The Kingdom of Norway has contributed an additional US$3 million to UNDP’s Funding Facility for Immediate Stabilization (FFIS), which finances fast-track initiatives in areas liberated from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). With this contribution, Norway has channelled $10.7 million to UNDP's FFIS during 2016.
Based on priorities identified by the Government of Iraq and local authorities,FFIS helps to quickly repair public infrastructure, provides grants to small businesses, boosts the capacity of local government, promotes civil engagement and community reconciliation, and provides short-term employment through public works schemes.
UNDP Resident Representative and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, Ms. Lise Grande, said:
“With more and more areas being liberated from ISIL, it becomes more and more important to help stabilize these districts so that families can return to their homes and rebuild their lives and communities. Norway's continuing generosity comes at just the right time.
"Towns in Anbar Governorate are coming under government control; with this contribution we can help to repair electricity grids, put young people to work, help businesses open and rehabilitate public services and infrastructure.”
The Norwegian Ambassador to Iraq, Ms. Sissel Breie, said:
“The Iraqi civilian population is in dire need of assistance. We hope that efforts under the FFIS using Norwegian funds will help to ease the suffering. It is crucial that we do our outmost to secure that internally displaced Iraqis can return to their homes and start rebuilding their community in these liberated areas.”
Established in June 2015, FFIS is currently working in newly liberated areas in Anbar, Salah al-Din, Ninewah and Diyala Governorates. In total, FFIS has been authorized to work in seventeen areas. Most recently, the Facility has started work in Ramadi, where widespread destruction and contamination by booby-traps have slowed stabilization efforts.
(Source: UNDP)
Iraq needs to revalue its currency. That will help a lot.