Enabling return: stabilising liberated areas

Context

The terrorist organisation Islamic State (IS) ruled over vast areas of Iraq from 2014 to 2017. Several provinces were the scene of fierce battles. This was accompanied not only by extensive human rights violations, but also by devastating destruction of basic infrastructure in the municipalities. As a result of the fighting, many inhabitants fled to other regions of the country, and at times 3.4 million Iraqis were considered internally displaced persons. With the liberation of initial areas by the Iraqi troops in 2016, stabilisation measures began, which were spread across all the reconquered areas of the country with the victory over IS in 2017. These measures are coordinated in a stabilisation task force under the leadership of the Iraqi Government. Germany is co-chair of this task force.

Objective

Liberated areas in Iraq are stabilised and internally displaced persons can return to their homes. By implementing effective measures, the Iraqi authorities are building their capacity to act, increasing their visibility, and boosting the population’s confidence in the Iraqi Government.

Approach

The project supports the work of the stabilisation task force in assisting Iraqi government agencies in effectively deploying and coordinating international stabilisation contributions, especially in the liberated areas. In addition, the project provides materials and equipment such as construction vehicles, water tanks, garbage trucks and generators to enable development of infrastructure in the liberated areas. The construction work includes clean-up efforts, waste disposal, road repairs, water and electricity supply as well as the rehabilitation of schools and health care facilities. In addition, local and regional authorities are receiving specific training on how to deliver better and more efficient services to the citizens of their communities.

Results

• To date, more than 380 large items of material and equipment have been handed over to Iraqi government authorities in the liberated areas. These include excavators, bulldozers, generators, transformers, water tanks and garbage trucks, which are being used locally in over 100 locations. 
• In remote areas facilities including 59 schools are currently being rehabilitated with micro measures.