmental destruction in Mosul, where many Iraqis are returning after the violent invasion by Islamic State. With the help of donors like you, we are also working to provide wheelchairs to Syrian refugees and displaced Iraqis in need.