Promoting dialogue and participation in Iraq

Promoting Dialogue and Participation in Iraq

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  • Commissioning Party

    German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

  • Country
  • Lead executing agency

    More

  • Overall term

    2021 to 2023

  • Products and expertise

    Governance and democracy

Context

Notwithstanding the military defeat of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organisation, far-reaching reforms are needed in Iraq in order to realise democracy, stabilise the country and guarantee its citizens’ safety and security.

The existing challenges are exacerbated by economic mismanagement, a highly fragmented political landscape, corruption, climate change and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Young people have been expressing their dissatisfaction, not least in the protest movements that started in October 2019.

Almost 60 per cent of Iraq’s approximately 38.5 million people are younger than 24. Their future prospects depend on the creation of new social models and opportunities for participation. However, confidence in the government is dwindling, and a protest movement involving people from all areas of society erupted across the country at the end of 2019.

Objective

Inclusive dialogue and participation mechanisms for reform proposals have been tested in Iraq.

Approach

The project operates in three fields of activity:

  1. Working in partnership with the non-governmental organisations Iraqi Al-Amal Association (IAA) and Oxfam Germany, the project organises inclusive dialogue and participation formats to develop reform proposals. The issues covered include gender equality and access to education, the labour market and health care services. One particular focus is on the involvement of women and young people. In partnership with Rewaq Baghdad – Center for Public Policy, the project also supports an app that improves the Iraqi population’s political participation.
     
  2. The project offers training for state and civil society actors on the topics of dialogue, participation and social exchange. It also trains Iraqi trainers for this. In cooperation with international and national experts, it develops training modules for incorporation in state curricula.
     
  3. To create a more positive environment for dialogue and participation, the project also promotes the exchange of information and is involved in setting up an Iraqi exchange network to this end. It is drafting guidance on this for government agencies, civil society and international stakeholders in order to ensure long-term support for dialogue and participation processes.

Last update: March 2023

Additional information