MULTI-SECTORAL NEED ASSESSMENT WESTERN ANBAR – QAIM and ANAH, IRAQ

6 – 9 January 2018

Executive Summary The International Rescue Committee (IRC) carried out a multi-sector needs assessment from January 6 to 9 2018, in western Anbar, covering Qaim and Anah districts. The objective was to identify the key needs of returnees, remainees, and IDPs and to support more effective humanitarian assistance.

Key findings include:  Psychological distress, anxiety, nervousness, and negative coping strategies are widespread throughout all groups and are particularly acute amongst adolescent boys.  Substantial safety and security concerns persist for women and girls, especially in Qaim center, due to the presence of armed groups and lack of electricity at night time.  There is a high level of damage to infrastructure (private residences, roads, and schools) as well as severe shortages of clean water and electricity, which is only available for a few hours per day.  Children and youth have very limited access to formal education. All Ministry of Education (MoE) schools were closed under three years of ISIS control, and today, one third of households surveyed report that at least one child remains out of school.  Respondents reported limited knowledge of available humanitarian assistance and how to access it.

Key recommendations for humanitarian agencies include:  Closely monitor trends and protection concerns to better inform the overall humanitarian response.  Advocate to both military and local authorities to clarify screening procedures to prevent arbitrary detention, and respect freedom of movement.  Provide legal counselling and assistance to obtain civil documentation.  Provide multi-purpose cash assistance (MPCA) to vulnerable populations in Qaim and surrounding villages.  Provide business and vocational trainings, linked with business grants.  Assist smallholder farmers with agriculture input kits, connecting them to local markets.  Deliver specialized services for children and youth, including integrated care for child survivors, case management, and psychosocial support.  Provide Gender Based Violence (GBV) prevention and response services in all assessed locations.  Support children’s re-integration into the formal education system by easing barriers to access.  Scale up the presence of humanitarian actors and delivery of basic services in western Anbar. The following report outlines the methodology as well as key findings and recommendations for the sectors of protection (including rule of law, child protection, and GBV), education, cash and livelihoods

Introduction Following over three years of armed conflict, the Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al Abadi announced victory over ISIS on December 9th 2017, after coalition forces retook the last areas under ISIS control in western Anbar. This area has been under the control of ISIS since August 2014. During ISIS control, around half of the population remained, while the other half sought safety in other governorates. When the Jazira military operation started, most of the remaining residents fled their home, mainly seeking safety temporarily in nearby areas. Since the end of the military operation a steady flow of returnees has been 1 registered . Few humanitarian assessments have been conducted in retaken areas of western Anbar; as a result, secondary data sources for Al Qaim and Anah districts are limited. The aim of this assessment was two- fold: i) to understand the needs and priorities of populations in Anah and Qaim districts to inform IRC program implementation and promote evidence-based interventions; ii) to provide information for the humanitarian community, including donors, UN agencies, and NGOs in support of increased resources and operational presence in the area.

Geographical Areas This assessment focused on all conflict-affected populations (remainees, IDPs, and returnees) in Qaim center, Al Obaidy, and Rayhane. These locations were selected based upon: i) available population data, including numbers of returnees; ii) secondary data on assistance and needs; iii) specific access constraints within western Anbar; iv) presence of other humanitarian actors. LOCATION POPULATION BEFORE POPULATION DURING ISIS CURRENT POPULATION AUGUST 2014 (approx.) (estimated) (estimated) Qaim district2 190,000 60,000 55,0003 Qaim center 55,000 20,000 15,000 Al Obaidy4 27,000 13,000 12,000 Rayhane5 4,200 06 3,000

1 3,588 returnees registered in Qaim district and 5,184 in Anah district: http://iraqdtm.iom.int/ReturneeML.aspx. This number does not reflect the number of persons displaced within the same district, who fled only during the time of the military operation. 2 Al Qaim district consists of 3 sub-districts: Karabla, Rummane, Obaidy. 3 Population movements in western Anbar can be summarized as follows: around half of the original population (before August 2014) left when ISIS took control of the area. Then, as soon as the Jazira operation was announced, some of the remainees started fleeing as well, but only for a short amount of time and in locations close to their area of origin. This is why the current population is less than the estimated population during ISIS in most cases. 4 Al Obaidy sub district is composed of Old and New Obaidy towns, plus several villages (al Bert, al Mashail). 5 Rayhane is located 3 Km South East of Anah, within Anah district. 6 According to the information collected during the assessment, almost all the original population fled Rayhane starting from August 2014; most of them fled as soon as ISIS took control of the town, while the rest escaped during ISIS, when they had the occasion to do so. Methodology Tools and Sampling Quantitative Data: A total of 60 household (HH) surveys were conducted through phone interviews using ONA (mobile data collection). HH surveys were conducted in Qaim center and al Obaidy.

