2018-2022 | International Organization for Migration (IOM) with sub-awardees Samaritan’s Purse and Yazda | $27.5 Million

Project Snapshot

  • Implementing Partner: International Organization for Migration (IOM) with sub-awardees Samaritan’s Purse, Yazda, and Nadia’s Initiative
  • Duration: August 2018 - September 2024
  • Total Estimated Assistance: $48.5 million
  • Locations: Ninewa Plain (Bashiqa, Nimrod, Qaraqosh, Tal Afar, Tel Kayf ), western Ninewa (Sinjar and Sinuni), Anbar (Fallujah), and Basra (Az Zubair)

Overview

The occupation of the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) left the Ninewa governorate in a state of ruin, with destroyed housing, essential services devastated, and other infrastructure badly damaged in many areas. The stark living conditions, continued security concerns, and loss of livelihood have impeded Iraqis, particularly members of persecuted ethnic and religious minorities, from safely returning to their homes, thereby contributing to prolonged displacement for these and other populations.

Goals

USAID is supporting the return of displaced populations to the Ninewa Plain and western Ninewa, the historical home of Christian, Yezidi, and other minority communities. The project builds livelihood, community peacebuilding, education, and psychosocial services. USAID is also helping to rehabilitate destroyed or damaged houses for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and awards grants to small and medium-size enterprises through the Enterprise Development Fund to boost business recovery and create jobs. 

USAID also implements activities under the Marla Ruzicka Iraqi War Victims Fund, which supports individual civilians and/or households that have suffered losses resulting from military operations or terrorism in Iraq. This program aims to ensure that civilian victims of conflict are protected and receive support in their areas of origin.

Lastly, the program supports efforts to prevent violent extremism, including grants to local civil society organizations. These organizations pilot activities envisioned in Iraq’s National Strategy to Combat Violent Extremism in areas impacted by rural–urban migration due to conflict, rural marginalization, and environmental issues.

Key Results

Shelter rehabilitation:

  • More than 900 houses were rehabilitated in Hamdaniya and Sinjar. .

Economic recovery:

  • Sixty-five businesses received grants through the Enterprise Development Fund, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, allowing them to grow their businesses and hire  employees, creating and maintaining nearly 546 full-time jobs.
  • In-kind or cash assistance improved or helped to start up more than 250 microenterprises.
  • Over 270 individuals benefited from livelihood assistance, including grants to small and medium businesses, job placements, vocational training, and on-the-job training.

Mental health and social cohesion:

  • Over 2,500 returnees received psychosocial support, including group counseling, individual counseling, and case management.
  • Over 800 community members participated in community-based peacebuilding services and activities.
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