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- E-mail: iomiraq@iom.int
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Newsletters
IOM Iraq Newsletter - Volume II 2012
Over the past several weeks, IOM Iraq, apart from its regular activities, was faced with a new task. The recent influx of Syrian refugees across Iraq's Northern Border required immediate attention, and IOM was well positioned to meet their needs. Upon the request of the Dahuk Bureau of Migration and Displacement and the Government Emergency Cell, and in close coordination with UNHCR, IOM performed several emergency distributions for the Syrian refugees currently seeking shelter in Domiz camp, located in the Nothern Iraqi Governorate of Dahuk.
From our central warehouse in Erbil, and with an efficient Supply Chain Management System, we stand ready to immediately assist up to 5000 more families in need, funds permitting. This capacity can be doubled or tripled within two to three weeks' time.
While IOM Iraq remains prepared to assist Syrian refugees however, we have not forgotten about our primary mission: to assist the people of Iraq. For the past several years, IOM has partnered with the Government of Iraq and other International Organizations to repair bad- ly damaged infrastructure, implement economic development opportunities, and provide assistance in times of crisis for the people of Iraq. While Iraq has seen significant improve- ments, the road to recovery has just begun. It is now, more than ever, that the country needs the dedicated support of the international community.
IOM will continue to work with the Government of Iraq to support vulnerable communities, assist those who have been affected by forced migration, and make steps towards peace building and national reconciliation. Working together, we hope to develop sustainable so- lutions for peace in a country that is recovering from over two decades of war.
IOM Iraq Newsletter - Volume I 2012
For the past several years, IOM has partnered with the Government of Iraq and other International Organizations to repair badly damaged infrastructure, implement economic development opportunities, and provide assistance in times of crisis for the people of Iraq. This support will continue into the new year, but as Iraq begins another chapter in its history as a country, IOM will also shift its operations accordingly.In light of recent developments, peacebuilding and national reconciliation have become priorities for the Government of Iraq. IOM will partner with the Government to continue to address these concerns, in addition to continuing to support vulnerable communities and those who have been affected by forced migration. Working together, we hope to develop sustainable solutions for peace in a country that is recovering from over two decades of war.
IOM has had an uninterrupted presence in Iraq since 2003, and during this critical post-war period, will continue to stand in solidarity with the Iraqi people. It is now, more than ever, that the country needs the dedicated support of the international community
IOM Iraq Newsletter - Volume IV 2011
As 2011 draws to a close, IOM Iraq has begun restructuring itself to meet the challenges of the New Year. 2012 will represent a new era for IOM operations within Iraq, and at its center will be community revitalization.
IOM Iraq will work alongside local communities to identify and then implement sustainable development structures that will continue long after the international community has left. IOM Iraq has already taken giant strides in achieving this in 2011; by establishing Community Management Teams and Technical Consultative Boards it has both mobilized and empowered local leaders. Furthermore, by working with the relevant government ministries, IOM ensures that its livelihood assistance targets the most immediate needs of Iraq's vulnerable families.
IOM Iraq's response to the recent displacement of hundreds of families in northern Iraq (due to clashes along the border) and the Ukranian and Bulgarian Victims of Trafficking who have been stranded in Baghdad demonstrate that IOM is ready to meet any fresh challenge. The mission is monitoring both situations closely and is ready to respond if and when necessary.
In achieving these goals, cooperation and coordination remain invaluable among both humanitarian partners and the government of Iraq. IOM values its partnerships with UN agencies, NGO partners, authorities at the central, Kurdistan Regional Government, provincial and local levels as well as the private sector, which ensure the effective implementation of its projects.
IOM's broad network of field staff, which extends throughout Iraq's eighteen governorates, remains the heartbeat of all its projects. Particularly key are the mission's monitors, who consistently provide the mission with accurate and up-to-date needs assessments of the most fragile communities. IOM is continually looking to strengthen its presence and outreach in Iraq in order to improve the quality of its services.
IOM Iraq Newsletter - Volume III 2011
As we enter the second half of 2011 IOM has taken the lead in community stabilization while continuing its reintegration and emergency assistance efforts withinin Iraq.