Qualitative Data: Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) were conducted with eight education and legal professionals. Seven focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with male and female community members. FGDs were limited to maximum of 10 individuals. KIIs and FGDs were gender segregated and conducted in safe, private, spaces. In addition, three schools were assessed through direct observation.

TOOL - Quantitative TOTAL COMPLETED LOCATIONS/Numbers HH Questionnaire 60 Qaim center and al Obaidy School visit 3 3 schools TOOL - Qualitative TOTAL COMPLETED LOCATIONS/Numbers Focus Group Discussion 7 3 in Qaim center, 2 in al Obaidy, 2 in Rayhane Key Informant Interviews 8 4 in Qaim center, 2 in Obaidy, 2 in Rayhane Direct Observation Form 3 1 in Qaim center, 1 in Obaidy, 1 in Rayhane

Limitations The assessment faced several significant constraints:  It was not possible to obtain a representative sample in the HH survey because of security constraints, time constraints, and a lack of reliable population data;  Anah and Qaim districts are far from the IRC’s current presence in Anbar. This imposed limits on the number of staff available to be deployed and the duration of the assessment;  A volatile security situation limited data collection to areas cleared by internal security assessments;  Asking GBV related questions through HH surveys was difficult, as women are rarely alone during the interview. In order to understand specific GBV concerns and needs, several questions have been included in both FGDs and KIIs. Unfortunately, due to lack of time and no prior presence of IRC in the area, only one female key informant was identified and interviewed;  Basic health and WASH data was collected during KIIs and FGDs to gain a better understanding of current services, however the IRC does not have technical expertise in these sectors in Iraq. Therefore the analysis is limited and specific recommendations have not been provided for these sectors. Ethical Considerations All assessors were trained on the importance of informed consent, and no interview was conducted with families or key informants without consent. No names or identification of any kind was collected from survey participants. FGDs with women and girls were conducted by two female IRC staff and 50% of the staff assigned to conduct phone HH survey were female. Key Findings 7% Demographics 53% of the participants in the HH survey were remainees, 40% 53% 40% were returnees and 7% were IDPs. 43% of participants in the HH survey were female.

IDP Returnees Stayees Displacement and return patterns The majority of the returnees interviewed were displaced for a short period of time (from three to six weeks) between September and November 2017, due to fear of the military operation. All returnees were displaced within Anbar governorate and came back to their area of origin as soon as the active combat was over. Returnees listed the following reasons for return: services in the area of displacement were not available (70%); believed that it was safe enough to return (45%); they could not afford cost of the rent in the displaced area (12%). Only 8% of the assessed HH claim to have sought assistance from government upon their return – the majority relied on support from relatives and friends. 92% of the HH interviewed had to submit an application to the authorities before be allowed to return to their area of origin.

Priorities When asked to prioritize the three most important needs of their family, the most common responses were shelter (55%), water (50%), and food (42%). The breakdown of all responses can be seen in the chart below:

Priority Needs

60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

Protection Safety and Security The majority of the interviewees (77%) report feeling safe in their current location. The remaining 23% cited the following reasons for not feeling safe: fear of armed groups (64%); community tensions (43%); fear of IEDs, bombs, and asymmetric attacks (29%).

Physical protection concerns 0% Social exclusion or discrimination 0% Risk of IEDs or explosive remnants of war 21% Close to conflict (bombs, attacks, front line etc.) 29% Accommodation is not secure, private, safe or healthy 21% Exploitative working conditions 0% Gender-based violence inside the family 0% Fear of armed groups (recruitment or harrassment) 64% Fear of eviction 7% Tension within community 43% Gender-based violence outside the family 21% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

During FGDs and KIIs, a slightly different perception emerged: people living in urban centers (especially Qaim center and Obaidy town) reported feeling safe and “protected” by military actors that are present. However, this was not the case for people living in the surrounding villages, who reported a fear of retaliations against families of people with real or perceived links to ISIS by the tribal militias (including revenge killings), high levels of explosive remnant of war (ERW) contamination, especially in the south- western parts of Qaim district, and a fear of ISIS returning to their area.

