In March-May 2020, UNDP commissioned a conflict assessment to inform its support of local policing in Iraq. The analysis has three purposes:

• Analyse programmatically relevant conflict dynamics and related factors;
• Provide recommendations to mitigate the effects of these factors;
• Highlight future directions for programme implementation.

There have been long-standing efforts to assist Iraqi police to transition from a 'police force' fighting the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) to a 'police service', and to strengthen local police as the primary public security service provider in post-ISIL Iraq. This research is intended to inform local policing programmes in Anbar and Ninewa.