UN DSRSG/RC/HC for Iraq, Mr. Ghulam Isaczai, visit to Anbar Governorate

Reintegrating displaced Iraqi families is a key priority for the Government of Iraq, and the UN in Iraq. UNDP’s Community-based Reconciliation and Reintegration in Iraq Project has supported the return of displaced Iraqis to four locations in Anbar, Salah al-Din, & Ninewa.

Today UN DSRSG/RC/HC for Iraq Mr. Ghulam M. Isaczai visited Anbar Governor Mr. Ali Farhan to discuss joint efforts to encourage reintegration in Anbar. He also met with the Habbaniyah Local Peace Committee, led by Mayor Mr. Ali Dawood, to discuss the committee’s support, which has seen the return of 524 families to the area since the Local Peace Agreement of January 2021.

The DSRSG/RC/HC was impressed with the efforts of the local government and Local Peace Committee, including strong UN support toward reintegration. A fruitful discussion included an exchange of successful experiences, touching on challenges related to livelihoods and long-term support of the returnees.

He visited the Vocational Training Centre in Ramadi, where families and community members participate in livelihoods training in six specialties. At the Al-Mathiq Health Clinic, he met with families perceived to be affiliated with ISIL who have returned to their areas of origin and discussed the hardships they have faced.

UNDP’s fulsome approach to reintegration includes livelihoods training, MHPSS, and housing rehabilitation. The first phase of the Community-based Reconciliation and Reintegration in Iraq Project has been supported by the Government of Japan.