UN-Habitat and Iraq’s Ministry of Planning Lead Policy Dialogue on the Roadmap for Rehabilitation of Informal Settlements in Iraq

Dr. Maher Johan, Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Planning, highlighted the dual challenges of addressing existing informal settlements and curbing future growth. “The informal settlement crisis has posed significant social, security, and environmental challenges since 2014. Although a roadmap was developed in 2012, the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for an updated plan. Addressing this issue is crucial for achieving sustainable urban planning through measures such as allocating financial resources, tackling internal displacement, enacting effective legislation, and mitigating social and economic challenges.”

Building on the National Policy for Addressing Informal Settlements, endorsed in 2015, the initiative refines the framework to ensure effective implementation, with the aim of integrating sustainable solutions into Iraq’s national development strategies. Funded by the European Union, the dialogue aligns with the project “Increasing Access to Employment Opportunities for Vulnerable Urban Populations in Basra City in Response to the COVID-19 Crisis.”

Reflecting on the EU’s role, Mr. Mauro Gioe, Programme Manager of Delegation to Iraq, connected the dialogue to the broader objectives of the project.

“Developing a comprehensive Informal Settlement Law is of key importance to address some of the challenges posed by a constantly growing young population. A new law will reinforce Iraq’s paths towards a flourishing socio-economic development and will pave the way for more investment and job creation. The EU remains committed to support the Government’s continuous efforts to maintain and strengthen a stable Iraq through social and economic development that aims also at reducing inequalities, promoting social cohesion, and increasing opportunities for the youth.”

The Roadmap for Addressing Informal Settlements in Iraq is structured around four key frameworks: 1) Legal/Technical, 2) Financial, 3) Institutional/Administrative, and 4) Coordination. 

These frameworks guide the strategic approach, detailing actions, timelines, and the roles of responsible entities. The policy dialogue followed this structure to ensure targeted discussions.

Addressing the legal and technical perspective, Mr. Muslim Qazimi, Head of UN-Habitat Iraq, stated, “This framework aims to understand the root causes of informal settlements and deliver tailored solutions to improve living conditions. Actions include mapping informal settlements, preparing feasibility studies for redevelopment, rehabilitation, or resettlement, and improving the quality of life for all Iraqis while promoting a sustainable urban future.”

Financing mechanisms emerged as a core aspect of the discussion. Mr. Ali Hussain Abdul Ameer, Deputy Minister of Construction, Housing, Municipalities, and Public Works, emphasised financial viability. “Rehabilitation and upgrading efforts must be reflected in budgets to ensure realistic implementation. Progress relies on enacting the draft Informal Settlements Law and integrating funding into annual plans to prevent further urban encroachment and address the challenges posed by existing settlements.”

The dialogue also highlighted institutional coordination to ensure the sustainability of the Roadmap. Key efforts focus on capacity building for pro-poor housing provisions, aligning with Iraq’s National Housing Policy and National Poverty Reduction Strategy. Activities include land-use planning, resettlement, and participatory planning with community involvement.

This policy dialogue forms part of a broader series of efforts supported by the European Union to address informal settlements in Iraq. UN-Habitat remains committed to fostering collaboration, providing technical support, and building capacity to create resilient urban environments and sustainable development for all Iraqis.

MORE INFORMATION

Juan Valles Robles | Project Manager 

email: juan.vallerobles@un.org  

Ana Paes | Communication Officer

email: ana.paes@un.org