People with Specific Needs (PwSN) 50% of assessed households reported at least one member with an identified vulnerability: chronic illness (67%), physical disabilities (20%), mental/intellectual impairment (7%), and psychological distress (7%). In addition, 42% of all assessed households have at least one pregnant and/or lactating women (PLW).

During FGDs and KIIs, all participants reported a high number of elderly persons present in all assessed locations with many suffering from one or more chronic diseases (mainly high blood pressure and diabetes). According to some FGD participants, there are also young boys suffering from high blood pressure, reportedly from fear and psychological distress.

Interviewees report a lack of support for vulnerable persons (elderly, physically and mental impaired, or those with chronic diseases). In all three assessed locations the health services are limited and do not meet the needs of the population. There are no female health service providers. There is one pharmacy in Qaim center, but it has only basic medications, such as paracetamol and aspirin. All key informants mentioned this as a high concern due to the number of elderly and persons affected by chronic diseases. For complex or emergency cases, patients are transferred to the nearest medical facility able to deliver the needed services. In some cases Anah hospital receives the referral, but most of the time cases (including C-sections) are referred to Haditha or Ramadi. For all transfers, both the hospital and the local council have to issue a letter to facilitate movement of the patient through the check points. Lack of valid qusasa and curfews further hamper the ability to transfer patients.

Both KIIs and FGDs mentioned young boys as an extremely vulnerable category. After 3 years of ISIS control with limited or no access to education opportunities, these boys were reported to be dealing with psychological distress and trauma, a lack of job opportunities, and ‘difficulties in starting a normal life without ISIS’.

Legal Documentation 22% of assessed households were missing at least one legal document (Civil ID, Public Distribution System card, housing card, or nationality certificate). Most remainees participating in the FGDs did not report missing civil documentation, but some women reported having marriage and birth certificates issued by ISIS courts, which are not recognized by Missing Document - type the government. However, most returnees reported losing their legal 15% housing card documents (mainly Civil IDs) during 23% birth/marriage certificate displacement or having it confiscated at checkpoints or during security screening. 15% PDS card

23% nationality certificate The Qaim provincial council reported to

92% the IRC that the civil documentation civil ID office is currently open and has started 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 issuing new IDs, however FGD participants were not aware of this or the procedures required to obtain new civil documentation. Fees for the issuance of new documents are also a barrier, as reported by participants to FGDs.

This is a security .(قصاصة) KIIs report that all returnees and remainees must obtain a qusasa clearance/token that is issued by a special commission composed of mayors, provincial council members, police, PMU, ISF, and mukhtars. Without this document, movement is severely limited and access to assistance can be compromised.

Missing and detained persons 18% of assessed households reported that at least one person in the household is missing or detained. In all cases the missing or detained persons disappeared or were arrested during ISIS control and their whereabouts are unknown. This is in line with the information gathered through FGDs and KIIs; most FGD participants mentioned multiple known cases of persons missing during ISIS, particularly security forces members.

GBV All three assessed areas are characterized by a strong tribal structure. The majority of the key informants (only one KII was female) interviewed claimed that women and girls do not face any specific risks to their security and dignity, as they are “protected” by tribal laws and traditions. However, in Qaim center, all women who participated in FGDs reported feeling unsafe due to the heavy militarization of the city, especially at night, as there is no electricity and streets are dark. In all locations, women reported following a “self-imposed” curfew and do not go out at night time. Both men and women reported that, in case of a security problem faced by women, they can seek assistance directly from their male relatives or the sheikh. Some men also mentioned the possibility for women to directly access the police station or the provincial council.

Women reported that during ISIS control, women and girls faced several constraints: they could not go to school, they could not work or move freely, and they had to wear conservative clothing (only black clothes were allowed). Women reported both physical and psychological abuse, often highlighting the harshness of the day to day life under ISIS.

The situation is slightly improved now that the area has been retaken; however, women attending FGDs reported that due to lack of job opportunities, poor economic conditions, and stress, men are taking their frustration and anger out on their family, especially their wives. Women and girls do not have a dedicated safe space where they can receive support and engage in meaningful activities to help them cope with the stress and challenges they are facing on a daily basis.

Child Protection Among the 60 households that completed the household Is any of the aged 18 and under married or about to be married? survey, 78% have at least one child under 18 in the home today. Among these, 4% reported having a married child in the 2% 2% household. When asked the main reason for these marriages, all interviewees responded “tradition customs.”

