As you can imagine, our associates and partners in Iraq face significant challenges as they work to rebuild lives and communities, address governance issues, and combat climate change and environmental degradation. The Trump administration’s unconstitutional attack on USAID and suspension of U.S. foreign assistance affects these efforts and EPIC’s mission to advance peace and development in Iraq.
To understand the deeper implications of the USAID shutdown and freeze on foreign assistance, we’ve prepared a 7-page Q&A on the origins and importance of USAID, the legal ramifications of the freeze, and its consequences for vulnerable populations in Iraq and around the world.
WHY DOES THIS MATTER FOR IRAQ?
In the tech industry, disruption is often seen as a driver of innovation. But for humanitarian programs, “moving fast and breaking things” can cost lives. The halt in funding and the stop-work order for USAID has already disrupted lifesaving programs in Iraq, a country that still needs global support after decades of conflict and the damaging legacy of ISIS.
In fiscal year 2023, U.S. assistance to Iraq amounted to $592.7 million, providing vital support for everything from explosive hazard clearance to stabilization and governance efforts in areas that Iraq cannot address alone. Interrupting this aid threatens to reverse hard-won progress and diminishes U.S. leadership in addressing global challenges such as extremism, migration, and climate change. Neglecting these issues could lead to new crises that would be far more costly than any short-term savings achieved by halting support.
HOW DOES THIS AFFECT EPIC?
- Past Partnership: EPIC has collaborated with USAID in the past—receiving two subawards between 2019 and 2021 for our “I Love Sinjar” initiative and our part in “Safe Return”. These programs helped displaced families safely return to Ninewa and supported community-based activists in Sinjar.
- Current Funding: Today, we operate primarily with support from non-U.S. government sources—including European government sources, private foundations, and individual donors like you—so our immediate work continues uninterrupted.
- Future Uncertainty: However, the freeze threatens our partners, including local NGOs and international groups that depend on U.S. aid. Already, we know of one important partner that had to lay off 90 local staff. If their programs lose funding and shut down, it will hamper our coordination on critical efforts such as environmental protection, climate mitigation, community-driven advocacy, and peacebuilding.
IS EPIC STILL DELIVERING ON ITS MISSION DESPITE THE FREEZE?
Absolutely! Our commitment to peace, development, human rights, and climate security in Iraq remains the same. We are:
- Supporting Environmental Advocacy: Empowering Iraqi activists addressing pollution, water scarcity, and other environmental threats.
- Monitoring Security & Human Rights: Through our publications and field partners, we track developments to inform policymakers and the global community.
- Facilitating Dialogue: We continue to offer research and host discussions to encourage inclusive governance and a thriving civil society in Iraq.
Despite the current climate, we remain hopeful. The resilience of Iraqi civil society and local communities, along with the generosity of our global supporters, keeps our work alive. We will continue to adapt, collaborate, and advocate for lasting peace and prosperity in Iraq. With each passing day, we see firsthand how targeted and responsible aid fosters hope, revives communities, and helps Iraq break the cycle of conflict.
Your support truly makes a difference in this fight—please consider making a donation today to keep our efforts moving forward. And don’t forget to check out our 7-page Q&A for a deeper dive into why the USAID shutdown and foreign aid freeze matter for us all.
If you have additional questions or would like more details on any of the above, please feel free to reach out. Thank you for standing with us and sharing our vision of a safer, greener, and more peaceful Iraq.