Strengthening Iraq through EU cooperation

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Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2015 Catalogue number: MN-01-15-864-EN-N ISBN: 978-92-79-52838-5 DOI: 10.2841/443866 © European Union, 2015 / Reproduction is authorised provided that the source is acknowledged. Printed in Belgium, 2015 Pictures: ©Massoud Shekhmus (cover); ©European Commission (P.04, 08, 20b); EU/ECHO (P.06, 24); ©Cpl Joel A Chaverri, US Marine Corps /CC BY (P.07); ©EU/ECHO/Jared Kohler (P.09); © UNICEF (P.10, 11b, 15); ©Kurdistani Nwê (P.10b, 12); ©Samantha Robinson/AptART (P.11, 46); ©Sicidominus (P.14, 15b); © Blood Transfusion Center/Erbil (P.17); ©EU/ECHO/ Caroline Gluck (P.18, 23, 23b, 27, 40); ©James Selesnick /CC BY (P.18b); ©GFA (P.20) ©UNDP (P.21, 21b); ©Delman Kareem (P.24b, 30b, 40b, 43); ©PAX (P.26); ©BBC Media Action (P.28); ©UNAMA (P.30); ©EU/ ECHO/Jamal Penjweny (P.33); ©Intel Free Press /CC BY (P.34); ©UNIDO (P.37); ©Dr. Ronald K. Chesser, Center for Environmental Radiation Studies, Texas Tech University /CC BY (P.38); ©IAEA IDP (P.38b); ©Khaled Sulaiman (P 44a); ©James Gordon, Los Angeles, CA /CC BY (P.44b); © Mohammad Abdallah (P.44c); ©Laith Al-Obeidi (P.45); © Aha-So/Shutterstock.com (P.12, 16, 18, 22, 25, 35, 41, 44, 45). 3

Contents

Foreword 5

Introduction: Building a stable nation 6

Overview: From reconstruction to development 8

Education: Regaining lost ground 10

Water: Watertight solutions 14

Health: Curing the ills of Iraq’s health system 17

Good governance: Towards accountable government 20

Migration: Moving times for refugees 23

Human rights: Dignity for all 26

Civil society: Towards a new social contract 30

Private sector: Oiling the wheels of private enterprise 34

Nuclear safety: Decontaminating the past 38

Humanitarian assistance: Ready for humanitarian action 40

Infographics 44

Further reading 46 4

Neven Mimica 5

Foreword Strengthening Iraq through EU cooperation

Over the last several years, Iraq has faced an This publication, produced by the Directorate- uneasy transition from conflict to some degree of General for International Cooperation and peace, before it plunged back into an acute crisis Development, outlines the current state of play of in 2014 with the rise of ISIL/Da’esh in Syria and EU development cooperation with Iraq. It provides Iraq. an overview on the projects covering key areas Iraq is a pivotal country in the Middle East. What like education, water and health, good governance happens there affects the entire region, and that and human rights, migration, civil society, nuclear is why a prosperous, sustainable Iraq with a safety and private sector development. functioning democracy is not In the ‘Agenda for Change’ only vital to the welfare of The future lies in demonstrating the European Union has Iraqis but can also prove to be to Iraqis of all backgrounds, reiterated the importance of a stabilising influence for the and to the world, that in this ensuring a smooth transition entire region. from crisis response and country it is possible to live humanitarian aid to long-term The European Union and together in tolerance, respect its Member States are development cooperation. The mobilising all the instruments and mutual benefit. humanitarian-development at their disposal – diplomatic, humanitarian and nexus is complex and requires development – to help the Iraqi people build a strong coordination between humanitarian and prosperous future. Through the development development actors as well as mutual awareness cooperation the European Union is supporting of the different instruments and approaches. Iraq and its people to tackle the root causes of For this purpose, this publication includes also a violence and bolster long term structural stability. chapter on the humanitarian assistance provided The European Union is helping the Government of to Iraq. Iraq and Iraqi national institutions in their efforts to deliver on their duty of care vis-à-vis all Iraqi citizens, included displaced people and refugees. The best possible way to confront and defeat the ugly face of sectarianism is for Iraq to build and Neven Mimica strengthen a pluralistic society. The future lies in European Commissioner for International Cooperation demonstrating to Iraqis of all backgrounds, and to and Development the world, that in this country it is possible to live together in tolerance, respect and mutual benefit. 6

