BAASHIQA AREA BASED ASSESSMENT

Transcription

1 BAASHIQA AREA BASED ASSESSMENT JULY 2018 Returns Working Group RWG Iraq

2 Baashiqa Area Based Assessment Produced by REACH Initiative with the support of the Iraq Returns Working Group, CCCM and ECHO About REACH REACH facilitates the development of information tools and products that enhance the capacity of aid actors to make evidence-based decisions in emergency, recovery and development contexts. All REACH activities are conducted through inter-agency aid coordination mechanisms. All our reports, maps and factsheets are available on the REACH resource centre. For more information, visit our website at follow us on and Facebook: or write to 2

3 TABLE OF CONTENTS Contents 15 Overview 4 Introduction 16 Healthcare 6 Methodology 18 Education 7 Challenges and Limitations 20 Water 8 Background and Context 22 Solid Waste Disposal 8 Contextual Overview 23 Conclusion 9 Assessment Findings 24 Endnotes 9 Demographics 10 Returns Appendix one: Baashiqa Maps 10 Livelihoods 13 Assistance, Top Priority Needs 14 Shelter 14 Protection and Social Cohesion 15 Functionality and Access to Services 3

4 INTRODUCTION The towns of Baashiqa and Bahzani 1 (hereafter households had fled the town almost entirely referred to as Baashiqa), located in the Ninewa in the original waves of displacement in August Plains, 13 km northeast of Mosul city 2 have As a result of this offensive, ISIL was historically hosted a diverse set of population expelled from Baashiqa in early November groups and a majority of residents are reported to be Yezidi. 3 Apart from Yezidis, these groups After the KF established control over Baashiqa, include Christians, Shia Muslims, Sunni Muslims, residents were relatively slow to return, beginning and Shabak. 4 However, during the territorial from February 2017 onwards. This was largely advancement of the so-called Islamic State of due to the perceived presence of unexploded Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in the area in 2014, ordnances (UXOs) and improvised explosive nearly all of Baashiqa s residents had left the devices (IEDs) as well as damaged infrastructure. 7 town by August 2014, largely moving to Dahuk, As of April 2018, according to the International of Iraq s 2005 Constitution. 11 In October 2017, Assessment (ABA) in Baashiqa. The assessment Sulaymaniyah, and Erbil governorates in the Organization for Migration (IOM), around 3,920 one year after the KRG established control of was coordinated and implemented under the Kurdish Region of Iraq (KRI). families (approximately 23,520 individuals) have Baashiqa, the GoI re-established full control over framework of the Iraq Camp Coordination and returned to Baashiqa 8 since February This the town following an independence referendum Camp Management (CCCM) cluster and the Beginning in mid-october 2016, the Iraqi Security sets returns at an estimated 47%, as the pre-isil held in the Kurdish Region of Iraq (KRI). 12 Returns Working Group (RWG), and aligned with Forces (ISF) and the Kurdish Forces (KF) began a population of Baashiqa was estimated at around the Multi-Sector Response Framework (MSRF), military offensive to regain control over the city of 50,000 inhabitants. 10 Based on available sources, REACH Initiative a guidance document with input from relevant Mosul and its surroundings, including Baashiqa, (REACH) identified that, while general information clusters to facilitate coordinated area-based from ISIL. By late October 2016, when the KF In the immediate post-isil period, administrative regarding returns and levels of damage within interventions in support of Iraq s conflict-affected began an offensive from two fronts with the aim of removing ISIL from Baashiqa, 5 KF commanders control of the area of Baashiqa was disputed between the Kurdistan Regional Government Baashiqa were widely known, there was a lack of publicly available and location-specific populations. Baashiqa was selected because of the relatively high number of returnees. stated that, according to their intelligence, there (KRG) and the Government of Iraq (GoI)and as a data outlining the state of available services were no civilians left in Baashiqa. 6 Likewise, result the town and its surroundings had already and specific needs in Baashiqa. Therefore, In focusing assessments at the settlement participants in mapping exercises and community officially been classified as a disputed territory in order to inform recovery and stabilisation level, the ABA seeks to provide a tailored and discussion groups (CDGs) reported that all between the GoI and the KRG under Article 140 programming, REACH launched an Area-Based actionable profile of the assessment area, with 4

5 Baashiqa Town - Neighbourhood Boundaries specific focus on demographics, household-level needs, and access to critical public services. The general objective of the ABA, then, is to inform evidence-based humanitarian programming and service delivery in the short- and longterm at the area-level. Through an area-based approach, humanitarian actors can operate at a more localized level to design a response that is geographically targeted, inclusive of a range of local, international, and governmental actors, and inter-sectoral in its programme delivery. 5

