His Excellency Mr. Futoshi Matsumoto, Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, visited Bab Sinjar Housing Complex in Mosul constructed by UN-Habitat

On this special occasion a soft inauguration ceremony was held on 12th February 2023 with the presence of Ms. Evan Jabro, Minister of Migration and Displaced, Mr. Ghulam Mohammad ISACZAI, Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations, Resident Coordinator, Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, Mr. Najim Abdullah Al-Jubouri, Governor of Ninewa along with the representative of UNICEF, relevant government officials, and construction partners.

UN-Habitat successfully completed the project of Bab Sinjar Housing Complex in Mosul and the official handover process to the municipality of Mosul has been completed in January 2023. UN-Habitat did not just implement the project, but also provided the technical assistance to the Government of Iraq, including providing the guideline of beneficiary selection based on the socio-economic vulnerability. Approximately 2, 300 returnees currently reside in nine buildings of 324 units. The great collaboration between the Government of Iraq and UN-Habitat was made and the project is seen as one of the best practices for durable solutions towards the returnees.

His Excellency Mr. Futoshi Matsumoto, Ambassador of Japan to Iraq, congratulated the completion of the Bab Sinjar Housing Complex project implemented by UN-Habitat with the support of Japan. He expressed that the project would help the returnees rebuild their lives and support their smooth reintegration. The Government of Japan remains committed to standing by the people of Iraq.

Ms. Evan Jabro, Minister of Migration and Displaced, stated that “UN-Habitat’s effort to support displaced at the area and their return to dignified housing is much appreciated by Government and all the local counterparts. Displaced persons are a priority for the government, which is keen to assist and facilitate all the requirements for a safe return of the citizens to their areas of residence. The Ministry, UN and the Government of Japan shall continue working together to archive greater goals for the people and for development of the area”in her remark.

Mr. Ghulam Mohammad Isaczai, Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations, Resident Coordinator, Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, stated that “Bab Sinjar Housing Complex project is a sensible move towards finding durable solutions for the returnees. It is a solid demonstration of partnership among the governments of Iraq and Japan and the UN, and strengthens ongoing cooperation towards building inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable cities and communities in Iraq, particularly in Ninewa governorate,” in his remark.

Mr. Wael Al-Ashhab. Head of Country Programme of UN-Habitat Iraq expressed his sincere gratitude to the people and the Government of Japan, stating “this project builds on UN-Habitat’s comprehensive urban recovery approach, which simultaneously addresses multiple challenges faced by vulnerable returnees. UN-Habitat is committed to promote adequate housing, access to basic services and decent job opportunities for conflict-affected persons in urban settings.”

With a contribution of more than USD 56 million since Japanese Fiscal Year 2014, the Government of Japan has been a vital partner to UN-Habitat’s Iraq Programme. With the generous funding from the Government of Japan, UN-Habitat constructed and rehabilitated more than 1,100 houses accompanied with basic infrastructure for approximately 10,000 returnees in Ninewa Governorate since 2018.