Introduction Building a stable nation

Since 2003, Iraq has scored notable successes in numerous areas of governance, institution building and economic recovery, including three cycles of democratic elections. During this long journey, the European Union has been a reliable partner for Iraq, both in terms of humanitarian assistance, where it is often the first donor to respond to unfolding crises, and when it comes to supporting long-term sustainable development. The EU is concerned for the safety and wellbeing of the Iraqi people as well as the integrity and prosperity of Iraq. However, all these gains are under severe threat from the renewed conflict and instability that have rocked the country. The ongoing battle against the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh) has propelled Iraq once again to the international headlines. The resurgent internal conflict within Iraq is being exacerbated by spillover from the civil war in neighbouring Syria. While opinions differ markedly over the causes of the country’s troubles, one thing all parties agree on is the urgent need to restore stability and rebuild infrastructure and institutions in Iraq.

Striking at the roots The EU has formulated a comprehensive joint plan which tackles the underlying political dynamics of the conflict, economic development and reconciliation between different ethnic groups. In concrete terms, the EU has allocated EUR 1 billion to implement the strategy in Iraq and Syria in 2015-2016 alone. This fits into the mutually agreed strategic objectives of EU-Iraqi cooperation: to promote stability, further develop governance and accountability, as well as to ensure inclusive development. It will help enhance the country’s security, improve the safety and wellbeing of its citizens, promote recovery Children of Peace Iraq and development, and accelerate Iraq’s re-integration into the international community, its return to the family of nations. As a sign of the deepening mutual ties, the two sides sealed their first framework accord in 2012, known as the EU-Iraq Partnership and Cooperation Agreement. 7 7

Fallujah 2004

Confidence in the future This package will Despite the renewed bout of instability that has struck Iraq, the European strengthen our Union unveiled a new tranche of development support to Iraq with EUR 78 million for the period 2014-2017. actions to help This brochure is a testament to, and a reflection of, that confidence. It restore peace highlights the complex, deep and broad-based development relationship and security in a Iraq enjoys with Europe. It also illustrates the many successes Iraq is region that is so registering beyond the grim headlines the rest of the world sees, and shows how determined and dedicated Iraqis are planting the seeds for a better close to us and future in the harsh soil of the present. that has been devastated by terrorism and violence for too long 8

Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, meets Ibrahim Al-Jaafari, Iraqi Minister for Foreign Affairs, in December 2014

Overview From reconstruction to development

During the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein, the EU Shifting focus limited its relations with Iraq to humanitarian issues, In 2008, the EU began to move towards a direct becoming the largest donor after the United Nations bilateral relationship with Iraq, driven primarily by the in 1992. Iraqi authorities. Aiming to foster the government’s In the aftermath of the 2003 war in Iraq and the capacity to set and pursue its own goals, the European downfall of the Hussein regime, international efforts Commission, Italy and Sweden helped Iraq to develop focused on rebuilding the devastated nation. its first-ever Country Strategy Paper, for 2011 to 2013. At that time, the EU channelled its assistance In 2011, Iraq became eligible to receive loans from through a joint fund, along with 24 other donors. the European Investment Bank, thereby boosting its The European Union contributed some two-fifths of development potential. The 2012 EU-Iraq Partnership the USD 1.9 billion that made up the International and Cooperation Agreement established a Reconstruction Fund Facility for Iraq (IRFFI), comprehensive framework for this development established by the UN and the World Bank. Based partnership. This agreement ‘is a fitting testament on a thorough needs assessment, IRFFI focused on to the EU’s determination to build a long-term 14 main priorities and was designed to complement partnership’, said Catherine Ashton, who was the High the Iraqi government’s National Development Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs Strategy. at the time. As a reflection of the EU’s commitment to building A brighter tomorrow democracy, good governance and accountability in Iraq, the European Commission provided both The Iraqi National Development Plan (2013-2017) financial and technical assistance to Iraq’s first provides a blueprint for EU-Iraqi cooperation, as well democratic elections in 2005. This included as the basis for the EU’s 2014-2017 Multiannual significant support to the Independent Electoral Indicative Programme. Three priority areas were Commission of Iraq. Since then, the EU has continued identified: human rights and the rule of law, capacity to help ensure the fairness and transparency of building in primary and secondary education, and elections, with EUR 90 million in support since 2004. sustainable energy for all. For the period 2014-2017, the EU has announced it will make EU 78 million available for development cooperation with Iraq. A comprehensive approach to Iraq and Syria

