Al Adla Village Hamdaniyah District, Area of Origin Last updated January 19, 2017 Locations affected Al Adla Village, Hamdaniyah district, Ninewa governorate Trigger for RPA An RPA was triggered due to reports of new displacement into the area due to the Mosul campaign. Methodology 4 Observations; 4 Key Informant Interviews; 1 Community Discussion Main Finding The RPA identified severe restrictions on freedom of movement and a lack of basic services. SUMMARY OF REPORTED ISSUES Freedom of Access to Basic Family Housing, Land and Child Protection Movement Services Separation Property Situation Summary & Protection Cluster Recommendations An RPA was requested in three villages along the Tigris River in southern Nimrud sub-district of Hamdaniyah district due to a large influx of IDPs coming from Mosul. The neighboring villages including Al Adla (228), Kubaybah (100), and Ibrahim Khalil (265) host approximately 600 IDP families in total. The displaced are coming from Mosul city and Al Karim, Sagair, and Barghanid villages of Mosul district but are originally from the nearby area. The families were displaced on three occasions, first in flight from IS and then resulting from the Mosul military operations and increased fighting in their areas. The majority of those displaced are originally from the Hamdaniyah district including areas around Gwer, Shanaf, Kan Hash and Hasoudya villages which are located close to the villages where the IDPs are now displaced. The IDPs originally from Gwer fled to Mosul after Peshmerga retook their village in August 2014. Those who are from Kan Hash and Hasoudya villages fled to Mosul for more than a year because their villages were close to the Gwer frontline. IDPs were then forced to flee again from Mosul and tried to return to their areas of origin and were again displaced to Al Adla, Kubaybah and Ibrahim Khalil villages. These families were prevented from returning to their homes by the Kurdish security forces (Peshmerga). The IDPs stated that their villages were cleared and the decision to not allow them to return was political and discriminatory. IDPs reported that the situation is not unique to them but there are 36 villages from the area who are all being restricted from returning to their homes for the same reason. This is targeting a specific group of people due to their geographic location and blocking them from returning to their homes. Restrictions on freedom of movement were also identified, blocking access to services such as livelihood opportunities, food and health services. IDPs and the host community reported being distressed due to multiple displacements, lack of access to health services, and out of general fear of long-term restrictions on returning to their place of origin. Minimal services have been delivered to the village with government services only provided to the host community. These three villages represent a trend for those from Hamdaniyah area who have tried to return but are barred from going home. Advocacy recommendations and responses will be shared with the Health, Shelter/NFI, and WASH Clusters for follow-up. Level of Alert 1 2 3 4 5 Lower Higher al Adla Village, IDP Influx Not for public distribution or publication 1
Protection Cluster Protection Theme Result Comments Recommendations The majority of IDPs are from Gwer, Kan Hash and Hasoudya villages in Hamdaniyah district, which is very close to al Adla. These families were originally displaced in August 2014 to Mosul during the push by Peshmerga towards the Gwer frontline. Upon the start of the Mosul campaign, these families fled in the direction of al Adla and surrounding villages. Upon arriving to al Adla, some families tried to return to their homes but were reportedly prevented by Peshmerga, stating that they require a permission letter to cross the checkpoint. Families stated that their homes and villages have been cleared but they are being prevented from returning due to political reasons. Freedom of Movement IDPs stated that they are free to move to the villages and area surrounding al Adla but no further. These restrictions prevent the IDPs and host communities from access to resources and services. The nearest market and the majority of the goods in the area come from Gogjili; IDPs and the host community are restricted from accessing Gogjili. This results in them being unable to source goods for both livelihoods and to provide food for the community. The nearest major health facility is in Qayyarah town. IDPs to cross the pontoon bridge controlled by ISF in order to reach this facility. It is well known to the IDPS that it is difficult for IDPs to cross this bridge, and this prevents them from attempting the journey. IDPs are fearful of being allowed to cross and not being allowed to make the return journey, leaving them stranded on the west side of the river. Some families reported the desire to be relocated to a camp but they were unable to pay the 50,000 IQD required to cover the cost of transportation. Advocate with relevant authorities to ensure that IDPs are not prevented from returning to their area of origin. Institutional commitment is required to allow IDPs their right to freedom of movement and residency; Clarify restrictions and procedures on movement and ensure limitations on movement are not overburdening and create barriers to accessing services Advocate for IDPs to move freely without discrimination following security clearance. Families should be able to reach nearby areas with access to markets to purchase goods and access health facilities; al Adla Village, IDP Influx Not for public distribution or publication 2
