Report on the Intersecting Drivers of Iraqi Emigration

Analysis of Key Findings in the Context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

A recent analysis reveals that emigration from Iraq is driven by a complex interplay of security, economic, and environmental factors. These drivers are not isolated but are deeply interconnected, creating multifaceted pressures that compel individuals and families to migrate. The findings highlight significant challenges to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the country.

Primary Drivers of Emigration and SDG Implications

Socio-Economic and Security Factors

The decision to emigrate is rarely based on a single cause. The primary drivers are overlapping issues that directly undermine progress towards key SDGs:

• Living Conditions and Employment: Widespread challenges in securing adequate living standards and employment opportunities are a principal driver. This directly relates to failures in achieving SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), as individuals seek better economic prospects abroad.
• Conflict and Instability: Persistent conflict and lack of security are significant push factors. This underscores the critical need to advance SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions) to create a stable environment where citizens feel safe and can build a future.

Environmental Stressors as a Threat Multiplier

Environmental degradation, exacerbated by climate change, acts as a powerful aggravating factor in migration decisions. These stressors intersect with and worsen existing socio-economic vulnerabilities.

• Climate and Environmental Impact: Individuals citing environmental reasons for migration also report severe challenges with their livelihoods and security. This demonstrates how climate-related issues are a direct impediment to sustainable development, particularly affecting SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through impacts on agriculture, and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) due to increasing water scarcity and drought.
• Slow-Onset Environmental Events: The impact of gradual environmental changes is substantial. A reported 39% of emigrants and 66% of potential emigrants stated that slow-onset events, such as desertification and water salinity, have negatively impacted their communities. These events degrade living conditions and threaten livelihoods, further complicating the achievement of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 15 (Life on Land).

Strategic Pathways for Solutions Aligned with the 2030 Agenda

Recommendations for Mitigating Adverse Migration Drivers

Addressing the root causes of emigration requires a holistic approach that aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The following pathways are recommended:

1. Enhance Peace, Stability, and Institutional Strength: Prioritizing efforts to build lasting peace and stable governance is fundamental. This directly supports SDG 16 and creates the foundational security necessary for all other development goals to succeed.
2. Protect Vulnerable Groups and Reduce Inequalities: Implementing policies to protect marginalized groups from the compounding effects of conflict, economic hardship, and climate change is crucial for advancing SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).
3. Strengthen Service Provision and Community Resilience: Improving access to essential services like water, sanitation, and energy, as well as building resilient infrastructure, is key to achieving SDG 6, SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 11.
4. Promote Decent Work and Uphold Labour Rights: Creating sustainable economic opportunities and ensuring the protection of labour rights will address a core driver of emigration and is central to SDG 8.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • The article explicitly identifies “employment” as one of the primary, overlapping factors driving emigration decisions in Iraq. It also suggests that “strengthening labour rights” is a potential solution to mitigate these migration pressures.

2. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities

   • The core subject of the article is migration (“Iraqi Emigration”), which is a central theme of SDG 10. Furthermore, it recommends “protecting marginalized groups” as a pathway for a solution, directly aligning with the goal of reducing inequalities within and among countries.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • The report highlights poor “living conditions” and the need for “enhancing service provision” as key issues. These factors are directly related to the goal of making human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

4. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • The article emphasizes the role of “environmental stressors” and “slow-onset events” (like drought, as mentioned in the metadata) as aggravating factors for migration. It notes that these environmental issues negatively affect communities and household living conditions, which connects directly to taking action to combat climate change and its impacts.

5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • “Conflict” and “security” are cited as major drivers of emigration. The article proposes “improving peace and stability” as a crucial step to address the conditions leading to migration, which is the central aim of SDG 16.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all.

   • This target is relevant as the article points to a lack of “employment” as a key reason for people to emigrate from Iraq.

2. Target 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people.

   • The entire article analyzes the drivers of emigration to understand the phenomenon better, which is a prerequisite for implementing “planned and well-managed migration policies” as mentioned in this target.

3. Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.

   • The mention of “living conditions” and the need for “enhancing service provision” directly relates to this target, as inadequate services and living standards are pushing people to leave.

4. Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.

   • The article’s focus on “environmental stressors” and “slow-onset events” negatively impacting communities shows a lack of resilience and adaptive capacity, making this target highly relevant.

5. Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.

   • The identification of “conflict” and “security” challenges as primary drivers for emigration directly connects to the goal of reducing violence and creating peaceful societies.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Percentage of population affected by environmental events

   • The article provides specific data that can be used as an indicator: “39% of emigrants and 66% of potential emigrants reported that slow-onset events negatively affected their communities.” This directly measures the impact of environmental stressors on the population.

2. Number of emigrants

   • The central theme of the report is emigration. The number of people emigrating due to the cited factors (security, economy, environment) is an implied indicator of the severity of these issues. A reduction in this number would indicate progress.

3. Population’s perception of living conditions and security

   • The article is based on a survey where emigrants “cited overlapping factors such as living conditions, conflict and employment.” Quantifying these perceptions through surveys can serve as an indicator of progress in areas like peace, economic stability, and service provision.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: reliefweb.int