96% None of the assessed households reported any children under the age of 18 who are working. However, this result yes (female) yes (male) no contradicts the findings from the FGDs - respondents in all locations reported that children are working, mainly in selling small items (street vending), agricultural work, fishing, or collecting copper. Attendants from three different FGDs reported cases of children under the age of 10 years old working. This discrepancy between quantitative and qualitative data may be due to a lack of understanding of the question posed through phone, or the fact that some work, such as domestic work, are not considered as “regular work.”

According to both HH interviews and FGDs, there are also cases of separated (28% of the assessed HH reported to know at least 1 case of separated child - almost all of them living with relatives) in Qaim and Rayhane.

When asked about the existing 100% dangers for children and 80% 70% 66% 60% adolescents in their area, 66% of 36% 40% 30% the respondents reported 20% physical dangers (such as 0% presence of landmines, UXOs and Physical dangers Physical dangers Illness Landmines or in the home (fire,in the community Unexploded IEDs) and 70% reported illness electricity) (pot holes, busy Ordinance roads, barbed and lack of health assistance and wire) medicines (parents specifically mentioned diseases such as leishmaniosis and diarrhea), including lack of vaccinations and clean water for children.

The majority of persons assessed, both through HH phone interviews and FGDs, reported a noticeable change in their children’s behavior, including increased feelings of fear - often related to airplanes flying over the local areas, aggression, disengagement with school and forgetfulness. Women were particularly concerned for their adolescent boys (14-18 year old) as they noted a lack of motivation, unwillingness to go back to school, isolation, and psychological distress signs. Several key informants highlighted the need for meaningful activities for young boys as fundamental to their successful inclusion in society.

Have you noticed any changes in your children behavior?

No 19% Caring for others in the community 0% Spending more time with friends 0% Anti-social (isolating themselves 11% Having nightmares and/or not being able to sleep 43% Sadness (e.g. not talking, not playing, etc.); 32% Disrespectful behavior in the family; 0% Less willingness to help caregivers and siblings; 2% Unwillingness to go to school; 15% Committing crimes; 2% Violence against younger children 4% More aggressive behavior; 30% Unusual crying and screaming; 36% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

FGD participants described that parents’ behavior towards children had also changed. Participants identified aggression (shouting and hitting), nervousness, and over protection as new behaviors, which are particularly prevalent among fathers. Adult men participating in the FGDs also reported experiencing feelings of anxiety, discomfort, and anger toward their family.

16% of the households reported awareness of children or adolescents working with or being used by armed forces or groups. However, almost all the participants in the FGDs reported that children (some as young as 10-12) in the local area had been associated with armed groups, including during the armed combat. Adolescent boys are at risk of being forced or pressured to join armed groups, partly due to a lack of livelihood opportunities and recreational activities.

Education Key informant interviews and focus group discussions reveal that all formal schools in the area were closed for three years under ISIS control. Respondents reported that prior to the crisis there were 121 primary and secondary schools in Qaim district. Today there are 31 functional schools in Qaim, including seven in the communities assessed by the IRC ( Two in Qaim center-Qaim Girls School and Damascus Primary School for Boys, and five in Obaydi -Kalima al Taybah, Aamar Mixed Primary School, Secondary Obeidi, Rafida School, and Primary of Amar). The number of functional schools in Anah district before and after the crisis in unknown. In Rayhane, there were three functional schools before the crisis but none are functional as of today. At the time of the assessment, the community in Rayhane had recently cleaned one school and registered 200 children with the hope of beginning classes in January.

In Qaim and Obaydi, 32% of households with children report that at least one child is out of school today. Girls are out of school at much higher rates, comprising 67% of all out of school children. It is likely that the real enrolment rate is even lower because the household assessment was constrained to neighborhoods that were relatively secure. Although no comprehensive data exists, key Informants suggested that up to 50% of children in Anah and Qaim districts may be out of school.

53% of households reported that children are out of school because of the lack of functional schools and insufficient space in functional schools. 34% of households reported that schools are too far or the route to school is dangerous. In Rayhane, community members reported that some children were traveling to

Why are children out of school?

other (please specify) 53% marriage 0% children needed to earn money or help at home 0% schools are low quality 13% schools are only for boys, not for girls 0% schools are unsafe 0% the route to school is unsafe 7% schools are too far 27% cannot afford the cost of school 7% denied access due to lack of documents 0% denied access due to lack of school cetification 0% not enough places in schools 20% there are no functional schools 33% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% the town of Anah to attend school. It is unclear how this trip is made as Rayhane and the surrounding desert are contaminated by ERW.

