[Iraq] Peace Winds Launches Second Year of Support for Returnees in Mosul

Peace Winds has engaged the second year of “Emergency Support to Returnees in Northern Iraq – Addressing Housing Crisis due to IDPs Camps Closure and Climate Change Challenges” project (“Japan Village” project) in partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat Iraq programme), continuing its support for conflict-affected returnee communities in Mosul, located in Iraq’s northern Ninewa Governorate. This phase of the project focuses on the Rajm Hadid and Al-Tanak neighborhoods, where many returnees face severe economic hardship and lack stable sources of income. The project aims to provide vocational training for 100 returnees, including 40 females, equipping them with skills needed in the construction sector and the emerging green economy, to help them gain employment. In addition, Peace Winds plans to carry out awareness-raising campaigns in the target and surrounding communities to address the growing challenges of climate change in Iraq, including its impacts and practical strategies for local action.

In 2014, Mosul was seized by the extremist group known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant 

fighting until it was retaken by Iraqi government forces and their allies in 2017. The conflict in Mosul displaced more than one million people within Mosul, and an estimated 80% of the city’s historic Old City was destroyed. Since the city’s liberation, efforts toward return and reconstruction have gradually progressed. However, numerous challenges remain, and visible scars of the destruction can still be seen throughout the city. 

In March 2024, Peace Winds joined the “Japan Village” program led by UN-Habitat as its implementing partner. The program, with funding from the Government of Japan, brings together UN-Habitat, Japanese NGOs, and Japanese companies operating in Iraq, each contributing their expertise to support returnees in Mosul through housing assistance, livelihood support, and awareness-raising activities. 

Peace Winds has provided vocational training to 104 returnees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Mosul to promote employment opportunities. In addition, the organization carried out climate awareness campaigns in the returnee communities of Al-Aziziya village and the Bab Sinjar residential complex, reaching a total of 1,860 residents. These campaigns focused on the challenges of climate change and practical actions individuals can take to address them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sqd_O8tzbAk (Video link)

In June of this year, marking the second year of the project, Peace Winds launched a labor market survey in Mosul. The team conducted interviews with returnee communities as well as local construction companies, government officials, support organizations, and engineers to gather insights.

As reconstruction and infrastructure rebuilding projects advance in Mosul, a survey and analysis are being conducted to identify which skilled workers are in short supply within the construction sector and what technical skills people most want to learn. The findings will be reflected in the vocational training curriculum planned for implementation this fiscal year.

Through the implementation of this project, we aim to support returnees in achieving better living conditions and fostering hope for a brighter future.
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This project is carried out with funding from UN-Habitat and donations from supporters.