IOM Iraq Newsletter Volume I Oct/Nov/Dec Mission in Iraq

Transcription

1 IOM Iraq Newsletter - Volume I October/November/December 2010 Mission in Iraq IOM Iraq Newsletter Volume I 2011 Oct/Nov/Dec 2010 Phone: Fax: iomiraq@iom.int -

2 IOM Mission in Iraq October-December 2010 Contents Foreword from the Chief of Mission 3 Completion of the Karez Project in 4 A new era of displacement for Christian Iraqis 5 Integrated Capacity Building Programme/Movement and Assisted Migration Monitoring Workshop/A Returnee's Story 6 Programme for Human Security and Stabilization A Protrait of Success 7 Community Assistance Project Renovation of a School in 8

3 3 IOM Mission in Iraq October-December 2010 A young girl in Kerbala who has been displaced Foreword from the Chief of Mission The new year will see IOM continuing to play a major role in Iraq's ongoing rehabilitation. Despite facing many of the same challenges, IOM will strive to improve the way in which it assists migrants. The formation of the new government has provided the mission with an opportunity to create lasting solutions for the Iraqi people. In the coming year IOM is focused on stabilizing and rebuilding the lives of the displaced, returnee and host communities; female and youth-headed households; victims of ongoing conflict; disabled, unemployed and underemployed citizens; and residents threatened by forced eviction. Furthermore, IOM plans on extending its mission to a number of new and exciting projects, whilst also adapting to the fresh challenges the new year will pose, such as the recent displacement of Christians. To achieve its goals, cooperation and coordination are invaluable among humanitarian partners for the effective and sustainable delivery of assistance. IOM will work alongside the new government, as well as donors, UN Agencies, NGO partners, authorities at the central, Kurdistan Regional Government, provincial and local levels and the private sector, to efficiently and effectively fulfill its objectives. IOM will continue to adapt its operational structure and strategy to achieve a stable and prosperous future for the Iraqi people. In pursuit of this goal, IOM continues to increase its presence on the ground with many of its staff relocating to positions right across the country. Utilizing logisitical and administrative support from our office in Amman, Jordan, the three regional hub offices in Baghdad, Basrah and Erbil will take full responsibility for directly implementing IOM activities and thus increase our efficiency and effectiveness to deliver on our objectivies. Sincerely yours, Michael Pillinger Chief of Mission, IOM Iraq

4 4 Renovation of Karezes in October-December 2010 Completion of the Kareze Project in Since March 2010, IOM, in partnership with UNESCO has been restoring karezes in the Governorate of. Karezes are ancient traditional water systems which provide rural areas with irrigation and drinking water in a sustainable manner. In this new era of modernization, they were slowly forgotten in favour of water sources which were considered more modern and efficient such as deep or shallow wells. However, as drought and climate change put additional stress on the water resources, karezes have been rediscovered as a sustainable source of water in rural areas of Kurdistan. After nine months of project implementation, IOM will have completed the restoration of 15 karezes in the Governorate of thus providing easier access to drinking and irrigation water to 256 families and to 50 hectares of cultivated land in 10 villages. The project has even trained younger workers in the art of karez restoration, therefore bringing back to life this very ancient profession. IOM is now seeking additional funding to continue the rehabilitation of karezes in Iraq. In-doing so it aims to help drought-induced migration which has already contributed to the existing trend of rural-urban migration in Iraq. However this is one of many problems including conflict, poverty and other socio-economic factors that contribute to migration. IOM works closely with local authorities to monitor population displacement, whilst conducting needs assessments to identify water-related issues. Location of Kareze in No. Karez Name Village District 1 Halima Kuer Khurdaluki Saru Dukan Kani Jinan 1 Kani Jinan 2 Kani Piawan Twa suran Qulamanga Kani Jinan Lara Hanachnar Wlaumlay Khuaru Qarachatan Qarachatan Qarachatan Goradem/ Bawzan Gankawa Qarazel Hargena Sewsenan Sewsenan Dukan Dukan Dukan Sharbazher Sharbazher Sherdara Gurbaz Jafaran Jafaran 13 Sarpaty Jafaran 14 Dekon Jalila Halabja 15 Nawde Taramar Nawarast