The situation in Iraq has become closely The upheavals plaguing Iraq and Syria intertwined with that in Syria, with the have sent out shockwaves across the conflicts in both countries spilling over region. A second priority of the strategy into the other. Moreover, the instability in is to prevent and contain cross-border the two countries has enormous regional spillover from these crises, especially in implications and ramifications, and Lebanon and Jordan. It will help these resonates as far away as Europe. countries cope with the massive influx of refugees, while maintaining their security, For this reason, the European Union stability and integrity. Actions here has launched an ambitious integrated, will include education and vocational holistic strategy to tackle the complex training to provide refugees with better situation directly. Worth EUR 1 billion over employment prospects and greater hope two years, the EU Regional Strategy for for the future, as well as the resettlement Syria and Iraq was jointly formulated by of thousands of refugees within the EU. the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign The strategy also includes a counter- Affairs and Security Policy, at the request terrorism component, which seeks to of the Council of Ministers. The Council enhance border security and stem the officially adopted the strategy in March flow of foreign fighters, arms and funds 2015. to Iraq and Syria. It will also tackle radicalisation through education, raising Children painting a wall mural in Tackling root causes awareness and other initiatives. Arbat IDP camp in Sulaymaniyah, ‘This package will strengthen our actions northern Iraq. to help restore peace and security in Inclusive Iraq a region that is so close to us and that The strategy contains specific objectives We are now has been devastated by terrorism and for Iraq. A central focus is on making violence for too long,’ said Federica inclusiveness in Iraqi governance a better equipped Mogherini, the High Representative, at concrete reality, with a view to promoting to do more the strategy’s launch. ‘We are now better a long-term process of state building and equipped to do more together … We can national reconciliation. together... now better tackle the root causes of The strategy lays out a number of We can now instability and violence.’ priorities to help achieve this. These better tackle Involving the EU, its Member States and include engaging with moderate partners in Iraq and the wider region, the marginalised Sunni groups, promoting the root causes strategy focuses on such priority areas a rapprochement between the Kurdish of instability as humanitarian aid, which represents regional authorities and the central 40% of the budget, and places particular government, as well as consolidating and violence. emphasis on linking immediate relief democratic governance and supporting with the longer-term needs of displaced wide-ranging reforms. Other actions people, especially children and youth. extend to capacity building, restructuring Efforts are also being made to bolster the security sector and bolstering respect resilience, aid recovery and assist post- for human rights. conflict reintegration and development. Priority areas include enhancing public services, especially education and health, improving livelihoods and reducing poverty, as well as better governance and human rights. Education

Regaining lost ground EU-UNICEF Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Project - Hadif Hammad- Al Hijrah Primary School Baghdad

Iraq once possessed a robust and school, and only 9% have completed successful education system. ‘Its secondary education, while 39% of education system was considered the rural population is unable to read to be one of the most advanced in or write. the region as recently as the 1980s,’ states a 2004 UNESCO report. Back to school Prior to 1991, primary enrolment Despite the regression and was at 100% and Iraq had one challenges, ‘the education system of the highest literacy rates in remains strong, thanks to the the Middle East, with close to dedication of its teachers and parity between men and women. managers,’ UNESCO stressed. Meanwhile, the country’s higher Against the backdrop of instability education establishments were and insurgency, the Iraqi government world class, particularly in science managed to get 6 million children and technology. The ‘golden age’ back in school following the 2003 of modern Iraqi education was the invasion. 1970s. This was ‘reflective of strong Reflecting the huge importance Iraq national vision and strident and still attaches to learning, education idealistic leadership at the time,’ spending has grown consistently, another study concluded. rising from 7.4% to 9.6% of the However, a constant series of wars national budget between 2007 and and conflicts starting with the Iraq- 2009, with an allocated budget of Iran war, international sanctions, and nearly USD 4.5 billion in 2010. the emigration of many teachers, However, despite the large level dealt the education system a of spending and the rehabilitation devastating blow from which it is still of hundreds of schools with struggling to recover. international support, Iraq suffers Educational outcomes in Iraq have from a severe shortage in educational declined steeply. About a fifth of the infrastructure. The National Plan for adult population has never attended Education for 2010-2014 estimated 11