Maintaining awareness from its well placed and highly effective array of monitors, IOM has continuously assessed the status of fragile communities and supplied assistance according to their needs. There will continue to be particular emphasis on the most vulnerable groups in needy communities, including IDPs, returnees and female-headed households.
IOM Iraq's programmes aim to alleviate poverty and address the most immediate needs of vulnerable families. This builds confidence in the ability of community groups to manage their own development and advocate for their needs, and enhances the skills and responsiveness of local and regional government.
We will continue to empower local communities to take the lead in their own development. IOM's broad network of field staff ensures that local stakeholders work and learn side-by-side with our staff and ultimately create sustainable development structures that will continue long after IOM exits.
IOM Iraq Newsletter - Volume II 2011
The beginning of 2011 has seen IOM continue its role at the forefront of emergency response, community stabilization and reintegration interventions in Iraq.
To ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives, the mission has sought to continually increase its presence on the ground. IOM now has over 250 national and international staff in Iraq operating out of 3 regional hubs (Baghdad, Erbil and Basrah) and 22 satellite offices.
In the coming months, IOM will seek to both widen the scope of its current programmes and expand into new activities to sustainably foster a more secure and stable Iraq. One of the first major steps in this direction is the evolution of the mission’s flagship Programme for Human Security and Stabilization (PHSS) into the new Community Revitalization Programme (CRP).
The CRP is poised to build upon the successes of PHSS and offer targeted livelihood assistance to sustainably benefit the un- and under-employed as well as their communities. looks forward to working with the re Working hand-in-hand with its valued donor, humanitarian and government partners – particularly the Ministry of Displacement and Migration, with whom IOM had a fruitful partnership meeting in January – IOM will continue to move beyond immediate relief initiatives to create lasting solutions for the Iraqi people.
IOM Iraq Newsletter - Volume I 2011
The new year will see IOM continuing to play a major role in Iraq's ongoing rehabilitation. Despite facing many of the same challenges, IOM will strive to improve the way in which it assists migrants. The formation of the new government has provided the mission with an opportunity to create lasting solutions for the Iraqi people.
In the coming year IOM is focused on stabilizing and rebuilding the lives of the displaced, returnee and host communities; female and youth-headed households; victims of ongoing conflict; disabled, unemployed and underemployed citizens; and residents threatened by forced eviction. Furthermore, IOM plans on extending its mission to a number of new and exciting projects, whilst also adapting to the fresh challenges the new year will pose, such as the recent displacement of Christians.
To achieve its goals, cooperation and coordination are invaluable among humanitarian partners for the effective and sustainable delivery of assistance. IOM will work alongside the new government, as well as donors, UN Agencies, NGO partners, authorities at the central, Kurdistan Regional Government, provincial and local levels and the private sector, to efficiently and effectively fulfill its objectives.
IOM will continue to adapt its operational structure and strategy to achieve a stable and prosperous future for the Iraqi people. In pursuit of this goal, IOM continues to increase its presence on the ground with many of its staff relocating to positions right across the country. Utilizing logisitical and administrative support from our office in Amman, Jordan, the three regional hub offices in Baghdad, Basrah and Erbil will take full responsibility for directly implementing IOM activities and thus increase our efficiency and effectiveness to deliver on our objectivies.
IOM Iraq Newsletter - Volume IV 2010
As 2010 draws to a close, IOM is laying the foundations to continue the expansion and improvement of its operations in Iraq to help the Iraqi people achieve stability and reconciliation.
IOM intends to continue playing a major role in offering immediate to longer-term solutions to vulnerable populations including displaced, returnee and host communities; female and youth-headed households; victims of ongoing conflict; disabled, unemployed and underemployed citizens; and residents threatened by forced eviction.
While increasingly engaging the Iraqi authorities at the central, Kurdistan Regional Government, provincial and local levels, continued international donor engagement will be required for several years to come. IOM will also build upon the strategic partnerships it has established with the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI), UN Country Team agencies, NGOs and the nascent civil society in Iraq.
In this challenging period of transition for Iraq, it is imperative that IOM continue to adapt its operational structure and strategy in order to most efficiently and effectively fulfill its objectives and meet the needs of the Iraqi people. The Joint Operations Cell (JOC), a comprehensive programme management system for the Iraq Mission, has already made significant progress toward achieving these goals.
