Lilly Carlisle

Working with UNHCR Iraq. Previously in Rwanda, Jordan, Tunisia & Libya

[Lilly Carlisle @LillyCarlisle]

In Akram's own words:
"Supporting refugees should not be seen as an act of charity, its an investment in human potential."

[UNHCR Iraq @UNHCRIraq]

The power of education

The power of opportunity

The power of integration

Now working as a geneticist in Iraq, listen to Akram’s inspiring speech from our World Refugee Day event

[Lilly Carlisle @LillyCarlisle]

Documentation is an ongoing struggle for refugees and Iraqis alike

Great piece showing how the absence of papers impacts lives far beyond bureaucracy

https://t.co/RY07VTrZmH

[UNHCR Iraq @UNHCRIraq]

After UNHCR Iraq’s cash assistance ended late last year, vulnerable refugee families are feeling the impact: 
💸 71% forced into debt 
📚 30% of children dropped out of school 
📉 43% eat fewer meals 
🏚️ 5%  evicted 

Urgent funding is needed to restart assistance

[Lilly Carlisle @LillyCarlisle]

Inclusion in social protection matters

It’s how we move beyond aid and support more stable futures for refugees.

After years of discussion, happy to see this pilot start in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

[UNHCR Iraq @UNHCRIraq]

Technical assistance from @UNHCRIraq @UNICEFIraq and @WorldBankMENA supported the Ministry of Labour of Social Affairs to launch Social Safety Net pilot in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Read the full press release: https://t.co/hxypehCYTU

[UNHCR Iraq @UNHCRIraq]

The crisis in the Middle East threatens to uproot even more families.

Yet in Iraq, thousands of refugee families are already facing a Ramadan marked by hardship.

Read more 👉 https://t.co/v02KpSw6Si

[Lilly Carlisle @LillyCarlisle]

“In Iraq, UNHCR continues to closely monitor developments in contact with border authorities, although no changes have been observed so far.”

Our update on the current situation in the Middle East 👇

[UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency @Refugees]

https://t.co/iCTbePRwUi

[Lilly Carlisle @LillyCarlisle]

There is often a lot of excitement when it snows in Iraq.

But for refugee families - the cold brings many challenges ❄️

[UNHCR Iraq @UNHCRIraq]

Sub-zero temperatures are a crisis for families who can't afford heat or rent.

This winter, the most vulnerable refugees need your support

Donate: https://t.co/fOQaSyKNSO

[Barham Salih @BarhamSalih]

I am honoured to have been elected as the incoming United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. As a former refugee, I know first-hand how protection and opportunity can change the course of a life. That experience will inform a leadership approach grounded in empathy, pragmatism, and a principled commitment to international law. My foremost responsibility will be to refugees and others forced to flee—upholding their rights and dignity and advancing durable solutions so that displacement remains a temporary situation, not a permanent fate.

At a time of record displacement and severe pressure on humanitarian resources, delivering on UNHCR’s mandate requires a renewed focus on impact, accountability, and efficiency. This is a shared responsibility. UNHCR will build on the important reforms undertaken in recent years to strengthen operational effectiveness and value for money. I will work with Member States and partners across the public, private, and philanthropic sectors to mobilize the capacity, resources, and collective will needed to reach those most in need.

I am grateful to the Secretary-General, António Guterres, and to the General Assembly for their confidence, and to High Commissioner Filippo Grandi for his principled and tireless leadership during a period of extraordinary global challenge.

I look forward to working closely with UNHCR’s dedicated staff, states, partners, host communities, and, most importantly, refugees themselves to advance protection and durable solutions fit for both the promise and the perils of the 21st century.

[UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency @Refugees]

It’s official!

@BarhamSalih, former President of Iraq, has been elected as the next High Commissioner for Refugees.

Having been a refugee himself, he brings powerful lived experience to lead UNHCR.

We’re excited to welcome him soon. 💙

[UNHCR Iraq @UNHCRIraq]

This year, over 5,000 refugee students in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq took Kurdish classes to help their integration into public schools.

Thanks to the support of the #PROSPECTS Partnership.

[UNHCR Iraq @UNHCRIraq]

Refugee community leaders are at the heart of their community

In Kawargosk refugee camp, Abdulrahman has been supporting his community for over a decade

Thanks to Italy's support, we’re proud to stand behind these leaders & camp management in ensuring dignified services for all

[Lilly Carlisle @LillyCarlisle]

1,800+ Syrian refugees voluntarily returned home from Iraq in July

UNHCR’s Derabon Return Centre near the border is operating to provide counselling, carry-out registration and support the return

https://t.co/OlpiEzlVIq

[Lilly Carlisle @LillyCarlisle]

How are the SDGs embedded in @UNHCRIraq‘s work?

Had a great time at University of Dohuk speaking about how Sustainable Responses support refugee inclusion

Also encouraging to hear the university’s commitment to integrate SDGs across its academic programs

[Babar Baloch @iBabarBaloch]

UNHCR statement calls for immediate de-escalation as Israel-Iran strikes create humanitarian fears. Full text here: https://t.co/5VTkZnpWw3

[Lilly Carlisle @LillyCarlisle]

Only 12% of Syrian refugees in Iraq said they would be interested in returning this year

But for those who voluntarily opt to return, UNHCR is here to support

[UNHCR Iraq @UNHCRIraq]

Almost 800 registered Syrian refugees voluntarily returned from Iraq to Syria, through the Peshkhabour border crossing, in the first quarter of 2025

At UNHCR’s Derabon Return Centre near the border, we continue to provide counselling and guide refugees through the return process

[UNHCR Iraq @UNHCRIraq]

Want to know more about UNHCR's work in Iraq last month?

Take a look at our latest update

https://t.co/eilre1Aesp

[UNHCR Iraq @UNHCRIraq]

Adolescent clubs across the Kurdistan Region of Iraq are helping refugee and Iraqi youth build skills and confidence

Thank you @NLinIQ for investing is these initiatives through the #PROSPECTS partnership.

Together we make difference 🇳🇱

[UNHCR Iraq @UNHCRIraq]

“It felt surreal.” Aya, a refugee in Iraq, describes the moment she entered medical school⚕️

Through UNHCR's DAFI Scholarship, she’s now studying physiotherapy to help her community heal.

https://t.co/saKqi5jbQK

🙏🏽
@GermanyDiplo
@AA_Kultur
@AuswaertigesAmt
@GermanyinIraq

[Filippo Grandi @FilippoGrandi]

Innocent civilians are dying again amidst the escalating violence in Syria and thousands more are being displaced. The situation in Lebanon remains fragile.

The region cannot shoulder crisis after crisis — humanitarians do what they can to help, but peace is urgently needed.

[UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency @Refugees]

Civilians are #NotATarget.
Humanitarians are #NotATarget.

An end to the hostilities in Lebanon is urgently needed.