6 METHODOLOGY The ABA employs a mixed methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection, including scoping and secondary data review (SDR); semi-structured key informant interviews (KIIs) with community leaders; community group discussions (CGDs) with residents of the area; KIIs with individuals with specialised knowledge of service provision in the area; and a comprehensive household-level needs assessment that is representative of the population living within the area of assessment. Interviewees Community Leader KIs: CGDs & Mapping: Specialised Service Provision KIs: Household Need Assessment: Number Surveyed 3 mukhtars 38 participants 16 KIs 494 households Scoping and SDR: Prior to the launch of the structure of Iraq, individuals known as mukhtars assessment, REACH conducted extensive SDR represent the most local level of government participants. In addition, REACH staff conducted removal within Baashiqa. These individuals to determine the base of knowledge related to representation. These individuals are appointed by a comprehensive mapping of Baashiqa town in were identified both through mukhtars and other the area of assessment that was already publicly local councils and serve as a primary intermediary mid-february This was supplemented with INGOs and UN agencies active within the area. available, and to build a level of contextual between residents and government service additional participatory mapping exercises in Overall, REACH enumerators conducted semi- knowledge to inform the data collection plan. In providers within their area of responsibility. In their late April 2018, comprising 14 participants from structured interviews with three education KIs, addition, REACH conducted several scoping position as community representatives, mukhtars Baashiqa and Bahzani sections. three healthcare KIs, three electrical KIs, three missions to the area in order to meet with are well placed to provide general information water KIs, and four solid waste disposal KIs. All community leaders and pilot assessment tools. on the demographics, needs and access to Specialised Service Provision KIIs: After interviews were conducted between 30 April and In order to avoid duplication, the availability of services within their areas of responsibility. In building a picture of community perceptions and 7 May existing information informed the primary data order to gather preliminary information on the expectations with regards to service delivery, collections methods utilized. area, REACH conducted KIIs with three mukhtars between January, During the same REACH conducted a total of 16 additional interviews with KIs with specialist knowledge of Household-Level Needs Assessment: In order to triangulate findings from qualitative Community Leader KIIs, CGDs and period, REACH conducted CGDs on service the provision of public services namely health, data collection, and to provide a comprehensive Participatory Mapping: In the governance provision in the area with 14 female and 10 male education, water, electricity, and solid waste overview of needs within the municipality, 6

7 Challenges and Limitations REACH also conducted a household-level needs assessment in Baashiqa. As reliable population figures are difficult to identify within the Iraqi context, an infinite population was assumed for the purpose of sampling. In total, 494 household interviews were conducted in Baashiqa, reaching a 97% level of confidence and a 5% margin of error at the town level. To draw the random sample, random GPS points were generated across all populated areas of the city through a grid-based technique. All data was collected between January The pilot of the ABA in Baashiqa presented several challenges and limitations: As this was a pilot assessment with multiple components conducted within a rapidly shifting context, the overall data collection period for the ABA in Baashiqa was necessarily dynamic in terms of its length. As additional information gaps were identified, additional assessment tools were deployed to address those gaps. As a result, the data collection period for the overall assessment was spread over four months; a period longer than initially anticipated during the research design phase. Lack of population density data meant the sample points were generated with the assumption of a uniform population density across all inhabited areas of Baashiqa. Given the limitations of qualitative data collection, the information collected through KIIs and CGDs is indicative only and is not generalizable to the entire population. 7

8 BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT Contextual Overview Due to its diversity, Baashiqa has been referred to as the little Iraq, representing the diverse populations of Iraq although with a majority Yezidi population (70%). In addition, the pre-isil Baashiqa community was known for its strong local identity and communal ties. For example, cultural traditions and the spoken dialect were not necessarily affiliated with one particular group but with Baashiqa itself. For many residents, being Baashiqi was their primary identity. 13 After the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, Baashiqa became a microcosmic example of the most contentious issues facing the greater nation: federalism, disputed territories, security, energy, and identity politics. 14 During this period, Baashiqa became an officially disputed territory between the KRI and the GoI, as defined by Article 140 of the 2005 Iraqi constitution. The town has links to both the GoI, through its Arabic speaking population and its geographic proximity to Mosul, as well as with the KRI through the Kurdishspeaking Yezidi population and their cultural ties. Although Baashiqa was included in the KRI independence referendum vote in September 2017, 15 the ISF took over administrative control in Baashiqa in October of 2017, resulting in some of the roads connecting Baashiqa with the KRI being closed 16 Prior to the displacement of populations from Baashiqa during ISIL advancement in August 2014, Baashiqa experienced an influx of Yezidi internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Sinjar, which had been taken by ISIL earlier that summer. 17 Furthermore, Baashiqa suffered significant infrastructural damage during the conflict, such as to the water network and electricity grid, as well as damage and destruction of buildings. 18 Following the town being retaken from ISIL, a UNHCR and DRC assessment found a marked difference in the interactions between population groups in the down, as well as a decreased level of trust between those groups. 19 Baashiqa 8

9 ASSESSMENT FINDINGS Demographics Through the household needs component of the assessment, REACH was able to build a statistically representative understanding of the composition of households within Baashiqa. Overall, assessed households consisted of 6 to 7 persons, of whom 3 to 4 were adults and 2 to 3 were children (<18 years old). Of the heads of household, the majority reported being married (87%), and only 12% of heads of households were female. Finally, the average age of heads of household was 47 years old. Assessed households were found to often be caring for one or more vulnerable persons. In order to identify the prevalence of these vulnerable individuals, the assessment focused on five groups: orphaned children, unaccompanied minors, 20 individuals with a chronic illness, 21 individuals with a physical or mental disability, 22 widows, and pregnant or lactating women. Overall, the most commonly reported vulnerable group were persons with chronic diseases, with 42% of households reporting at least one chronically ill member. Other reported vulnerable groups were: disabled persons (16%), pregnant or lactating women (13%), and widows (12%). Households with at least one orphaned child (2%) or unaccompanied minor (<1%) were less common. Proportion of households reporting at least one member being affected by a chronic illness 43+57J 43% Proportion of households reporting at least one member with a physical and/or intellectual disability 16+84J 16% Composition of assessed households by gender and age group Male Female 8% 42% 33% 17% 200= 340= 420= 40= = 440= 310= 200= 9% 43% 34% 14% Average age of head of household, by gender of head of household

