LocationsBoots on the ground: Community-Based Organizations inspire social cohesion in Iraq
March 31, 2022
Photo: Ninewa Interfaith religious camp. 2022.
Strengthening Iraq’s social fabric following decades of conflict and sectarian violence is no easy task. One thing is certain; working from the ground up ensures an approach that is both sustainable and targeted to community needs. UNDP Iraq’s project to empower Community-Based Organizations has capacitated 317 organizations in five Iraqi governorates with a series of training sessions on topics such as peace initiatives, partnership building, and project and financial management.
Following the training, 50 CBOs evenly distributed among the governorates of Anbar, Ninewa, Diyala, Kirkuk and Salah al-Din have received grants to implement community initiatives that contribute to societal peace and improving social cohesion. The creative initiatives are based on community needs and challenges such as advocacy and awareness raising on topics related to gender-based violence, human rights and digital security, in addition to workshops and camps that promote unity and religious tolerance. This project is implemented in partnership with Kurdistan Organization for Human Rights Watch and with generous funding from the Government of Germany.
Photo: Ninewa Interfaith religious camp. 2022.
At an interfaith religious camp from 17-19 March implemented by Jude Humanitarian Organization and Amal Larva team, youth from various locations and religious backgrounds shared their cultures and experiences in Ninewa.
“My participation in this activity allowed me to live in Mosul for three days for the first time in my life without fear. I toured its markets with the friends I met in this camp, where we laughed and sang with each other regardless of our religious and ethnic differences.”
-Nagiya, 21, Yazidi, Sinjar.
Photo: Ninewa Interfaith religious camp. 2022.
“The differences between us are what makes us wonderful and special.”
-Okan, 26, Assyrian Christian, Dohuk.
Photo: Ninewa Interfaith religious camp. 2022.
We have discussed how religious leaders and government representatives must involve youth and women in decision-making in order to contribute to change for the better and promote cohesion and unity.”
-Hanin, 25, Mosul.
Photo: Awareness campaign on GBV. 2022.
Numerous initiatives tackle the issue of Gender-Based Violence in Iraq, engaging women and girls from various backgrounds. From 19 to 22 March, Dream Organization implemented an awareness campaign on the issue of gender-based violence in Fallujah.
Photo: Session on Preventing Violent Extremism. 2022.
In Rawa District, Anbar, from 18-21 March, the Western Women’s Gathering Organization held a session to discuss the role of women in Preventing Violent Extremism.
Photo: School beautifying initiative in Amiriya District. 2022.
From 20 to 22 March, Organization for Humanity for implementing a campaign to beautify schools in Amiriya District, Anbar with messages of peace and tree planting.
Initiative implementation is ongoing through the months of March and April 2022.
In 2020, UNDP Iraq launched a dedicated five-year Social Cohesion Programme to promote stronger, peaceful, and more cohesive communities in all areas of Iraq. Empowering Community Based Organizations is part of the programme’s extensive work with local peace mechanisms in Iraq.