Press release: UK sends emergency aid to people in Mosul

Britain is sending lifesaving aid to help the people of Mosul rebuild their homes, their city and their lives, International Development Secretary Priti Patel announced today.

This follows the declaration of Mosul’s liberation after three years of brutal fighting and oppression by Daesh‎, including executions, abductions and forced marriages. UK aid will provide vital survival items including clean drinking water, food, tents, cooking equipment, soap, and vaccinations against deadly diseases.

The UK will also provide extra funding to a UN led stabilisation programme that has already helped 200,000 Iraqis return to Mosul. This will help displaced people reintegrate into their communities when they return home by contributing to the renovation of essential infrastructure such as water facilities, power networks, clinics and schools.

International Development Secretary Priti Patel said:

Mosul’s liberation is a great victory for the people of Iraq who have shown extraordinary bravery, and a great stride forward for global security. However, the horrific actions of Daesh mean the humanitarian situation in Mosul remains very serious.

The UK has been at the forefront of the humanitarian response, and we will continue to stand by the people of Iraq as the painstaking work begins to rebuild homes and infrastructure in Mosul, as well as a lasting peace for the city.

This latest support from Britain will mean the difference between life and death for people who have suffered under Daesh, it will allow people to rebuild their lives in their home city, and it will support the Government of Iraq’s efforts to build a stable, secure and prosperous Iraq.

To date UK support has delivered:

  • shelter kits and household items to 74,000 people
  • healthcare to more than 115,000 people, including a trauma hospital to treat victims of Daesh
  • safe drinking water for more than 150,000 people
  • sanitation for over 100,000 people in camps

Notes to Editors

Since June 2014, the UK has helped to lead the humanitarian response to the crisis in Iraq. To date we have provided £209.5 million. Our support has provided access to clean water, food, medicines and other lifesaving assistance.

Today’s package is funded by an allocation of £46 million. This includes £40 million for humanitarian assistance from DFID’s Iraq budget, £4 million for the UN’s Funding Facility for Immediate Stabilisation through the Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) and £2 million for the Danish Refugee Council also through the CSSF.

Of the humanitarian funding, the UK will give £10 million to the Iraq Humanitarian Pooled Fund (IHPF) to provide life-saving support, including medicine, shelter and sanitation. This will in hard to reach areas and support the safety of vulnerable women and children‎.

There will also be additional funding for the Danish Refugee Council to help communities recover in areas liberated from Daesh‎.