10 Returns Livelihoods As all but one of assessed households (493/494) were reported to be returnees, these households were asked about how they informed their decision to return. Most returnee households reported that they were informed about the returns process or the situation in their area of origin before returning (98%). Their main reported sources of information regarding the condition in their area of origin was television (36%), followed by friends and relatives (19%), social media (17%), and the internet (news websites, 15%). 23 In general, both adult males and females reportedly played a role in the decision to return, however, fathers were reported to have played a role by 83% of households, compared to 47% of households that reported the mother having played a role. In addition, 23% of assessed households indicated that the oldest male child also played a role in the decision to return (see Table 1). According to data from 2012, 31% of households in Baashiqa lived below the Iraqi national poverty line (105,500 IQD or USD 25 per capita per month) 26, and 34% of males between 16 and 29 years old were unemployed or underemployed, but searching for work. 27 For the ABA, 80% of assessed households reported that at least one member had earned an income in the 30 days preceding data collection, with an average of one household member providing an income per household. Of those 80% of households, 92% reported that the earning member was an adult male, compared to 13% reporting that the earning member was an adult female. 28 At the same Top most reported barriers to employment* Skilled wage labour (construction, etc) 280= 28% Government employee / public security official 260= 26% Skilled service labour (teacher, lawyer, engineer, etc) 190= 19% Table 1. Member of household who played a Retirement fund 160= 16% role in the decision to return 24 Social support (e.g. disability allowance) 100= 10% HH member Percent of returnees Low skill service industry (janitor, waiter, cook, etc) 100= 10% Father 83% Agricultural waged labour 80= 8% Mother 47% Oldest male child 23% Transportation (taxi driver, truck driver etc) 70= 7% Oldest female child 6% Practitioner of trade or vocation (carpenter, electrician, plumber, etc) 60= 6% 10 * Respondents could select multiple options. Therefore, results exceed 100%.

11 Livelihoods time, 11% reported that elderly male household members (60 years and older) were earning an main reason for acquiring debt was to support businesses (69%), followed by purchasing food Main employment problems households face* income, compared to 6% that reported elderly female household members. The most prevalent reported livelihood sources were skilled wage labour (28%), followed by (57%) and healthcare costs (43%). Most of those households with debt reported borrowing this money from friends and relatives (88%), followed by from merchants at the market or bazaar (34%). Relatedly, 39% of assessed households reported Lack of jobs for skilled workers Lack of jobs for unskilled workers Previous job no longer exists 630= 620= 100= 63% 62% 10% government jobs (26%). However, 30% of all assessed households reported facing problems with accessing employment. The top reported barriers to employment were that costs of basic needs, such as shelter, health, and food had increased either a little or a lot over the three months preceding data collection. In order to support themselves, 75% of assessed Need documentation to get a job Job exists but no salary Lack of local connections 80= 70= 70= 8% 7% 7% the lack of jobs for skilled workers (63%) and for unskilled workers (62%). Overall, this implies a households reported employing at least one livelihood coping strategy in the 30 days prior to No training courses 60= 6% lack of employment opportunities regardless of data collection. The most frequently cited coping whether an unemployed individual was skilled or strategy amongst all households was borrowing unskilled. money (34%), followed by selling assets (17%), accessing a previous income source (16%), Approximately two-thirds of households reported being in debt (68%), with the average amount spending savings (16%), and obtaining support from friends and/or relatives (16%). 29 of household debt reported at 5,206,662 IQD (4,374 USD). According to these households, the * Respondents could select multiple options. Therefore, results exceed 100%. 11

12 Food Security Overall, households reported being able to cook their food at least once a day. Furthermore, adults were reported to eat an average of three meals per day (99%), while for children this was 3 to 4 meals per day (71% three meals per day, 15% four meals per day, 13% more than four meals Food Health Rent/utilities 323,141 IQD 140,269 IQD 111,186 IQD Similarly, reported consumption-based coping mechanisms were closely linked to the limited livelihood opportunities reported, and the resulting lower consumption of households. 29% of the assessed households reported resorting to foodrelated coping strategies during the seven days Proportion of household reporting having received PDS since October 2016* 39+61J 39% per day). Moreover, most households reported prior to data collection. Of these households, 84% an acceptable food consumption score (96%), 30 with the remaining 4% of households reporting a borderline score. Although these findings indicate relatively high consumption of and access to food, 80% of households still reported food as a priority need. This possibly reflects NFI Transportation Education 92,455 IQD 64,726 IQD 46,372 IQD reported reducing the number of meals for males, 26% reported reducing the number of meals per day, and 25% reported borrowing food. The Public Distribution System (PDS) in Iraq provides subsidised staple foods and fuel to all Calculated food consumption score the fact that households prioritised food over other needs to ensure the acceptable level of consumption. On average, households reported spending a total of 842,546 IQD ( USD) in the month preceding data collection. The largest Clothing Other 41,475 IQD 24,445 IQD Iraqi citizens through a rations card distributed by the government. Of assessed households, only 14% reported having received PDS rations in in the three months prior to data collection. Of these households, the majority (89%) had received 96% of household have an acceptable food consumption score expenditure was food, at 323,141 IQD ( PDS food rations in the 30 days prior to data USD), compared to the following prices: collection * Respondents could select multiple options. Therefore, results exceed 100%.