a 30% shortage in school buildings, former universal level by 2015, the Decent primary forcing schools to operate double authorities have been struggling and sometimes triple shifts. to increase attendance. Reliable education is This overcrowding is one of the main enrolment and attendance figures an essential reasons deterring children from are hard to come by, given the component attending school, alongside violence upheavals gripping the country. and roadblocks, according to a 2008 Iraq’s Education Management of a healthy Iraq Knowledge (IKN) survey. Information System (EMIS) showed childhood, The UNESCO study identified a enrolment standing at 87% in 2008. secondary number of priority areas to help However, the IKN survey estimated education builds Iraqi education regain its edge. For that 71% of children of primary- the school system these included school age were enrolled and only a promising improving quality and access, 82% of those actually attended regularly. The situation is bound to adolescence, teacher training, redesigning and and both lay modernising curricula, as well as have worsened significantly in many renovating and equipping schools. parts of the country, especially those the foundations controlled by ISIL/Da’esh. Moreover, for a productive Primary focus fewer than 50% of schoolchildren transition from primary to secondary adulthood. Decent primary education is an education, according to EMIS. essential component of a healthy childhood, secondary education Quality is another persistent builds a promising adolescence, challenge. This can be seen, for and both lay the foundations for instance, in the enormous number a productive adulthood. Education of children repeating a grade – also drives sustainable and inclusive estimated at 660 000 in 2007/8, growth, helps to reduce poverty, and according to EMIS. It is accentuated is essential to achieving broader by an uneven geographical sustainable development goals. distribution of teachers, shortages of supplies and infrastructure, poor Although Iraq planned to bring quality control, inadequate teacher school enrolment close to its 12

performance, and overcrowded education system, by enhancing classrooms, according to the budgeting, expenditure controls and National Education Strategy (2011- reporting at central, provincial and 2020). Centralisation, overlapping district levels. ministerial responsibilities and slow The EU also supports efforts to decision-making are additional produce teaching and learning handicaps. materials, to renovate schools, Education: upgrade their water and sanitation 14% school-age Iraqi Blueprint for EU action facilities, build playgrounds and add children not in school Given that Iraq already possesses classrooms to overcrowded schools. 4% - secondary school significant human and other attendance in rural areas resources in the education sector, EU 21.5% - adult efforts revolve around capacity and (>15y) illiteracy institution building. The aim of such 17.6% - youth actions is to facilitate Iraqi ownership (15-24y) is illiterate and management of the reform process in the shortest possible time. 67.6% - population with no secondary education The National Education Strategy 5.4% - children who (NES) sets out Iraq’s main priorities have books at home for primary and secondary education, and hence acts as a general guide for EU interventions in these areas, which focus on three specific objectives. The first goal is to develop and streamline education policies, with a view to enhancing equitable access to quality primary and secondary schooling. The second aim is to improve the management of the 13

Case studies

New Model Schools A set of standards adopted by the Iraqi government in 2013 seeks to transform primary schools across the country into ideal learning environments. ‘These standards are critical As each school, to ensure that all primary school-age children will have the best educational and learning one by one, experience possible,’ said Mohammed Ali Tamim, Iraqi Education Minister at the time. applies these Backed by the European Union and UNICEF, these standards relate to five main areas: the learning environment, school management, boosting the capacity of teachers, involving standards local communities, and inclusiveness and participation. across the ‘As each school, one by one, applies these standards across the country, the quality of country, the education for every child will be greatly enriched,’ said UNICEF’s representative to Iraq Marzio Babille. quality of One major objective is to keep children in school and prevent them from falling behind. education for While nine out of 10 Iraqi children enrol in primary school, fewer than half complete every child primary school at the normal age. will be greatly ‘The adoption of these standards will make schools more engaging and attractive for children, which will help to ensure they enrol and stay in school,’ emphasised Jana enriched Hybaskova, the EU’s ambassador to Iraq. This project was developed in the context of the ‘Child-Friendly School’ global initiative, which works with well over a thousand Iraqi schools.

