“The food basket is simple but symbolic,” explains Sheikh Ahmed Amjad, a Muslim Leader from Bashiqa. “There was an icy barrier created after the occupation of ISIL, but when we came together to distribute baskets to those in need, regardless of religion, the ice started to melt.”

Last month, 25 religious leaders from across the Ninewa Plains, came together to deliver essential food and hygiene products to the most vulnerable families of Tel Kaif, Bashiqa, Hamam Al leel, Al Qayara and Hamdaniya. For many leaders – Christian, Yazidi, Sunni and Shia – this was the first time they had worked together.

“It didn’t only provide families with the food they need, but also brought us together as human and Iraqi. Wearing my religious dress to distribute aid to Christian and Yazidi homes helped to reduce the divide. We want to support people as we confront the challenges of COVID-19, but also see it as an opportunity to achieve our social cohesion goals,” continued Sheikh Ahmed Amjad.

Since 2018, UNDP in partnership with Al Tahreer Association for Development (TAD), has worked to develop the skills of more than 280 religious leaders from Hamdaniaya, Tel Kaif and Bashiqa, to promote tolerance, counter extremism, foster dialogue across religious and ethnic groups and strengthen the social fabric. A region rich in culture stemming from its multi-faith communities, the Ninewa Plains also bears deep physical and social scars from its time under ISIL occupation. Recognizing the invaluable role of religious leaders in building peace through mediation and dialogue, UNDP and TAD have provided them with the support needed to implement community initiatives, with the aim of improving inter-faith understanding.

“After the Mosul liberation, people were divided as a result of the ideologies spread by ISIL. We have a responsibility to reduce this gap and bring back the social cohesion we once had,” says Sheikh Nashwan, a Muslim leader from Al-Qayara. “This was a learning experience for us too. When we engaged with our Yazidi brothers, we learnt a lot about their religion – things we did not know previously because we didn’t get involved,” he continued. “While the food basket provided much needed respite, the moral value had a much deeper impact. When we handed over the baskets, we saw a smile drawn across their faces. Now they know that there are people thinking about them, and those who want to give them a helping hand.”

In the Christian majority town of Tel Kaif – approximately 10 km north of Mosul – three Muslim (Sunni and Shia) and one Yazidi leaders from other corners of the Plains, came together to distribute food baskets to 136 families – the first of five locations. Beneficiaries were selected using vulnerability criteria, which took into consideration aspects such as household income, number of dependents and employment status. “This expression of humility and acceptance opened the door between all sects – especially the clerics,” describes, Sheikh Khalaf, a Yazidi leader from Bashiqa. “I hope we can demonstrate the value of these kinds of exchanges and encourage leaders to take it to a national level.”

Baskets contained cooking basics, such as oil and sugar, along with hygiene products that will enable families to practice essential handwashing and cleaning, critical in the fight against COVID-19. “The only way we can successfully overcome this virus, is if we find harmony between all segments of society. People need assistance, people need food. Together we can support those most in need, safely and without discrimination,” says Naser Abdalaziz, a Muslim leader from Hamam Al leel.

“People are strong and powerful if they work with their brothers and sisters. It’s hard to work alone or as an individual, but if there is a gathering of people, there is solidarity. And with the solidarity, you will sense true cohesion,” explains Sheikh Basam, a Muslim leader from Al Qayara. “As they say, burning a candle is better than cursing the darkness.”

As influential members of their communities, these religious leaders have new capacities to inspire their communities, to show compassion, regardless of faith or sect, and to use dialogue as a means to better understand one another. As the nation continues its fight against the pandemic, the importance of peacebuilding has become more evident than ever.

“I hope that every person who loves to do charity, can put national and ethnic barriers aside and move forward with a heart full of serenity,” Sheikh Said Al-deen, a Muslim leader from Tel-Kaif.

Strengthening local capacities to prevent violence and decrease deep rooted tensions in Ninewa

UNDP in partnership with local NGO Al Tahreer Association for Development, and with generous funding from The Government of Japan and Germany’s Ministry for Economic Cooperation through KfW, has trained more than 280 religious leaders from across the Ninewa Plains (including Christian, Yazidi, Sunni and Shia Muslim leaders), in peer education, social cohesion and recovery pathways and strategies.

More than 100 young Iraqis (44 young women) were also trained in leadership and advocacy, later undertaking 10 multi-faith community initiatives to encourage dialogue and improve understanding among more than 600 people across Hamdaniya, Bashiqa and Tel Kaif.