UNODC and UN-Habitat foster rehabilitation and reintegration of children and young people deprived of their liberty in Iraq

The refurbishment of the reformatory was carried out as part of the project titled "STRIVE Juvenile: Preventing and Responding to Violence Against Children by Terrorist and Violent Extremist Groups" which is funded by the European Union and led by UNODC in partnership with the Government of Iraq. This initiative highlights the parties’ joint commitment to promoting the rehabilitation and reintegration of children and young people deprived of their liberty by improving treatment and environments.   

“Every success we achieve in rehabilitating and reintegrating a juvenile is a success for the protection of our society and ensuring of a better future for our children”, said Mr. Mohamed Radi Bahr, Director General of the Juvenile Care Directorate under the Ministry of Justice. “We strongly believe that the solution is in rehabilitation and reform, and not punishment and marginalization”.

The enhancements at Al-Rashad Reformatory provide healthier and safer living conditions for around 270 children and young people detained, including for terrorism-related offences. They include the creation of four outdoor recreational spaces; the construction of a football pitch equipped with solar lighting; the renovation of eight restrooms; the establishment of a dental clinic and a quarantine room to safely isolate cases of transmissible disease; and the provision of essential equipment for improving access to education, vocational training, sport and leisure. 

“The enhancements that we will see today are testament to the collective efforts of international partners and foremost national Iraqi stakeholders under the STRIVE Juvenile project. We believe that every child deserves a chance to rebuild their life, and today’s event marks an important step toward realizing that vision. Providing this chance is a shared priority for all of us involved”, said Mr. Frerik Kampman, representing the EU Delegation in Iraq. 

A further 300 children and young people have benefited from renovations made through the STRIVE Juvenile project at Ninawa Juvenile Reformatory in Mosul, Iraq. Classrooms have been added to create an environment that is conducive to learning. A new gym and multipurpose hall have paved the way for physical and recreational activities. Capacity for family visits has been increased by 60 per cent, enabling contact with the outside world. Spaces where social workers can meet with those deprived of their liberty provide opportunities for essential mental health and psychosocial support. Renovated washrooms are supportive of good hygiene, while solar panels and new water tanks ensure that constant electricity and water is sustainably and securely provided.

These renovations have been made possible through collaborative efforts of UNODC and UN-Habitat. This initiative exemplifies the way in which upgrades to buildings and equipment, combined with a child-sensitive approach, can support effective rehabilitation and reintegration. 

“Today’s enhancements go beyond physical renovations; they represent UNODC’s commitment to investing in the potential of every child and young person. By creating spaces that nurture growth, learning, and connection, we are supporting these individuals on a path to reintegration, giving them a chance at rebuilding their lives and contributing positively to their societies” said Mr. Ali El-Bereir, Head of UNODC in Iraq. 

“Improving living conditions gives children and young people an enhanced environment that encourages better choices and a brighter future. UN-Habitat is proud to support the STRIVE project and Iraqi authorities in creating a safer future for Iraq’s youth,” said Mr. Ryosuke Teraoka, Head of UN-Habitat Kurdistan Region of Iraq Office.  

Through the EU-funded project, STRIVE Juvenile, Iraq and UNODC are implementing important initiatives that prevent and respond to violence against children and young people in the context of terrorism and counter-terrorism. The partnership is dedicated to promoting the rehabilitation and reintegration of children and young people who are deprived of their liberty in Baghdad and Mosul, thereby contributing to broader peace and reconciliation processes in Iraq.  

For further information, please contact:

UNODC Iraq

Yomna Abouhussein | Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Officer | yomna.abouhussein@un.org

Mersiha Causevic Podzic | Communication Officer | mersiha.causevicpodzic@un.org

UN-Habitat Iraq

Maan Sami | Programme Officer | maan.sami@un.org 

Ana Paes | Communication Officer | ana.paes@un.org