Better schooling for a million children A million schoolchildren benefited from a major EU-financed project to enhance education in Iraq. Managed by the British Council, the project set out to improve the learning experience at primary and secondary levels for students in Kurdistan and central and southern Iraq. Working closely with the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders, the three-year ‘Support to Improving the Quality of Education in Iraq’ surpassed its original objective of improving learning outcomes for 800 000 primary and secondary schoolchildren. The project helped revise school standards and curricula, organised teacher training in the latest teaching methods, developed better quality assurance mechanisms, launched leadership programmes and 15 centres of excellence, and helped gear the skills of students to the needs of the job market to boost their employability. Among other successes, the project trained over 100 000 educators, benefiting learners in more than 11 000 schools, developed the skills of 2 500 senior mentors to give head- teachers a greater role as ‘leaders of learning’ in 5 900 schools, and enlisted the support of more than 5 000 supervisors to act as ‘critical friends’ to the schools. The project also sought to promote ‘healthy minds in healthy bodies’ by improving the quality of sports teaching. With support from five schools in the UK, nine pilot Iraqi sports colleges have developed novel ways of teaching physical education and sports. Some 250 sports educators received training and the colleges support a network of 50 schools. Water

EU supported water quality Watertight solutions monitoring station, Basra

Only around half of the Iraqi Re-channelling efforts population enjoys access to safe Iraqi government efforts have water and sanitation, according to revolved mainly around repairing, two surveys conducted in 2004 restoring and rehabilitating and 2006. The reasons for this are infrastructure. However, inefficiencies complex and include protracted wars in the existing system, with its and conflict, international sanctions centralised bureaucracy and lack and under-investment. of concern for the environment and Poor access to safe drinking water consumer behaviour, have not been and sanitation has serious socio- sufficiently addressed. Enhanced facilities for monitoring economic and health repercussions Nevertheless, there is a growing water quality, Kirkuk for the population. These include awareness in the ministries increased risk of contracting concerned of the need to revise their diarrhoea and water-borne diseases. standards, update their policies and In Iraq, the World Health Organisation boost the capacities of their staff. estimates that over 10% of all The EU is supporting the capacity deaths relate to water, sanitation building and reform efforts of the and hygiene. This falls below regional Iraqi government. norms. For example, in neighbouring Kuwait, it is only 0.5%. The challenge for Iraq rests not only in broadening access to drinking Improving water and sanitation can water but also involves simply reap enormous social and economic ensuring an adequate supply of benefits for Iraq. Globally, investing in this finite resource. Like much of these sectors can slash the disease the Middle East, Iraq is undergoing burden by more than 9% and by a water crisis. As water supplies 15% for the countries worst affected, stagnate or fall due to climate according to the WHO. In addition, it change and upstream irrigation, would significantly reduce healthcare demand is increasing rapidly, driven costs and boost productivity. by population growth, urbanisation 15

The EU and UNICEF are raising awareness about hygiene

and economic recovery. And with Another EU project, which is agriculture already swallowing up managed by UNICEF, has been 90% of available supplies, efforts to working to raise public appreciation expand farming are leading to even and understanding of efficient more stress on water resources. water usage and the importance Despite these challenges, per-capita of good hygiene. In addition to water consumption is astronomical, launching a popular Facebook standing at 327 litres per person page, the project has conducted a per day, more than double the EU knowledge, attitude and practices average. survey of 5 000 families in 15 governorates. It has also led high- Intake Structure at Shat This is due to leaky and inefficient level advocacy efforts with federal Al Arab, Basra distribution infrastructure, as well and local governments, resulting as poor consumption patterns in the establishment of national encouraged by heavy subsidies and and regional awareness taskforces. the absence of metres in many parts Moreover, the project supported of the country. the design and implementation of Addressing this requires a advanced training courses for over multipronged approach focusing 400 environmental journalists. on improving the efficiency of infrastructure, reducing waste, as well as raising public awareness about conserving water. The EU has been supporting these efforts. For example, one major European-financed programme strives to improve Iraq’s water and sanitation systems, while enhancing the government’s capacity to manage them. 16

