IRAQ Context and existing response UNHCR estimates that there are around 50,000 stateless people in Iraq. Notwithstanding the security situation, UNHCR has stepped up its efforts, in collaboration with NGO partners, to provide legal assistance to stateless people and those at risk of statelessness to acquire documents proving nationality, and to raise awareness on the importance of civil documentation, including birth registration. UNHCR has also resumed its advocacy for Iraq’s accession to the UN Statelessness Conventions and effective implementation of existing nationality legislation, which is among the most progressive in the Middle East. Resources are required to expand and systematize the current response, build on the headway made in 2016, and to gain further political will from the Government to resolve the situation. Strategy and partnerships UNHCR’s protection and solution strategy focuses on advocacy and awareness-raising activities with authorities, and on providing individual legal assistance to stateless people or to those at risk of statelessness to obtain documentation through Protection and Reintegration Centres throughout Iraq. UNHCR provides assistance, including cash, to persons of concern, including those who are stateless or at risk of statelessness, according to their vulnerability. Protection monitoring will continue to inform UNHCR’s evidence-based strategy, and stateless people will continue to be included in the operation’s digital protection monitoring assessments. Vision for 2019    Thousands of individuals acquire nationality or obtain proof of their nationality. Increased access to legal aid by stateless individuals or those at risk. Concrete steps taken towards accession to the two UN statelessness conventions. Planned activities Favourable protection environment International and regional instruments acceded to, ratified or strengthened  Law and policy developed or strengthened  UNHCR will advocate with the Government of Iraq for the accession to the 1954 and the 1961 statelessness conventions, including through organizing 3 workshops to relevant Government authorities. UNHCR will advocate for the effective implementation of the existing nationality law, with the aim of accelerating the process of granting nationality to stateless people. Durable solutions Greater reduction of statelessness is achieved  UNHCR, together with partners, will assist 2,500 people to acquire nationality or documents proving their nationality.  In order to ensure provision of legal assistance to stateless people and those at risk, UNHCR will provide project management services and support to one international partner. Logistics and operations support Operations management, coordination and support strengthened and optimized 22