Access to Basic Services Family Separation Child Protection Recruitment There is a primary health clinic (PHC) in the area surrounding al Adla. This PHC is reportedly understaffed and underequipped. Families reported that they have visited the clinic and that there are no medicines ever available. The doctors in the clinic do not provide specialized serviced. There are reportedly a number of individuals suffering from Leishmaniosis. Respondents reported that there are around 50 disabled persons in the village both young and elderly, with no support being provided. IDPs are residing in empty houses across the village, usually around 4 families per house and no heating in the houses. Kerosene is minimally available. Respondents reported that the ministry of petroleum conducted one distribution of 40 liters per family of kerosene. This distribution was only for the host community and IDPs were not included in the distribution. The current kerosene used by IDPs was either purchased on the market or provided by the host community. IDPs reported being screened at a site in Nimrud. The exact location of the screening was not confirmed. Family separation occurred as a result of detention during the screening. Four men were detained by ISF and the families have not received any information about their well-being. Post screening, the families were given a choice of relocating to a camp or staying in the village. Respondents reported that the local ISF-PMF have been recruiting in the area, including the recruitment of children. The RPA team observed children in military attire and with weapons during the RPA. Increased coordination and support is required to ensure that any government assistance, including PDS rations, is not restricted to one group of people but is inclusive of all; Humanitarian actors should increase support to IDPs displaced to non-camp settings; People with disabilities, chronic diseases, and psychological disorders require access to medicines and specialized support to ensure inclusion and community support structures are reinforced; Cases of prolonged detention and/or family separation should be referred to ICRC; Provide legal advice and/or representation for persons in detention Alert methods should be utilized, including initial alters to child protection actors and methods to initiate direct connection, like providing mobile phones to families in situations where separation has occurred, specifically for children, to contact family members; Follow-up assessments and services to address potential child protection concerns, including recruitment in the village are required; al Adla Village, IDP Influx Not for public distribution or publication 3
The RPA team observed a large number of children without sufficient clothing for winter, including walking in bare feet. Parents stated that they were unable to purchase adequate clothing for their children. Parents also reported that they witnessed signs of their children suffering from psychological distress, such as lack of interaction with other children, inability to sleep and bedwetting. Child friendly spaces are recommended for children Psychosocial support is needed for IDPs; Shelter/NFI cluster: Distribution of NFI kits including clothing and winterization should be provided; Both the primary and secondary schools have opened in the village. IDPs and the host community stated that they were reluctant to send their children to the schools due to lack of resources and teachers. Both schools do not have enough space to include the increased number of school age children in the village. Housing, Land and Property IDP families in al Adla were residing in homes provided to them by the local ISF-PMF. These homes are usually occupied by 4/5 families. The homes are identified by the ISF-PMF as belonging to IS affiliated families. Although it was not clear where these families fled to, the occupation of their homes may be a barrier to them returning. Housing, land, and property violations should be documented and legal representation provided; Humanitarian Access IED Contamination The RPA encountered problems in obtaining permission to access the area via the quickest and shortest route via Gwer. The alternative route is considerably longer and the RPA team faced challenges and delays in crossing checkpoints. These issues are hindering the capacity of humanitarian organizations to provide support to communities in the area, and access been an issue in all of Hamdaniyah. The area around the village is reportedly still contaminated with explosive remnants of war (ERWs). This is the agricultural area and is limiting the villagers ability to tend to their fields. The RPA did not observe any signs that areas were assessed and marked by mine action actors. Advocate for ongoing and unrestricted access for humanitarian actors; Increased support from OCHA CMCoord is required in northern Ninewa, to ensure that humanitarian actors have access to areas in need; Mine action actors should conduct assessment of contamination in the area and Mine Risks Education should be implemented in the villages; al Adla Village, IDP Influx Not for public distribution or publication 4
Recommendations per Cluster Cluster Result Issue Recommendations Health As previously mentioned, there is a PHC present in the area but it is reportedly understaffed, underequipped and has no medicines. IDPs and host community repeatedly reported the lack of adequate health services as a concern. Leishmaniosis may be a concern in children and the elderly. Communities stated that when they went to the PHC, there was no one present specializing in skin deceases and no medicine available. There is no provision of specialist healthcare for women, and a woman reportedly gave birth in a house without a midwife. This coupled with the restrictions to freedom of movement causes severe health risks to families. Assessment should be conducted and treatment provided for any diagnosed cases of leishmaniosis; Improved medical services are required and recommendations for mobile services to visit this village; Urgent support for the existing PHC to ensure that PHC is able to provide adequate services, including staffing and medication; Female doctors and specialized medical services for women are required including pre/post-natal services for cases of pregnant women identified and newborns. al Adla Village, IDP Influx Not for public distribution or publication 5