Case studies

Grounds for optimism With surface water at such a premium, the answer may lie beneath. With the mighty Euphrates and Tigris passing through and converging in Iraq, the aquifers of these two rivers remain a largely untapped resource which could help meet Iraq’s water needs. However, exploiting these groundwater resources more effectively requires more reliable data to be gathered and detailed analysis conducted. To that end, the EU is financing a major EUR 5 million initiative to conduct the second phase of an ‘Advanced Survey of Water and Sanitation: Hydrogeological Resources in Iraq’ (ASHRI-2). 10% - deaths related Managed by UNESCO in coordination with the relevant Iraqi ministries, the project aims to water, sanitation and to enhance Iraq’s national capacities in the exploration and integrated management of hygiene subterranean water resources. 90% - water supply ASHRI-2 seeks to provide ‘a real, solid, and scientific base for a comprehensive used by agriculture management system for underwater resources in Iraq’, according to the Director-General Rural urban divide: of the State Bureau for Groundwater, Dhafer Abdullah Hussain. Access to drinking water 66.9% vs 94% Safeguarding Iraq’s water supply Access sanitation With upstream irrigation, agricultural and other pollution, as well as poor wastewater 79.8% vs. 86% treatment, the Ministry of Health reports that only 70% of Iraq’s water supply complies 327 litres per capita with minimum standards, while heavy metals have been reported in the water at a water consumption per day number of locations. This situation has serious environmental and public health implications. For example, children in Iraq suffer from diarrhoea on average up to 18 times a year, reports UNICEF, One vital which is exponentially higher than the two to three episodes children with access to clean component water experience. in enhancing One vital component in enhancing quality is to establish effective and efficient water- monitoring systems, which can keep an eye on the water supply and detect instantaneous quality is pollution incidents. Currently, Iraq’s monitoring system only measures water quality at to establish waste treatment plants and with end-users. effective and An EU-funded project to establish a ‘Water monitoring task force’ was launched at the end of 2014 to help coordinate the efforts of the relevant ministries and other stakeholders. efficient water- With over EUR 5 million in European Union funds, the project will seek to put in place an monitoring efficient and integrated monitoring system that will enhance the quantity and quality of supplies, as well as protect the water supply chain from contamination. systems Health 17

Curing the ills of Iraq’s health system Blood transfusion centre, Erbil

Health and healthcare in Iraq was reaching just 60 years by the turn once at the top of the global league. of the millennium. It has begun Decades of sustained conflict and to recover again, reaching 69 in instability have seen it drop to levels 2012, according to Iraqi government comparable to some of the world’s figures. poorest countries. This decline was not just caused For instance, according to the by Iraq’s worsening healthcare World Health Organisation (WHO), system. Other factors included a between 1960 and 1990, infant sharp spike in poverty, deteriorating mortality dropped by about two- education, poor water and Donated blood thirds (from 117 to 40 deaths per sanitation malnutrition (15.5% of 1000 births) and child mortality fell the population is underweight, while by a comparable amount (from 171 25% of adults are overweight or to 50 deaths per 1000 births). obese), and increased injuries and However, while health began deaths due to protracted conflict. improving across the developing Many deaths in Iraq are easily world from the 1990s, Iraq witnessed preventable and would not have a massive and tragic decline in occurred when the country’s the population’s health, due to the healthcare and infrastructure were 1991 Gulf War, the sanctions which highly developed. For example, 70% followed and the Iraqi regime’s of child deaths are caused by acute neglect of the healthcare system. respiratory infections and diarrhoea.

