Moving forward together: Town Hall meeting toward reintegration in Tuz Khurmatu

June 16, 2022

Photo: June 16, 2022 Town Hall Meeting.

Combatting disinformation by raising awareness on the plight of returning displaced families perceived as affiliated with ISIL to Iraqi communities helps to reduce fear of the unknown. UNDP Iraq’s Community-based Reconciliation and Reintegration Project, funded by the Government of Japan, is currently underway to support reintegration of 4,000 families in four areas of Anbar, Ninewa and Salah al-Din governorates with a comprehensive package of livelihood support, housing rehabilitation, and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for previously displaced returnees and community members.

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Photo: June 16, 2022 Town Hall Meeting.

A Town Hall meeting in Tuz, Salah al-Din was held on 16 June 2022, following similar meetings in Habbaniyah and Qaim, Anbar to raise awareness among the community and encourage reconciliation and acceptance among returning internally displaced families and existing community members. These Town Hall meetings are being rolled out in partnership with local authorities and local peace mechanisms supported by UNDP to ensuring information in shared regarding the projects occurring in the four areas. Doing so helps to reduce stigma surrounding the return of families and shares information on how the projects benefit all community members.

Photo: Dr. Muhammed Abdul Wahed Khoja. 2022.

“This program greatly contributes to encouraging families to return to their villages and directly assists their rehabilitation and integration into society.”

-Dr. Muhammad Abdul Wahed Khoja, Chair of the Dialogue and Community Peace Committee, Tuz Khurmatu and Amerli districts.

Photo: Khaleda Ibrahim Khalil. 2022.

“We hope that these families will return to their homes soon, especially the women and children who are all mentally and physically tired. The return of the displaced will inevitably lead to stability, security and peaceful coexistence between us and the ISIL-affiliated families, especially as our region is so diverse.”

-Khaleda Ibrahim Khalil, teacher and community member, Tuz Khurmatu.

Photo: Hussein Youssef Hussein. 2022.

“Families are now returning to their villages in this region. The rapid response forces, emergency forces and police have all said they will provide security and services to these returning families.”

-Hussein Youssef Hussein, Director of the Governor's Office of Tuz Khurmatu.

UNDP Iraq has launched in 2020 a dedicated five-year Social Cohesion Programme to promote stronger, peaceful, and more cohesive communities in all areas of Iraq.