5 5 A new era of displacement for Iraqi Christians October-December 2010 A new era of displacement for Iraqi Christians A new era of Christian displacement has begun in Iraq with thousands of families fleeing their homes in fear. Despite the overall security situation in Iraq improving, the exodus highlights the ongoing problem of forced migration. This new passage of violence signifies, for many, the end of faith in Iraq. This wave was sparked by an attack on the Sayidat al-najat church in Baghdad on October 31 that culminated in the death of over 50 people. Since then, Christian families have left their homes in droves. The daily threats and uncertainty have proved too much for these people, who in a panicked rush have left their homes with little more than the clothes on their back. The majority of the families originate from the cities of Baghdad and Mosul and have fled to areas where they feel safer. Often this has been to the northern governorates, which are considered safe havens for religious minorities fleeing violence elsewhere in the country. These people now wait in hope that security situation will stabilize. Throughout the months of November and December 2010, IOM sent its monitoring teams to the villages where these families were taking refuge to assess their situation and identify their needs. In response to these assessments, IOM has made eight successful distributions of essential non-food items to displaced families in northern Iraq. Thus far, IOM has assisted 470 displaced Christian families, whilst continuing to provide emergency assistance to other vulnerable communities. Each distribution included essential relief items, such as: mattresses, blankets, pillows, carpets, kerosene heaters, gas stoves and hygiene kits (supplied by UNICEF). UNHCR assisted with the logistics of all operations, and also provided jerry cans and plastic sheets. Furthermore, deliveries were coordinated with local authorities, including the Governorate Emergency Cell (GEC) and the Bureau of Migration and Displacement (BMD). Funding for IOM Iraq s emergency operations is provided by the U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA).

6 6 IDP Monitoring Workshop and Migration Support October-December 2010 Monitoring Team Workshop From October 17 to 21, the IOM Monitoring Team held an internal capacity building workshop to introduce Iraqi field monitors and team leaders to evolving monitoring needs and methodologies. During the five days, 50 monitors and team leaders were given training on various tools and concepts to approach monitoring from a community-based level, in order to address the needs of vulnerable Iraqi families as a whole and not just IDP and returnee families. IOM's monitoring team will move away from broad IDP accessments and focus more on specific issues (i.e. a large number of households headed by women, a high incidence of special needs among family members, families without access to work, families who lack adequate food, shelter, water and basic needs) who will be given priority in receiving assistance. As a result, the most needy families will benefit from IOM's support regardless of their categorization. Funding for this workshop was provided by the U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA). Movement and Assisted Migration A Returnees Story It is always important to hear the stories of those who have returned to Iraq. Mr. Ali (not real name) is a returnee from Sweden. He travelled to Europe in January 2007 to avoid the daily threats to his life. Upon arriving to Sweden, he looked forward to a better life. Despite his best efforts he uncovered few options and struggled with the language and to obtain residency. Realizing how difficult it was to successfully integrate into Swedish society, Mr. Ali decided to return home. Reuniting with his family was the highlight of returning home. Arriving in Baghdad, Mr. Ali decided to contact IOM for reintegration cash assistance for immediate support. He later decided to return to IOM and apply for an in-kind grant, which supported him in reopening and even expanding his hairdresser shop. Despite recieving generous support from the Government of Sweden, Ali's story highlights the enormous financial burden of migration. Whilst satisfied with IOM staff and its services, Mr. Ali wanted to note the cost of travelling to Europe can easily cost around 17,000 USD, a debt which can impact the individual s ability to reintegrate into their local communities upon return. Although thankful to IOM assistance, Mr. Ali suggests that IOM resources only affect a small part of the incredibly large financial and social burdens that returnees typically face.

