By John Lee.
A $10 million initiative to support the sustainable resettlement of internally displaced persons, returnees and displacement-affected communities has been launched across Anbar, Kirkuk, Ninewa and Salah al-Din. The programme is funded by the Government of the Republic of Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and implemented by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The initiative, which involves Iraq's Ministry of Migration and Displacement, will run for five years and is expected to support more than 18,000 people, with particular focus on women-headed households, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups.
Support will cover:
- Housing rehabilitation and access to essential facilities including education, health centres and water supply systems
- Climate-resilient agricultural assistance for 168 farmers
- Training and grants for 336 people to establish small and medium-sized enterprises, alongside vocational training and inputs
- Community-based mental health and psychosocial support for 2,440 community members
- Strengthening of Local Peace Committees and social cohesion assessments
Activities will focus on Al-Qaim and Rummanah in Anbar, Hawija and Daquq in Kirkuk, Sinjar in Ninewa, and Baiji in Salah al-Din.
Amer Abbas Zghair, Director General of the Planning and Follow-up Department at the Ministry of Migration and Displacement, said the project responds to community priorities by addressing housing, essential infrastructure, livelihoods and social cohesion. Yeon Je Ho, Iraq Country Director of KOICA, said the contribution aims to deliver tangible improvements for families as they rebuild their homes and livelihoods. Titon Mitra, Resident Representative of UNDP Iraq, said the partnership aims to help families move from displacement and vulnerability towards recovery and stability.
(Source: United Nations Development Programme)
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