Raising awareness is important for reducing disinformation surrounding reintegration in areas of Iraq where displaced families are returning. UNDP Iraq’s Community-based Reconciliation and Reintegration Project, funded by the Government of Japan, is currently underway to support reintegration of 4,000 families in four areas of Anbar, Ninewa and Salah al-Din governorates with a comprehensive package of livelihood support, housing rehabilitation, and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for previously displaced returnees and community members.

Following a the first in a series of Town Hall meetings in Habbaniyah, a second meeting was held in Qaim, Anbar on 11 May 2022 for over 65 attendees, to raise awareness among the community and encourage reconciliation and acceptance among returning internally displaced families and the community of return. Town Hall meetings are also vital to ensuring information is shared regarding the projects occurring in the four areas, to reduce any stigma surrounding the return of families, and to provide clarity that the projects will not only benefit the returnees, but also existing community members.