The International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) monitors displacement and provides information on internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees in Iraq. Data collection of IDP figures began in December 2013 and collection of returnee figures began in April 2015 (although returnee figures have been retroactively reported since October 2014). The Master List is carried out at the location level (including camps, sites, villages and neighbourhoods) with the IDP or/and returnee population(s). It collects data on IDPs in around 3,000 locations across 105 districts in 18 governorates and data on returnees in around 2,000 locations across 38 districts in 8 governorates.

Data are collected through IOM’s Rapid Assessment and Response Teams (RARTs), composed of 73 staff members deployed across Iraq (20% of enumerators are female). IOM’s RARTs collect data through interviews with key informants utilizing a large, well-established network of over 9,500 key informants that includes community leaders, mukhtars, local authorities and security forces. Additional information is gathered from government registration data and partner agencies.

IOM RARTs collect Master List data continuously and report it every four months. However, limited access due to security issues and other operational constraints can affect information-gathering activities. The variation in displacement figures observed between different reporting periods, in addition to true variation of the population figures, may be influenced by other factors such as the continuous identification of previously displaced groups and the inclusion of data on secondary displacements within Iraq.

The displaced populations are identified through a process of collection, verification, triangulation and validation of data. IOM continues to closely coordinate with federal, regional and local authorities to maintain a shared and accurate understanding of displacement across Iraq.

CHANGES IN IDP AND RETURNEE CASELOADS

The rate of change of the IDP caseload and that of the returnee caseload may differ due to several factors. Firstly, DTM continues to record families who are displaced for the first time, families arriving from other locations of displacement (secondary displacement) and families who become displaced after returning (failed returns). Additionally, because DTM counts IDPs and returnees at the family level, marriage and other changes within the family can influence the size of the caseload. Furthermore, some families may be counted in both caseloads if: a) part of the family remains displaced while others have returned or b) families may move back and forth between their area of displacement and return. Finally, IDPs living in inaccessible areas may not be counted due to security concerns; upon their return, however, they may be included in the returnee caseload.

DIFFERING LENGTHS OF REPORTING PERIODS

Beginning in Round 129, the Master List is produced on a tri-annual basis. Previous reports were published on a quarterly basis. Additionally, since January 2021, three reports (120, 121 and 123) covered a two-month period. The changing length of the reporting period may impact comparison between rounds.

CHANGES TO SHELTER TERMINOLOGY

Since Round 122, DTM made changes to the shelter terminology to align with the Iraq CCCM Cluster Technical Note on Informal Sites Definition for Iraq (September 2020). New shelter definitions can be found below.

CALCULATIONS USED TO DETERMINE THE NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS

The number of individuals is calculated by multiplying the number of households by six, the average size of an Iraqi household as per governmental statistics, for all out-of-camp IDPs and returnees. Since the July-August 2020 period (Round 117), the number of individuals for in-camp IDPs has been calculated by multiplying the number of households by five, which is the average camp household size according to the Iraq CCCM Cluster since 2018.

DEFINITIONS