IOM Iraq MHPSS and Livelihood Integration 2022 year two of implementation

In Iraq, MHPSS and livelihood needs continue to persist, remaining among the highest priorities for the population, including returnees and people in protracted displacement. Assessments conducted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) focused on MHPSS and livelihood integration in 2020 found that a lack of job opportunities continues to be one of the most significant challenges among the affected population, causing anxiety and distress, and impacting the mental health and well-being of internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees and host communities (Assessment One; Assessment Two).

To concurrently address livelihood and mental health or psychosocial needs, and in response to these assessments,

IOM developed the MHPSS and Livelihood Integration (MLI) approach in 2021, which integrates MHPSS into existing or new livelihood projects. This integrated MHPSS assistance prepares livelihood programme participants to manage and mitigate unexpected work-related stressors, strengthening their positive coping mechanisms, while at the same time building psychosocial life, social and soft skills that are related to and essential for livelihood success.

In 2021, 16 MLI projects were implemented across 13 locations Iraq, followed by 14 MLI projects implemented across 10 locations in 2022. The 2022 projects focused on Anbar, Baghdad, Ninewa and Kirkuk governorates, reaching 597 livelihood project participants, integrating 3,896 MHPSS services. Twelve out of the 14 projects were implemented in coordination with IOM’s Transition and Recovery Division.