With the continued support of the Iraqi Government, donors, UN and NGO partners and the IOM global structure, the Iraq Mission will be successful in providing greater presence and assistance on the ground, where it is needed the most.
IOM Iraq Newsletter - Volume III 2010
Half-way through the year, the situation in Iraq remains alternately encouraging and challenging. Assistance is still needed at all levels to assist vulnerable populations, foster stability, and build the capacity of the government.
Displacement continues, fuelled by new conflicts such as the military campaign along the Iran-Iraq border. Those who have been displaced, whether recently or in the past, require assistance and long-term follow up in order to ensure that they do not become marginalized. Similarly, the small numbers of individuals who are returning to their former communities need sustained attention to prevent further displacement and uprooting.
The problems facing Iraq are bigger than any one agency's capacity to resolve them. Cooperation and coordination among humanitarian partners is vital for the effective and sustainable delivery of assistance.
IOM Iraq's adoption of a comprehensive management structure – the Joint Operations Cell (JOC) – last year has been a major success. The JOC converges IOM's programme activities into specialized service areas, maximizing efficiency and resources. IOM currently has over 260 staff working in Iraq, including six full-time international staff. In the coming months, it is planned that more international staff will be based in Iraq to provide expertise and support for operations on the ground.
Gradual improvements in security and infrastructure have boosted the confidence of IOM and its partners that a stable, self-sustaining Iraq is possible in the future. However, to make this a reality, it is crucial for the international community to continue to support Iraq and its people through this fragile period of transition.
IOM Iraq Newsletter - Volume II, 2010
With relative stability following the recent elections, IOM is looking cautiously but optimistically ahead at the future needs of Iraq.
The number of emergency operations that IOM has implemented in the past three months – including a series of distributions for families displaced from Mosul – shows the fragility of Iraq's current situation. IOM remains confident in its ability to serve the people of Iraq in the face of instability and other challenges, but also more than ever needs .the commitment of the international community to make its vital programmes and initiatives possible.
Over the next 18 months the Mission is seeking $90 million to continue to expand and enhance its operations to address the needs of Iraq's vulnerable populations. This includes a comprehensive plan to base at least 75% of international staff in the Mission's three hubs across Iraq, while maintaining support capacity from the office in Amman. IOM has maintained a consistent presence in all 18 Iraqi governorates since 2003, and will continue to work directly on the ground with Iraqi beneficiaries and government counterparts, particularly the Ministries of .Displacement and Migration, Labour and Social Affairs, and Interior.
Also essential will be IOM's continued cooperation with partner agencies. This past month saw the partnering of IOM and UNESCO to rehabilitate traditional "kahrez" well systems in northern Iraq. IOM intends to foster the partnerships it has achieved with other agencies to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of assistance to those who are most in need.
IOM Iraq Newsletter - Volume I 2010
As a new year begins in Iraq, it is time to reflect on past achievements and future goals.
This past year saw IOM Iraq continue its mission to support the Iraqi people to stabilize and rebuild their communities and their country. The mission's programme targeting female-headed households assisted some of Iraq's most vulnerable individuals; IOM emergency distributions aided victims of disasters throughout the country; and the Programme for Human Security and Stabilization provided returnees and other economically-disadvantaged individuals with opportunities to improve their livelihoods.
With a new year comes a new set of opportunities and challenges for our work in Iraq. Upcoming national elections and the handover of military control will have significant effects on Iraq's operational environment. In the face of these difficulties, IOM remains committed to providing assistance to the country's displaced, returning and vulnerable populations. Maintaining strong partnerships with the Government of Iraq, the UN, and other implementing partners will be integral to the success of all of these activities. In addition, IOM will continue to expand and adjust the Joint Operations Cell, an enhanced operationalstructure for the mission, to meet the growing needs of its work in the field.
IOM's emergency assistance to IDPs, returnees, and their host communities, migration assistance to Iraqis for resettlement and voluntary return, support to stranded foreign migrants and victims of trafficking, border management capacity building, and other vital initiatives will grow and evolve in the coming year as the mission continues to work for a more peaceful and prosperous Iraq.