In a report this week, the organization said that nearly 4 million people across Iraq have returned to their homes, “but conditions for their safe and voluntary return are not present in all areas. Further, essential services such as clean water, electricity and access to public services, including education, remains limited in many areas.”
“In areas such as West Mosul, a staggering 91% of young people have fallen behind in school by three or more years.” Save the Children warns.
Hundreds of schools were damaged during three years of conflict with ISIS while many schools still standing need renovation and equipment.
The organization said in a statement that despite the end of active hostilities many schools remain unsafe for children.
“We acknowledge that it has been a year since the end of the military operations, however, overwhelming needs of children persist, particularly accessing quality education, mental health services and psychosocial support. These needs are constant reminders for us humanitarians, governments and donors to address the needs of millions of children. It is vital that we do not forget the Iraqi children and support they need to help rebuild their country after decades of conflict,” Ana Locsin, Save the Children’s Iraq Country Director says in a report.
Of 2.5 million school-age children in need of emergency education services 1.37 million are returnee children, 695,000 of whom are internally displaced and 136,000 children living in host communities.
Save the Children also draws attention to the devastating impact on children’s wellbeing and their social, emotional and cognitive development.
It reports that “Children living under ISIS control in Iraq have experienced and witnessed extreme acts of violence. Many have had to endure the sudden deaths of loved ones, separation from family members, homelessness, and severe disruption to their education and friendship networks.”
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