Weak vital signs Long road to recovery Since the 1990s, infant and child Despite continued efforts to improve mortality has more than doubled, the health of Iraqi citizens, Iraq’s adult mortality has skyrocketed, creaking healthcare system suffers while life expectancy has plummeted, from a number of difficulties and 18

An Iraqi doctor at an intensive Child is vaccinated on arrival at an International care unit for premature babies. Organization for Migration refugee camp. Alwaiya Maternity Hospital, Eastern Baghdad, Iraq.

challenges. These include the absence The European Union has taken a keen of a coherent national health strategy, interest in putting Iraq’s healthcare the financing of healthcare through system on the long road to recovery. fluctuating oil revenues, and a highly At first, EU assistance was largely centralised bureaucracy. Another channelled through the United crucial factor is the enormous brain Nations, namely the IRFFI, which Health: drain Iraq has experienced. invested more than USD 185 million Indicators of Although, in theory, all health and in the health sector. Focus areas malnutrition: included the revitalisation of the medical care in Iraq is universal 22.6% - stunting and free, accessibility is reduced by primary healthcare system, disease in children under 5 geographical distance, secondary prevention, control, eradication and elimination, as well as staff capacity- 8.5% - children U5 costs that are prohibitive for the poor, underweight and long waiting times for certain building and extending health services to remote communities. 11.8% - children U5 procedures and treatments. overweight In recent years, as the focus shifted National health drive from post-war reconstruction For its part, the Iraqi government to development and the Iraqi has made improving citizens’ health government gained strength, EU- and restoring and enhancing the Iraq cooperation has evolved to a healthcare system a leading national more direct bilateral relationship. The priority. Healthcare is a top objective EU increasingly supports Iraqi-led of the National Development Plans initiatives and finances projects led for 2010-2014 and 2013-2017, by partner organisations, such as the both in its own right and as a cross- WHO, which also enhance the Iraqi cutting component of other goals. government’s capacity to manage vital public services. 19

Case studies

A stitch in time Emergency medical care often makes the difference between life and death, especially in Healthcare is a context of ongoing conflict. However, like the rest of the health system, Iraq’s emergency services have suffered in recent years. a top objective of the National To boost capacity and response times in this area, an EU-backed project has been providing ‘Support to Specialised Medical Services’. Implemented by the World Health Development Organisation (WHO), this EUR 13 million, four-year project worked to improve the quality Plans for and efficiency of emergency medical and blood transfusion services, with a view to reducing the health consequences of emergency situations. 2010-2014 and 2013-2017 The project helped build a network between the National Blood Transfusion Centre and regional blood banks. It also developed a policy for emergency care, boosted the performance of emergency medical services and carried out community outreach. Good governance

Towards accountable government Training course for social workers working in prisons

Every democratic government kind of devolution of power requires is ultimately accountable to the capacity building at the local level. electorate, its people. In recent years, the Iraqi authorities have been Fragile progress striving to improve their governance Given the fragility of the situation in and to enhance accountability and Iraq, reform has been slow and results transparency. have been mixed. This is reflected Iraq’s National Development Plan in the fact that Iraq ranks 170 out (2013-2017) contains an entire of 175 countries on Transparency chapter on good governance, and International’s 2009 Corruption Federica Mogherini, High Representa- Perception Index. Although Iraq has tive of the Union for Foreign Affairs governance is an element of other and Security Policy, meets Ibrahim policy areas, such as education. The established democratic institutions Al-Jaafari, Iraqi Minister for Foreign NDP seeks to shape an independent and structures, democratic principles Affairs, in December 2014 judiciary founded on a commitment are often not respected, both by state to human rights and increased and non-state actors. efficiency. One important reason relates to The NDP also commits Iraq to greater the nature of Iraq’s oil-dominated decentralisation of political and economy. The petroleum sector administrative power to foster greater accounts for about 60% of Iraq’s accountability and responsiveness GDP, 99% of its exports and more in service provision, as well as to than 90% of government revenues, strengthen citizen participation in the but only employs about 1% of the decision-making process. This echoes workforce. And this dependence is the Iraqi constitution, which lays down growing, as Iraq reported record levels the principle of a fairer redistribution of oil production, 4 million barrels per of authority and resources between day, in late 2014. This kind of rentier the national government and the economy, in which the government is governorates. However, achieving this dependent on resource prices and not 21