13 Assistance, Top Priority Needs Regarding assistance received in Baashiqa, 27% of assessed households reported that they had received assistance since the beginning of October Overall, 19% of households reported having received food assistance, and 9% reported having received household items (such as jerry cans, blankets, clothes, and kitchen utensils). Other reported types of assistance received were: cash (5%), health (5%), and water (4%). 32 The majority of households reported that they did not face difficulties in receiving assistance (85%). As noted previously, assessed households reported top priority need was food (80%). This was followed by other basic services such as medical care (44%), electricity (36%), employment (32%), and water (29%). Reported household top priority needs* Food Medical care Electricity Employment Water Security Clothing Education for children Shelter support Psychosocial support 800= 440= 360= 320= 290= 160= 140= 120= 80= 60= 80% 44% 36% 32% 29% 16% 14% 12% 8% 6% Proportion of households reporting having received assistance 27% Proportion of households reporting barriers to accessing assistance 86% of household reported no difficulties in accessing assistance * Respondents could select multiple options. Therefore, results exceed 100%. 13

14 Shelter Protection and Social Cohesion In terms of shelter, nearly all assessed households reported residing in houses (99%), with the remainder living in unfinished buildings. In addition, 29% of households reported their shelter being damaged, though the nature and severity of the damage whether cosmetic or structural was not specifically assessed. Furthermore, most shelters (90%) were reported to have been cleared of explosive remnants of war (ERW) and UXOs by ISF or Mines Advisory Group (MAG). However, 10% of households reported their shelters not having been formally cleared, although this does not necessarily indicate the presence of ERWs or UXOs in these structures. The majority of assessed households (75%) reported owning their homes and possessing legal documents that proved ownership. However, 12% of households reported owning their homes without documentation, and a further 7% were squatting with permission, indicating a sizeable minority who may be at a greater risk of eviction. Additionally, of the remaining 7% of assessed households that reported renting their shelter, 79% did not have a written rental contract, again signalling a higher risk of eviction for these households. Almost all assessed households (99%) reported no restrictions on their ability to move freely in the area and its surroundings. In addition, 94% reported experiencing no stigmatisation or discrimination. Furthermore, few households The average size of households living space in their shelters was self-reported to be 245 square meters, with three to four rooms in use for sleeping and recreation. (9%) reported missing documents not related to their shelter (i.e. ID cards). For example, 95% of assessed households with children under 5 (approximately 50% of assessed households) had their births registered with the authorities. Most commonly reported occupancy status Property owned with documents 750= 75% Property owned without documents 120= 12% Squatting with permission 70= 7% Renting 60= 6% The majority of households were not aware of any security incidents in their area (87%) in the three months prior to data collection, with the only prominent figures being 9% reporting robberies and 5% reporting shootings during that time period. Similarly, 94% of households reported feeling safe from harm and violence in Baashiqa, while 86% of households reported utilising the services of official government institutions providing safety, protection, and justice. Assessed households reported level of access to local community leaders was also quite high, with 85% reporting access. At the same time, 86% of assessed households reported not feeling able to play a role in policy making in their area. 14

15 FUNCTIONALITY AND ACCESS TO SERVICES Overview In areas of Iraq formerly under the control of ISIL, the resumption of basic services has recently been cited as a primary consideration for displaced individuals in determining whether to return to their areas of origin. Amongst IDPs from Ninewa governorate (69%), this was the most frequently cited factor in their decision-making process for returning to their homes. 33 Similar trends were identified by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), who reported that the lack of service provision was cited as one of the reasons for the initially low return rates for Baashiqa. 34 Damaged Kindergarten in Baashiqa 15

