Protection Gaps Are Real: Why Iraq’s Shelters and Services Still Fail Survivors

When it comes to protecting trafficking survivors, Iraq’s system is far from robust. According to the 2024 TIP report, the government referred only 67 identified victims to its own shelters, and another 70 to NGOs or foreign embassies. (ECOI) That’s despite growing victim numbers.

Shelter capacity is dangerously limited: the female shelter in Baghdad holds up to 80 people; the newly opened male shelter holds just 50. (ECOI) For children over six, there is no dedicated trafficking shelter — they are sent to general homeless shelters instead. (ECOI)

In the Kurdistan Region, there is one NGO-run shelter (capacity ~38) — but court orders are required for people to leave, which restricts freedom of movement. (ECOI)

Crucially, many victims reject the government system altogether. Hundreds refuse to stay in shelters, preferring repatriation or NGO help. (ECOI) KurdFile’s assessment: the Iraqi and Kurdish governments are relying too much on limited, judge-controlled shelters. Real protection would mean expanding safe spaces, decentralizing care into Kurdish areas, and giving survivors genuine autonomy.