For decades, Iraq has been a central focus of international humanitarian response, shaped by recurring crises including conflict, displacement, and political instability. While these efforts have played a vital role in providing lifesaving assistance and supporting recovery, the humanitarian system in Iraq remains largely internationally led. Despite a vibrant Iraqi civil society and growing local capacity, progress toward a truly locally-led response has been limited.
This baseline report provides an evidence-based assessment of the status of localisation in Iraq, across seven key domains of localisation. It uses the Localisation Measurement Framework and Tools originally developed by Humanitarian Advisory Group (HAG) and the Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO), and adapted to the Iraqi context. Supported by HAG and the International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA), the study offers a benchmark for tracking progress, identifying challenges, and informing future efforts to strengthen the leadership of local and national actors in humanitarian response. It is both a reflection on ongoing efforts and a call to action to centre Iraqi leadership in building a more sustainable, resilient, and locally-driven humanitarian system.