16 Healthcare Overall, 82% of assessed households reported specialised, maternity, and trauma care, residents through the installation of five prefabricated reported a shortage of medical staff of all kinds; having a primary healthcare facility containing needed to travel outside of Baashiqa, as the structures, constituting 10 rooms, by an INGO shortages of physical space and equipment such doctors within two kilometres of their home, while facilities within the town did not contain sufficient in late April In addition, the UN is currently as x-ray machines and beds; and shortages of 35% of households reported that at least one supplies, equipment, or staff for these treatments. installing an additional 120m 2 of capacity behind medicines, specifically those to treat chronic individual in their household suffered from a health Therefore, most residents were reportedly the current facilities in the form of five additional diseases, inflammation, and allergies. The health event in the two weeks prior to data collection. traveling to hospitals in Mosul, which was said to prefabricated shelters. This expansion project centre was reported by several KIs to not have According to KIs with specialist knowledge of take around 45 minutes driving, as the road to the was reported to be approximately 90% completed the financial capacity to buy enough oil and fuel healthcare (health KIs), Baashiqa was reported to hospital in Sheikhan to the north was reported to at the time of data collection, with the centre not monthly to operate their cars and ambulances. have no general hospital, and only one primary be closed. Additionally, KIs and CGDs participants yet able to utilize the space. One health KI reported that some staff pool public health centre (Health Centre Ninewa, see noted that residents were also travelling to portions of their salaries in order to purchase Baashiqa reference maps in Appendix One), Hamdaniya (40 km to the south) and Duhok (95 Overall, 35% of assessed households reported necessary items to operate the facility, such as and several private doctor s offices and private km to the northwest) for medical treatment, with experiencing barriers to accessing healthcare. light bulbs and fuel. pharmacies. However, the pressure on the health some even reported to be traveling to Baghdad Of those households, the main reported barrier centre was reported to have increased in the (430 km). was the overall cost of healthcare (71%). According to CGD participants and health KIs, post-isil period. Health KIs noted that this was Another commonly reported barrier was the shortages of all healthcare materials (medicines, due to the fact that surrounding villages had The health centre was reported to be housed in lack of medicines available in the health centre equipment, etc.) were worse than in the pre- previously hosted smaller health centres located two buildings next to a larger partially constructed (59%). Other difficulties highlighted were a lack ISIL period, reportedly because much of these in prefabricated structures. However, these health centre, the completion of which was of medicines at pharmacies (26%), no access to materials had been stolen or damaged by ISIL. In KIs reported that ISIL had looted most of the interrupted by the arrival of ISIL. According to two qualified health staff (25%), the cost of medicines addition, the ISIL occupation of Mosul was reported equipment from these centres, and even some of the pre-fabricated structures themselves. KIs with specialist knowledge of healthcare, the functional health centre contained one building for being too high (17%), the lack of treatment for some conditions (15%) and the facility with the to have had effects on the availability of medicine in Baashiqa, as most medicines were previously general medical services and another building for relevant treatment being too far away (12%). brought from Mosul to stock the Baashiqa health Furthermore, health KIs reported that for emergency cases. Additional space was created Similarly, CGD participants and health KIs centre. In addition, KIs with specialist knowledge 16

17 of healthcare reported that many of the medicine storage facilities in Mosul had been damaged by the operation to re-establish control of Mosul city. In noting the unavailability of medicines, mukhtars, CGD participants, and health KIs indicated that the prices of medicines in pharmacies had not necessarily changed, but that households did not have the financial means to pay for them due to a lack of livelihoods. The medicines reported to be in highest demand were insulin, over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers, analgesics, flu medicines, and medications for urinary tract infections. The medications most difficult for patients to access, according to health KIs, were insulin, paediatric medicines, pregnancy related medicines, medicines for heart disease and blood pressure, medicines for joint problems, and medicines for other chronic diseases. Overall, the lack of access to medicine was also linked to financial constraints and lack of livelihoods opportunities. Households reporting experiencing difficulties accessing healthcare 35% Most commonly reported barriers to accessing healthcare* Treatment cost 710= 71% No medicine available at the hospital No medicine available at the pharmacy No qualified staff Cost of medicine too high 590= 260= 250= 170= 59% 26% 25% 17% * Respondents could select multiple options. Therefore, results exceed 100%. 17

18 Education Overall, Baashiqa was reported to host 14 were more crowded, and some saying they were A primary school for boys and girls and and female children within the same age range in schools and three kindergartens, of which four less so. In addition to damaged infrastructure, the middle school for boys in Markaz not attending formal school. were identified as damaged (see reference map main identified causes of overcrowding related in Annex): to the continued displacement of teachers, The majority of households (88%) with school- The main reported barriers to education for combined with the return of children who were not aged children (72.5% of all assessed households) residents of Baashiqa, according to education A public high school for girls in Ras al Ain yet of school age when they displaced returning reported sending an average of two children to KIs, were financial constraints, especially to school. The specifically overcrowded schools school (assessed households had an average regarding paying for transportation to access A public primary school for girls in Markaz mentioned by education KIs were (see reference of 2.5 school-aged children) in the four days schools that were not located within walking map in Appendix): preceding data collection. Around 12% of distance. Instead, several KIs indicated that A public kindergarten in al Jabal households with school-aged children, however, households had prioritised their finances to repair A primary school for boys and girls in Markaz reported having at least one of their children not damaged houses, or to support the household A public kindergarten in al Askary attending formal education. Reported instances given a lack of livelihood opportunities. These A middle school for boys in Markaz of school dropout were low, with only 9% of barriers were reportedly less prevalent in the Partly as a result of this damage, schools in assessed households with school-aged children pre-isil period, though education KIs expressed Baashiqa were reported by KIs with specialist Baashiqa High School for Girls in al Rabi al reporting having had a child that dropped out of differing opinions on the change in access to knowledge of education (education KIs) to be Thania school. Boys aged were the demographic education when compared to the pre-isil period. generally overcrowded, with primary schools most frequently reported as never having attended However, the majority of KIs indicated that access highlighted as being especially crowded Bahzani Secondary School for Girls in al school, with 26% of households with boys aged to education was better in the pre-isil period although this was also said to be the case for Intisar reporting so. Amongst households with girls because there was less damage to educational several high schools and secondary schools. There was, however, disagreement amongst Bahzani Ula Primary School for Girls in Old in this age group, 19% of households reported that at least one girl had never attended and 11% facilities, and households had greater access to livelihood opportunities. these KIs as to the level of overcrowding compared Bahzani of households with boys aged Overall, no to the pre-isil period with some saying schools significant difference was found between male Furthermore, schools in Baashiqa were reported 18

