Aust to commit extra $15 million in aid

Australia has committed another $15 million to assist people in Iraq and Syria fleeing Islamic State terrorists.

An estimated 16 million people inside the strife-torn nations are in dire need of assistance, with half forced to abandon their homes as IS - also known as ISIL - extremists wage war.

Refugees on the run are at particular risk of exposure as winter advances.

The government's extra funding will see $10 million given to humanitarian organisations within Iraq, including to support women and girls being targeted by Islamic militants.

Another $5 million will be given to the aid groups to deliver food and urgent medical supplies within neighbouring Syria, now in its fourth year of civil war.

Australia has given $17 million to Iraq since June and more than $135 million to Syria since 2011.