LocationsEnhancing community acceptance for reintegration in Iraq
October 12, 2022
Photo: Workshop participants. 2022.
A key priority of the Government of Iraq is ensuring the return of those who have been left behind, isolated from their communities, following conflict with ISIL. A vital part of this is ensuring community readiness for acceptance, including spreading awareness and understanding about families who are perceived to be affiliated with ISIL and remain stigmatized. UNDP Iraq works in partnership with the federal government, local governments, community leaders, tribal and religious leaders, youth, women, and activists to facilitate the return of the displaced and their reintegration back into their areas of origin in the liberated governorates of Anbar, Ninewa and Salah al-Din.
Supported by the Government of Japan, from 17 to 29 September, a series of workshops were held for a total of almost 200 participants from Rommanah and Qaim in Anbar, Tal Afar in Ninewa, and Baiji and Shirqat in Salah al-Din.
Each governorate received extensive training on mediation and conflict transformation through two workshops, the first one targeting community members, local leaders, and women leaders, and for the other targeting local authorities and Local Peace Committees to build their capacities in encouraging reintegration and Preventing Violent Extremism. This two-fold approach ensure all segments of society involved in reintegration process in the community receive the training and capacity building they need.
Photo: Ahmed. 2022.
“This training is spreading knowledge on the steps to accept returnees for reintegration. Focusing on the skills related to mediation is very important for this process.” -Ahmed, Imam and teacher.
Attended training on mediation and conflict transformation from 17-18 September from Rommanah, Anbar
Photo: Mayor Khaled. 2022.
“These topics are very important for community influencers. The role of women is especially important in awareness raising, since most returnees are women and children.” -Mayor Khaled Al Mehana, Rommanah, Anbar.
-Attended training on mediation and conflict transformation from 17-18 September from Rommanah, Anbar.
Photo: Israa. 2022.
“These workshops build the skills of women to negotiate and find resolutions to community issues, especially related to families returning to their original places. This is a good opportunity to involve women in community reintegration.”
-Israa, Deputy Manager of a Youth Volunteer Group, Baiji, Salah al-Din.
-Attended training on mediation and conflict transformation from 19-20 September from Baiji, Salah al-Din.
Photo: Colonel Omar. 2022.
“We must ensure that there are community members who are properly trained to ensure the safe return and reintegration of displaced families.”
-Colonel Omar, local police officer.
-Attended training on reintegration and PVE from 24-25 September, from Qaim, Anbar.
Photo: Mayor Qasim. 2022.
“We have encouraged many to return to Tal Afar – both individuals and groups. We must give those who wish to return confidence and encourage other families to come back. Now most of returnees live normal lives, children are back to school, adults get married, and find jobs.”
-Mayor Qasim Mohammed Sharif, Tal Afar, Ninewa
-Attended training on reintegration and PVE from 28-29 September, from Tal Afar, Ninewa
In 2020, UNDP Iraq launched a dedicated five-year Social Cohesion Programme to promote stronger, peaceful, and more cohesive communities in all areas of Iraq.