19 770= 230= by education KIs education to generally be lacking teachers, books, desks, and stationery materials such as pens and notebooks which was in part said to be due to the overcrowding of schools. To cope with the shortage of materials, two or three students were reported to be sharing books and desks meant for one student. Education KIs also noted that teacher salaries remained largely the same when compared to the pre-isil period, and indicated that these salaries were being paid regularly. Proportion of households with school-aged children reporting at least one child in the household having dropped out of school (by age group) 77% 23% 0% Male = 230= 140= School drop-out rates over time, as reported by households with school-aged children 6-11 Female 64% 23% 14% # OF CHILDREN DROP OUT 19

20 Water Overall, 92% of assessed households reported reported to have carried out some repairs. Despite pumps were reported to largely rely on generators. they perceived to be linked to the water quality. receiving their primary source of drinking water water from wells and the Salamiyah pump feeding However, CGD participants and KIs noted that While18% of households reported using no water from the public water network, while 6% reported in to the water network, KIs and CGD participants there was a lack of fuel for these generators, even treatment methods, 78% reported filtering the purchasing their drinking water. The average cost noted that not all neighbourhoods received though INGOs and the UN were reported to have water to treat it, in line with the high percentage reported was between 12,000 and 13,000 IQD water from both sources. Specifically, al Rabi al given support in the purchase of fuel. As a result, of households reporting unacceptable water (10-11 USD) per 1,000 litres. In addition, 91% Ula neighbourhood was reported to only have KIs noted that residents were sometimes pooling quality. 35 However, the ability to filter water was of households reported having a private water access to water from the public water project in funds to buy fuel for these generators. The water said to have a financial burden, with households tank available in which they were able to store Salamiyah. Overall, areas only receiving water supply from the wells was said to vary by season, reportedly having to pay 100,000 IQD (around 84 the water that was irregularly available from the from Salamiyah and not from the wells were with less water available in the summer months USD) every six months to renew the filter. public pipe network. This proportion was similar reported to have reduced access to water overall, due to fewer hours of public electricity. for water sources for cleaning and washing, for as the supply of water from the water project was which 98% of households reported using the less consistent and had lower water pressure. CGD participants and water KIs reported that public network. well water was sometimes treated with chlorine, Baashiqa was reported to have 21 water wells with well water not treated in any other way. According to KIs with specialized knowledge (seven on the Bahzani side, and 14 on the Participatory mapping respondents indicated that of water provision (water KIs), as well as Baashiqa side), of which one to two were said they did not know whether water coming from participants in CGDs and mapping exercises, the to be non-functioning. Almost half of these wells the project in Salamiyah was treated. As such, public water network sourced its water both from were reported to have been built by INGOs in the 49% of assessed households reported that piped wells on the mountain to the north of Baashiqa, post-isil period. However, the operation of the water was not acceptable in terms of taste, colour, as well as a public water project in Salamiyah (33 km southwest of Baashiqa). However, the water wells was entirely reliant on pumps, which were dependent on a consistent electricity supply, and smell, indicating problems with the quality of drinking water coming from the communal pipe network was reported by KIs to be partially according to water KIs. Given the inconsistency water network. Participants in CDGs reported damaged due to its age, though INGOs were of public electricity (see Electricity section), these skin and kidney health-related problems that 20

21 Electricity The majority of assessed households reported wires were also said to have been cut or stolen as the night. Generally, communal generators were specialist knowledge of electricity provision noted having around either 9-12 hours (45%) or they pulled out of the town. reported by KIs to be better functioning than in the that there had been a seminar to show residents hours (47%) of electricity per day at the time of pre-isil period, though they also reported them to how to efficiently and effectively use the electricity assessment. The supply of electricity in Baashiqa Households were reported to pay around 13,000- be more expensive. Previously, households spent available. KIs also indicated that, due to the lack was said to come from two main sources: the 25,000 IQD (around USD) per month for around 6,000-7,000 IQD (5-6 USD) per ampere, 36 of livelihoods and the absence of government public electricity grid and privately-run communal public electricity, depending on the season (less compared to a reported 8,000-9,000 IQD (7-8 electricity, there was a need for the GoI or INGOs generators. KIs with specialist knowledge of in spring and autumn, and more in winter and USD) in the post-isil period. Households were to support households to buy three amperes of electricity (electricity KIs) reported that most of summer). However, the GoI was said to not be said to use an average of three amperes per electricity per month from communal generators the electricity used by households came from charging residents for electricity at the time of month, though depending on the season this as this was identified as the minimum necessary communal generators and not from the public data collection (April/May 2018), instead creating could go up to four or five amperes. for a household to run their core appliances. grid, which was said to provide an average of only debt tabs for each household. Furthermore, they suggested increasing the two to six hours of electricity per day. Issues with public electricity provision were number of distribution stations and transformers, According to electricity KIs with, most also said to have had effects on livelihood and fixing the wires and insulators on electricity Public electricity was reported to primarily come neighbourhoods were able to access power from opportunities and attracting businesses back to poles. from the Taza station in Kirkuk, and distributed by communal generators, although it was reported Baashiqa. According to two electricity KIs, there two sub-stations in Baashiqa: Zeitouna Station by one KI that al Malain neighbourhood was not used to be several factories around Baashiqa, but and Baashiqa Station. Both of these stations connected to any communal generators because all of them had either stopped working or moved were said to have been damaged, therefore residents were not able to collectively afford to Erbil because of the current lack of electricity to decreasing the overall capacity of the electrical purchasing one from the private company that sustain them. grid. This decrease in capacity was also largely attributed to ISIL having looted or destroyed most sold the generators to the neighbourhood. KIs and CGD participants both estimated that households Generally, KIs and CGD participants indicated of the transformers in the town. In addition to the used generator power for around hours that no steps had yet been taken to address the damaged transformers and sub-stations, many per day, with generators not functioning during electricity issues in Baashiqa, though one KI with 21