7 7 Programme for Human Security and Stabilization October-December 2010 Programme for Human Security and Stabilization A Protrait of Success It was no surprise that best friends Ali AL-Jubouri and Mohammed AL-Hussainy* would one day open up a business together. It was only natural that after university, Ali and Mohammed would open their own shop, The Photo Studio in Baghdad. Mohammed said in the beginning, we produced only black and white photos and video tapes. In order to keep up with the pace of modern film and photography the two decided to apply to the Programme for Human Security and Stabilization (PHSS) for a joint grant. With the PHSS grant, "we could improve the quality and range of our services." They recieved their In-Kind-Grant (IKG) on August 3, It included a new Sony Film Camera, as well as a new Sony Digitial Photo Camera. The grant was funded by the German government. PHSS staff visited Ali and Mohammed s shop on November 11, 2010, to evaluate their progress. When asked how their business was going today, Mohammed stated that it was in good shape but it is closely related to the general situation and stability in the community, which unfortunately was badly affected during the political tensions last month." Since recieving the grant Ali stated that in total, the business is making a net profit of approximately $250 - $300 a month. This is after paying $625 for rent, $150 for production materials and $400 for salaries. The two friends, for the first time, are financially independent and have even been able to support their parents. Being involved in their business does not impede Ali and Mohammed's future plans, with both currently developing their skills further. Mohammad is in his third year at the College of Media, while Ali has just finished a course in film making (organized by the INK Organization). Ali is now completing an internship with a local TV station, and one day he wishes to join the Fine Arts Academy. Ali and Mohammed have come a long way and despite suffering the occasional setback, they are well on their way to fulfilling their goals. * Beneficiary s names and details have been changed Programme for Human Security and Stabilization (PHSS) Through the Programme for Human Security and Stabilization (PHSS), IOM Iraq is working closely with the Iraqi Ministry of Displacement and Migration (MoDM) and Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) to develop a wide-ranging set of grassroots economic development programmes. PHSS currently operates in the 13 governorates of Anbar, Babylon, Baghdad, Basrah, Dahuk, Diyala, Erbil, Kirkuk, Missan, Ninewa, Qadissiya, Sulaymania and Wassit, and supports the efforts of Iraqis to rebuild their local economies while encouraging locally focused, broad-based economic development. PHSS Phase III is supported by the Governments of Germany and the United States.

8 8 Renovation of a School in October-December 2010 Community Assistance Project Renovation of a School in Before rehabilitation After rehabilitation Working in close cooperation with the local authorities, IOM implemented a Community Assistance Project to renovate a local school in, located in the Pinjwin District. With an influx of returnee families in the area, the school was unable to cope with the sudden increase of students. IOM completed the works in November, ensuring that all the school s defects were repaired before its handover to the local authorities. The school s renovation has improved the access to education for hundreds of families living in the area. Following its completion, the Department of Education expressed its gratitude to IOM for providing a safe place for education. A representative stated, there is nothing more valuable and essential than enhancing education for future generations. For a society to grow stronger in terms of development and security, one must start with educating its younger generation. IOM will continue to endeavor to help Iraq regain its prominence in development, education, health, infrastructure and security. Funding for CAPs is utilized through the generous funding of the U.S. Department of State s Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration (PRM). Community Assistance Projects IOM s Community Assistance Projects (CAPs) contribute to the stability of IDP, returnee and host communities by enhancing basic services for communities that have been adversely affected by civil, political and military disruptions. Working closely with local and national authorities, IOM utilizes its nationwide network of monitors and programme staff to assess critical needs in vulnerable communities, develop and implement projects to address these needs, and monitor the implementation to ensure efficiency and transparency. IOM s reintegration programmes ensure that returnees receive individual assistance in rebuilding their lives, and CAPs ensure that their communities are rehabilitated simultaneously, providing a solid foundation for stable, successful return and reintegration. Since 2003, IOM CAPs have served over 2.3 million beneficiaries throughout Iraq.

9 IOM Mission in Iraq October-December 2010 International Organization for Migration Mission in Iraq The IOM Iraq Mission was set up in January 2003 in preparation for the overwhelming humanitarian need following the collapse of the former regime. IOM maintains valued partnerships and close coordination with local Iraqi authorities and various Ministries. IOM is integrated into all the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) Coordination Structure, and is also fully engaged in the UN Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF) for Iraq IOM currently employs 250 staff inside Iraq, and 100 in Amman. Staff in Iraq operate out of three regional hubs: Erbil, Baghdad, and Basrah, as well as sub/satellite offices in all 18 governorates. Who supports us? IOM Iraq is currently supported by the Governments of Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). Contact us Chief of Mission Michael Pillinger Mission phone: Mission fax: Mission website: HQ website: Edited by Bertram Chambers Cover Design by Rami Abeda Photos IOM