Iraq: Recent Developments in Humanitarian and Reconstruction Assistance

Large-scale humanitarian and reconstruction assistance programs are expected to be undertaken by the United States during and following the war with Iraq. To fund such programs, the President requested $3.5 billion in FY2003 Supplemental Appropriations on March 25, 2003. In addition to food aid, initial U.S. assistance expenditures, aimed mostly at preparations for the delivery of humanitarian aid, amount to an estimated $154 million. Humanitarian needs of Iraqi civilians will be met as well by the Oil-for-Food Program managed by the United Nations. Other donors are expected to provide aid, including the European Union which has designated 100 million euros for humanitarian relief agencies. A post-war planning office for assistance was established in January 2003. The Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance is responsible for producing plans and implementing assistance programs in post-war Iraq. The Office is headed by retired Army Lt. Gen. Jay M. Garner. After an initial period of U.S.-led aid activities, existing Iraqi ministries, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and international organizations are expected to assume some of the burden. It is widely believed that the current humanitarian situation is worsening due to the war. The war is disrupting critical infrastructure, delivery of basic services, and food distribution. The International Committee of the Red Cross, currently the lead humanitarian agency inside Iraq, is monitoring quality and quantity of medical supplies and drinking water. Very little humanitarian aid was delivered to Iraq in the early days of the war. Military operations and logistical problems in the south made it too dangerous to open supply routes, and the situation was too insecure for aid agencies to enter. Contracts for implementation of early reconstruction projects in such areas as capital construction and seaport and airport administration are being selected by the Agency for International Development. CRS Report for Congress