22 Solid Waste Disposal At the time of assessment, solid waste disposal services were reported to be provided only by the municipality, which was said to be collecting trash several times a week and every day in the town centre. However, KIs with specialist knowledge of solid waste disposal (solid waste KIs) noted that this service was largely insufficient to meet the needs of the population. These KIs, CGD participants, and participants of the mapping exercises indicated that the primary focus of solid waste collection was on main streets, and that for other parts of the town, residents were disposing of solid waste in communal trash collection points within the town or bringing it to informal dumping sites on the periphery of the town. The carrying of waste to periphery areas was noted by some solid waste KIs as a protection concern, as some of these areas were said to not be cleared of ERWs/UXOs. Respondents also raised concerns related to health, especially related to the burning of trash. One solid waste KI specifically noted that residents from surrounding villages were burning trash just outside of Baashiqa in order to sell the leftover copper. In addition, the main dumping site was reported to be a temporary location close to Baashiqa town raising more health concerns due to its proximity to the population. However, several KIs also noted that a new dumping site would be opened soon. Overall, the functionality of solid waste disposal was reported to have been negatively affected by the occupation of the town, as in the pre-isil period, the municipality was reported to have had more trucks and staff to service the area. One KI working at the municipality level estimated that the municipality previously operated 21 trucks, but only four remained functional in the post-isil period. Furthermore, a decrease in the number of municipal staff was reported by KIs to be related to the ISIL occupation, as some of these staff had been displaced and had not yet returned. Additionally, there were reported to be some staff who had resumed working, but because they did not receive their full salary, they had subsequently refused to continue. Baashiqa 22

23 CONCLUSION In focusing at the settlement level, this assessment seeks to provide a more tailored and actionable profile of Baashiqa town, with specific focus on demographics, household-level needs, and access to critical public services. Through such an area-based approach, humanitarian actors can operate at a more localized level to design a response that is geographically targeted, inclusive of a range of local, international, and governmental actors, and inter-sectoral in its programme delivery. Although infrastructure and structures have been partially repaired and basic services are available in Baashiqa, respondents throughout data collection reported that these services remained inadequate to meet the needs of residents. For example, 29% of household still reported their shelter as being damaged, and a majority of households reported both a lack of livelihood opportunities and jobs for both skilled and unskilled workers, driving them to take on debt and other livelihood coping strategies. Though the overall Food Consumption Score for households in Baashiqa was largely acceptable, food was still reported as a priority need. PDS rations were reported to not have been distributed to the majority of the population, and 29% of households reported resorting to food-related coping strategies. Additionally, basic services such as healthcare, education, water provision, electricity services, and solid waste disposal, were said to continue to lack the funding necessary to enhance the availability of services by completing the health centre and restoring its equipment, repairing all damaged schools, improving water provision, repairing Baashiqa s power distribution stations and increasing their capacity, and sustainably collecting solid waste throughout the town. Overall, it is critical that the international community whether non-governmental or governmental, humanitarian or development continues to support the GoI in the transition from emergency recovery to sustainable redevelopment of the mechanisms that deliver critical public services to the residents of Baashiqa. This includes ensuring that the GoI has the capacity to train, equip and pay the employees that are ultimately the backbone of service provision within the municipality. In doing so, this capacity building can also help to alleviate other issues identified by this assessment mainly the lack of livelihoods by helping public sector employment to fully recover. Finally, this process means working collaboratively with both the GoI and the residents of Baashiqa to ensure transparency of the process, and to allow the communities themselves to play a role in the future of their community. 23

