A new Iraq recovery initiative will provide $10 million to support displaced families and affected communities. The five-year programme will cover Anbar, Kirkuk, Ninewa and Salah al-Din. It will focus on sustainable resettlement, essential services, livelihoods and stronger community ties. The programme will support internally displaced people, returnees and communities affected by displacement.
The Government of South Korea will provide the funding through the Korea International Cooperation Agency. The United Nations Development Programme will implement the programme with Iraq’s Ministry of Migration and Displacement. Together, the partners will address several priorities facing vulnerable communities. The initiative expects to support more than 18,000 people during its five-year period.
The programme will give particular attention to women-headed households and people with disabilities. Housing rehabilitation will represent one of its main priorities. The initiative will improve homes and help restore essential facilities. These facilities will include education services, health centres and water supply systems.
The programme will also strengthen agricultural livelihoods across targeted communities. Climate-resilient assistance will reach 168 farmers in selected areas. Farmers will receive support to manage environmental and climate-related challenges. Consequently, the assistance could strengthen household incomes and local food production.
Economic opportunities will form another major part of the programme. Around 336 people will receive training and grants to establish small businesses. Participants will also receive vocational training and necessary business inputs. These measures could help vulnerable families develop more reliable income sources.
Mental health support will also play an important role in the initiative. Community-based services will reach approximately 2,440 people. The programme will provide mental health and psychosocial assistance to affected communities. Furthermore, these services could help residents manage stress and rebuild social connections.
The initiative will also support local peace committees and social cohesion efforts. Partners will conduct assessments to identify challenges within affected communities. These activities aim to strengthen cooperation between different groups. They could also support greater stability in areas affected by displacement.
The programme will cover several districts across the four participating governorates. In Anbar, activities will focus on Al-Qaim and Rummanah. In Kirkuk, the programme will operate in Hawija and Daquq. Sinjar in Ninewa and Baiji in Salah al-Din will also receive support.
Officials say the initiative responds directly to priorities identified by local communities. Housing, infrastructure, employment and social cohesion remain important concerns. Amer Abbas Zghair from Iraq’s Ministry of Migration and Displacement highlighted these areas. He said the programme addresses several needs affecting displaced families and host communities.
KOICA also expects the initiative to deliver practical improvements for participating families. The organisation will support efforts to rebuild homes and restore livelihoods. Meanwhile, the United Nations Development Programme emphasized the importance of long-term recovery. The partnership aims to help families move beyond displacement and vulnerability.
Iraq recovery efforts require more than temporary assistance for displaced families. Communities also need employment opportunities, essential services and stronger social networks. Therefore, the programme combines housing, economic assistance, agriculture and social support. This integrated approach could help communities build stronger foundations for the future.
Economic assistance could reduce financial pressures on vulnerable households. At the same time, vocational training could help people enter local employment markets. Agricultural support could strengthen rural communities and improve household resilience. Climate-focused measures may also help farmers respond to changing environmental conditions.
Infrastructure improvements could further support the recovery process. Better access to water, healthcare and education can improve daily living conditions. Moreover, stronger local services can make returning communities more sustainable. These improvements could encourage families to remain and rebuild within their communities.
The programme’s social initiatives could also strengthen trust among residents. Stronger community relationships can support peace and reduce future tensions. Local peace committees will therefore have an important role. Their work could help communities address challenges through cooperation and dialogue.
The $10 million initiative combines economic, social and infrastructure support under one programme. Its five-year timeline also allows partners to pursue longer-term recovery goals. The programme could provide important assistance as families return and rebuild. It may also strengthen communities affected by years of displacement.
Iraq recovery remains closely connected with sustainable reintegration. Families need secure housing, income opportunities and reliable public services. They also need stronger community networks to support long-term stability. The new initiative aims to address these needs across several important areas.
Overall, the programme represents a coordinated effort involving Iraqi authorities and international partners. It will target more than 18,000 people across four governorates. Support will cover housing, businesses, agriculture, mental health and social cohesion. These combined efforts could help affected communities move toward greater stability and self-reliance.
