Despite the ongoing crisis that has forced millions of Iraqis flee their homes, the fact that hundreds of thousands of them are able to return to their places of origin is a sign of hope. However, while many may already back, putting an end to forced displacement, for most of them the situation upon returning remains extremely challenging. In order to better understand the circumstances of this segment of the population in need of assistance, the IOM Iraq Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) conducted the Returnee Location Assessment. This important exercise —unique in its nature and scope in Iraq— allowed the DTM to gather much data on the challenges facing returnees, from their most important needs and problems to their perceptions of safety and security and the physical conditions of their residences and the infrastructure in their places of return.