24 Endnotes 1. Baashiqa and Bahzani were once distinct towns, power brokers in northern Iraq: the case of the Return Trends: Protection, and Social Dynamics the Armed Conflict in Iraq: 6 July to 10 September but have since merged due to geographic expan- Shabak 1974). in Northern Ninewa, March Page 4 and Page 12. sion. They are more commonly referred to by the And Van den Toorn, Christine, look at little iraq name of the larger town (Baashiqa). 5. Al Jazeera. Battle for Mosul: Peshmerga target shows why iraq is so troubled, 25 December 2012, 18. UNHCR, DRC, and Social Inquiry. Population ISIL-held Bashiqa, 23 October retrieved from niqash.org. Return Trends: Protection, and Social Dynamics in 2. Al Jazeera. Battle for Mosul: Peshmerga push into Northern Ninewa, March Page 6-7. ISIL-held Bashiqa, 8 November Ibid. 12. UNHCR, DRC, and Social Inquiry. Population Return Trends: Protection, and Social Dynamics in 19. Ibid. Page A cultural and religious minority who speak Kurd- 7. Ibid. Northern Ninewa, March Page 8. ish, who adhere to an ancient monotheistic religion 20. A person who is under the age of eighteen that combines aspects of Zoroastrian, Manichaean, 8. DTM-IOM. DTM Returnee Master List Data- 13. Van den Toorn, Christine, look at little iraq shows years, unless, under the law applicable to the Jewish, Nestorian Christian and Islamic faith. set. Bashiqa and Bahzani. 30 April, why iraq is so troubled, 25 December 2012, child, majority is attained earlier and who is Yazīd b. Mu āwiya (644 83), the second caliph of iraqdtm.iom.int/returneeml.aspx. retrieved from niqash.org. separated from both parents and is not being the Umayyad dynasty is venerated by Yezidis as a cared for by an adult who by law or custom founding figure of the religion. (Oxford Dictionary, 9. UNHCR, DRC, and Social Inquiry. Population 14. Ibid. has responsibility to do so. ( Refugee Children: and Fred Attewil, Background: the Yezidi. The Return Trends: Protection, and Social Dynamics in Guidelines on Protection and Care, op.cit., p.121 Guardian, 15 August Northern Ninewa, March Page Ibid. Page 6-7. in UNHCR Guidelines on Policies and Procedures in dealing with Unaccompanied Children Seeking 4. A cultural and religious minority who speak Sha- 10. El-Ghobashy, Tamer. Christians and Yezidis see 16. Ibid. Page 8. Asylum, February 1997) baki and whose ancestors were followers of the a bleak future in a proposed independent Kurdish Safaviyya order, founded by the Kurdish mystic state, The Washington Post, 7 October OHCHR and UNAMI Human Rights Office, Bagh- 21. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), also known Safi-ad-din Ardabili in the early 14th century (Amal dad, Iraq. Report on the Protection of Civilians in as chronic diseases, are not passed from person Vinogradov, Ethnicity, cultural discontinuity and 11. UNHCR, DRC, and Social Inquiry. Population to person. They are of long duration and generally 24

25 slow progression. The four main types of noncom- children, other female children, elderly male, and Additionally, several options below 10% were not uary municable diseases are cardiovascular diseases elderly female. included in this report: reduce spending on non- (like heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic food expenditures, such as health or education 34. UNHCR, DRC, and Social Inquiry. Population respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructed 25. Exchange rate used throughout the report was (7%), charitable donations (1.4%), humanitarian Return Trends: Protection, and Social Dynamics in pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes 1000 IQD = 0.84 USD on 7 June 2018, via XE.com aid (1.8%), and selling assistance items received Northern Ninewa, March Page 12. (WHO, Noncommunicable diseases Factsheet, (0.4%). June 2018). 26. GSDRC, Brigitte Rohwerder. Poverty eradication 35. The remaining 4% reported using either boiling or in Iraq, Helpdesk Research Report, 28 August 30. The food consumption score was calculated chlorination to treat their drinking water. 22. Persons with disabilities include those who have Page 3. using WFP s Consolidated Approach to Report- long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory ing Indicators of Food Security (CARI), and 36. The number of amperes purchased by households impairments which in interaction with various barri- 27. UNHCR, DRC, and Social Inquiry. Population measures households current status of food con- represents the maximum amount of power they ers may hinder their full and effective participation Return Trends: Protection, and Social Dynamics in sumption based on the number of days per week a can draw from the communal generator at any in society on an equal basis with others (UN Con- Northern Ninewa, March Page 4. household is able to eat items from nine standard given time. If they exceed that amount, a fuse on vention on the rights of persons with disabilities, food groups weighted for their nutritional value. a communal fuse board will flip, and need to be December 2006 page 3) 28. Respondents could select multiple options, there- reset manually. fore the percentage does not add up to 100%. 31. This number should only be interpreted as indica- 23. Respondents could select multiple response Additionally, figures lower than 3% are not taken tive and is not generalizable to the population, as options. up in this table, these options included: other male the response sample was not large enough. children, other female children, elderly male, and 24. Respondents could select multiple options, there- elderly female. 32. Households were able to select up to three priority fore the percentage does not add up to 100%. needs, therefore, the total amount exceeds 100%. Additionally, figures lower than 3% are not taken 29. Households could select multiple options, there- up in this table, these options included: other male fore the total does not amount up to 100%. 33. REACH Iraq. Intentions Survey Round II. Jan- 25

26 APPENDIX ONE: Baashiqa Mapped Data and Neighbourhood Maps 26

27 BAASHIQA DAMAGE MAPPING *Please note that the data was sampled at town level, not neighbourhood level, so the results of the damage mapping are indicative only 27

28 BAASHIQA WATER MAPPING *Please note that the data was sampled at town level, not neighbourhood level, so the results of the water mapping are indicative only

29 WEST BAASHIQA

30 EAST BAASHIQA