Children face additional barriers to accessing school beyond the physical presence of schools within communities. Three of five key informants identified a lack of teachers as a barrier to access. A teacher in Obaydi reported that half of the teaching personnel in the school were non-certified volunteers. This suggests that providing education will require investments in human capital as well infrastructure. 53% of households identified other barriers to enrollment, including the length of time children have been out of school, a lack of accelerated learning programs, and that some families have recently returned to their areas of displacement. Directorate of Education (DoE) policies may also create barriers for some children. Three of five key informants and one focus group reported that children who are over age for primary and secondary school are not allowed to resume their studies despite being of age during the crisis. This suggests that over-aged students may be at increased risk of early marriage or recruitment into armed forces and will have relatively fewer opportunities to participate in the labor market when they enter adulthood.

When asked about the greatest educational needs, key informants and community members identified school rehabilitation and recruitment of trained teachers as top priorities. Participants also described needs for catch up classes and teaching and learning materials. During visits to three schools in Al Qaim, Obaydi and Rayhana, enumerators observed that schools did not have potable water, electricity, heaters or an adequate number of books, stationary, or desks. Teachers also reported that they have not received salaries in over two years.

Cash and Livelihoods Source of income Participants in the HH assessment reported that, before ISIS control the main sources of income were: daily labor, including casual agricultural work (37%); private and public sector employment (32%); agriculture (17%); and owning a small business (10%). The phosphate and cement companies that were providing job opportunities in the area before ISIS control are currently closed and the majority of the previously cultivated land is either not accessible due to landmines or farmers lack the financial means to purchase inputs. Additionally, governmental employees have not received salaries for the past 3 years, forcing people to rely on support from relatives/communities, sell assets and use private savings. Main sources of income before ISIS (August 2014)

Other (Specify): 3%

Regular job (Government/private) 32%

Daily labour 37%

Business (small business) 10%

Livestock 2%

Agriculture 17%

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Current main sources of income (January 2018)

Own savings 5% Support from family/friends/community 18% Community assistance 12% Loans/credit 3% Selling humanitarian assistance 2% Selling household or productive assets 2% Government pension 22% Regular job (Government/private) 18% Daily labour 35% Business (small business) 10% Livestock 8% Agriculture 13% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Comparing the sources of income before and currently, results show that the percentage of families were relying on livestock for food increased from 2% before the conflict to 8% after. However, more than half (63%) of the beneficiaries relying on livestock reported not having enough feed and water for their livestock currently, and 47% of the respondents reported no shelter available for the livestock in the area.

Average monthly income before ISIS Monthly income in the past 30 days

22% 3% 36% 18% 78% 42%

< 500,000 IQD >= 500,000 & < 1000,000 IQD <500000 >=500000

>= 1000,000 IQD <1000000 >=1000000

The two graphics above show the decrease of income of HH in the assessed areas: before ISIS, 64% of the population was earning more than 500,000 IQD per month (430 USD) – this percentage is now decreased to 21%.

In order to compare the income with expenditure, the average expense needs to be compared with the average income. Results of the HH survey show that the average expenditure per household per month is about 550,000 IQD (430 USD), while the average income is about 410, 000 IQD (350 USD) – expenditure are greater than income.

As illustrated below, respondents reported spending most of their income on food, rent, and healthcare:

Average spent on needs in last 30 days(IQDs)

Education (School fees, uniforms, supplies) IQD 70,000 Communications (phones, etc.) IQD 24,626 Electricity (As utility) IQD 53,706 Water/ utilities (Water as utility or purchase of water for… IQD 33,375 House/shelter repairs IQD 60,556 Transportation (Taxis, bus, etc) IQD 41,375 Fuel (Propane for cooking; kerosene for heating) IQD 69,784 Basic household items (bedding, blankets, electrical goods,… IQD 66,104 Hygiene Items IQD 38,232 Healthcare (Includes medicines, treatment) IQD 90,114 Rent IQD 135,625 Food IQD 206,379

In order to cope with the significant reduction of income, households interviewed reported the following strategies:

100% 90% 80% 70% 63% 60% 50% 43% 37% 40% 27% 30% 20% 12% 13% 10% 5% 7% 10% 0% 0% Borrow Purchase Limit Selling Decrease Skipped Sent family Selling Engaged Other food, or food on portion household expenses entire day members livestock children in (please rely on debts. size at items/ on health meal to work labour specify) help from meals jewelleries care abroad friends, NGOs

Markets 58% of the interviewed HH reported that the nearest market is within 30 minutes walking distance; the remaining 42% reported to have to walk for more than 30 minutes. According to KIIs and FGDs, as well as direct observation during the implementation of the assessment, there is a very small market in Qaim, consisting of only four to five shops; it is not fully functioning and prices are high. Only basic food items are available in Qaim, so for any non-food items (NFI) such as clothes and education materials people have to go to Anah or Ramadi, if they are able to move freely with a security coupon. In Obaidy, more items are available in the local market and movement from Obaiyd to Anah are easier, as there are fewer checkpoints. In Rayhane FGDs noted that there are no markets, only four-five shops with basic daily items like sugar and napkins. Families need to go to Anah (cost of taxi: 3,000 IQD) to buy both food and non- food items and can rely on small private trucks which bring vegetables, fruits, and dry food from Anah and Haditha to resell in Rayhana.

Overall, all the participants in the FGDs and KIIs reported that the prices are very high in all assessed locations and, in addition, transportation costs also hamper the possibility to move to other areas. For example, a trip from Obaidy to Ramadi costs around 30,000 IQD. Fuel is also very expensive; in Qaim, the price for one liter of fuel is 1,000 IQD and it is rarely available as there is no functional fuel station.

Cash/exchange options available

100% 80% 55% 60% 40% 22% 25% 20% 0% 0% Bank Hawala Microfinance Barter system

Damage to public infrastructure In Qaim and Obeidy electricity is almost completely absent; the power grids and physical infrastructures have been highly damaged and public electricity is available only three to four hours per day. People have to rely on generators, but the cost of fuel is prohibitive and not always available. The situation is better in Rayhane, as the town is connected with the Anah electricity grid.

Water is also a main gap, as all of the water projects on the Euphrates that previously provided water to this area suffered damage and cannot properly function due to lack of electricity and fuel. Water coming from the river is not properly filtered and there is common fear among inhabitants that this may foster the spread of epidemic diseases, especially for children. Conclusion and Recommendations Overall, the assessment conducted in the field shows great needs in term of health, protection, livelihood, education and wash. All assessed areas are characterized by a limited availability of services, which can compromise the safety and dignity of returns and social cohesion. The following recommendations are addressed to humanitarian actors.

Protection agencies should:  Regularly monitor protection concerns and follow trends – issue related to the delay of issuance of the qusasa should also be closely monitored, as this may have negative effects on freedom of movement and access to services  Advocate for a clarification of security screening procedures by both military and local authorities actors should be asked, to ensure transparency and minimize barriers to movement  Provide legal counselling and assistance to those who have lost or have been unable to obtain national identification documents (birth, marriage and death certificates, property deeds)  Ensure legal representation for detention cases in Western Anbar

Child Protection agencies should:  Ensure the delivery of specialized services for children, integrating care for child survivors, case management and psychosocial support.  Provide services targeting specifically adolescent boys.

Education agencies should:  Provide support to formal schools where functional, ensuring minor rehabilitation of the school building, including provision of equipment and furniture.  Provide teacher trainings and conflict-sensitive pedagogy to mitigate the negative impacts of psychosocial trauma on children.  Support children’s’ re-integration into the formal education system by easing barriers to entry.

Specialized GBV agencies should:  Hire and train female staff to provide specific services to women and girls in western Anbar.  Ensure psychological support (PSS) activities, especially for women and girls who have and are suffering from psychological and physical abuses during ISIS control and from their family, friends, and those in the community.  Establish women and girl’s centers and safe spaces that would support psychological, emotional, and social recovery.  Ensure the provision of GBV prevention and response services in all assessed locations.  Provide case management services for those survivors who would like to participate in case management.  Provide activities for men and boys on GBV related topics.  Conduct community awareness sessions on topics related to GBV.

Specialized livelihood and cash agencies should:  Conduct a formal market assessment to understand market absorption capacity and presence of hawala agents.  Consider the delivery of MPCA, especially in Obeidy where the market is fully functional.  Provide agricultural support in rural areas outside Qaim, where farmers still possess land but do not have enough money to purchase agricultural inputs.  Consider longer-term livelihoods interventions (such as: vocational training, business grants).