The EUAA has published two Country of Origin Information (COI) reports on Iraq, which provide a thorough update on the latest security trends and the treatment of select profiles by State and non-State actors. Detailed information on the socio-economic situation in Baghdad and Sulaymaniyah is also provided. The reports will contribute to a forthcoming update of EUAA Country Guidance on Iraq. 

Since early 2023, the security situation in Iraq has been affected by various conflicts, including persistent attacks by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) against Iraqi security forces, ground operations and airstrikes by Türkiye in northern Iraq, recurrent tensions between the US and Iran, and most recently, the outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Hamas. In this context, security incidents have continued to impact the Iraqi civilian population and infrastructure, particularly in the governorates of Dohuk, Erbil, and Baghdad. The EUAA report Iraq - Security Situation provides a report card on such developments in each of Iraq’s 18 governorates. 

Additionally, the civic space in Iraq has continued to shrink as journalists, media workers, human rights, and political activists, as well as persons perceived as opposing the State have been intimidated or detained for their opinions based on vaguely worded laws. Individuals with perceived ISIL affiliation, including children, have continued to face challenges in obtaining civil documentation necessary to access basic services and the right to freedom of movement. 

Finally, an intensification of the State’s anti-LGBTIQ campaign has been reported; in addition, violence perpetrated by armed actors; as well as by relatives of LGBTIQ persons, continues to be met with impunity.

EU Asylum situation for Iraqi nationals 

Between January 2023 and March 2024, Iraqi nationals lodged around 32 000 applications for international protection in the EU+. Applications decreased slightly compared to the previous 15 months; with Iraqis dropping from the 8th to 10th largest group of applicants. Around 14 % of applications were repeat applications lodged in EU+ countries. The main receiving countries for Iraqis were Germany, followed by Greece. 

EU+ countries’ national authorities issued around 25 000 decisions at first instance to Iraqi applicants, of which 42 % granted EU-regulated types of protection. This represents a 13-percentage-points increase in the recognition rate compared to the 15 months prior. At the end of March 2024, nearly 20 000 Iraqi cases were pending a decision at first instance.