“Plant the Plan by Planting a Tree” Greening Goizha Mountain in Sul

tax revenue, while citizens are more the Agenda for Change, the dependent on state largesse, reduces European Commission’s blueprint the incentive to boost accountability. for development cooperation. ‘EU Nevertheless, Iraq’s instability support to governance should feature actually makes the need for more prominently in all partnerships, promoting good governance notably through incentives for more pressing and urgent. Good results-oriented reform and a focus governance helps guarantee security, on partners’ commitments to human justice and jobs for citizens, which rights, democracy and the rule of law and to meeting their peoples’ helps set in motion a virtuous circle. UNDP LADP regional coordinator However, the political environment demands and needs.’ launches the Provincial Development Strategy for is a major hindrance to the effective Europe supports numerous initiatives Sulaimaniyah Governorate 2016- rolling out of good governance. A to promote good governance, 2018 and the outdoor activity “Plant the Plan by Planting a Tree”. succession of elaborate governments including efforts to ensure the rule of The project is supported by the EU. based on fragile power-sharing law and the separation of executive, arrangements and a culture of strong legislative and judicial powers. It administrative centralisation have also backs efforts to guarantee the hobbled Iraq’s recovery. In addition, independence of the judiciary and to institutional checks and balances interlink security and justice reform are often absent or ineffective, while programmes. public participation remains weak. Outside government, civil society has Inclusive and sustainable a vital role to play in guaranteeing good governance and accountability. Governance is a cornerstone of The EU encourages bottom-up state- EU involvement in Iraq. ‘Good society relations in insecure areas governance, in its political, and seeks to utilise external and economic, social and environmental community monitoring capabilities to terms, is vital for inclusive and combat corruption. sustainable development,’ states 22

Case studies

A seat at the table The foundations for the bilateral partnership between the European Union and Iraq were laid in 2008. Although security issues remained a grave concern, the focus of Iraqi and EU EU-Iraqi cooperation shifted from rebuilding the country to considering its long-term authorities development. decided the In addition, Iraqi and EU authorities decided the moment had come to establish, for moment the first time, a bilateral relationship which would see direct negotiations between the two parties on development priorities and how best to utilise available assistance. Iraq had come to was once again taking its seat at the international table and, aptly, the first bilateral establish, for programme to be announced, the EUR 10.6 million ‘Technical Assistance to Iraqi Institutions’, included a component which aimed specifically to strengthen the capacity the first time, of Iraqi negotiators. a bilateral Another project, launched in 2013, sought to help Iraqi officials understand the nature of relationship international treaties and their political and legal ramifications in the domestic sphere, including their impact on the population.

In its first six months of operation, eight training sessions were conducted for senior officials, providing a thorough theoretical grounding in the global political order, legal systems and UN conventions. The training also dealt with practical aspects, such as negotiating trade agreements and commercial contracts for oil exploration. Governance: Women reinforce Iraq’s thin blue line Iraq ranks 170th in Recent years have seen a relative surge in the number of women joining Iraq’s police Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index force. Still, at present, only 250 women serve as police investigators in Iraq. An EU-backed training programme is striving to strengthen this trend. At the behest of the Ministry of the Interior, the ‘Support to the Rule of Law and Justice’ project organised training sessions for 25 female officers in the Family Protection Unit (FPU), which combats domestic violence and other forms of violence against women. Given the sensitive nature of violence against women, the vulnerability of victims and their difficulty in approaching male officers, the presence of women officers in the FPU is vital. By involving women in investigating gender-based violence, the training will help bolster the FPU’s capacity to deal with this troubling phenomenon. The training aimed to contribute to more responsive and proactive law enforcement by developing a better understanding and appreciation in the Iraqi police force of the dynamics of domestic and gender-based violence, its root causes and the importance of gender equality. The training sessions also sought to familiarise trainees with the national laws and international standards on the subject. The 25 female officers who received this training of trainers will act as multipliers. They will use the skills they have gained to travel around the country to train other female investigators. 23 Migration

Moving times for refugees Returnees coming back to their homes near Zumar

Over the past dozen years, Iraq has Unprecedented crisis been convulsed by waves of internal Although the number of internally displacement and an exodus of displaced persons (IDPs) in Iraq had refugees fleeing to neighbouring dropped to just over a million, ISIL/ countries and beyond, even to the Da’esh’s ferocious onslaught caused furthest reaches of Europe. their ranks to swell by an additional Following the collapse of Saddam 2.8 million, bringing the total number Hussein’s regime, the Iraqi refugee to just shy of 4 million, according to crisis became the largest in the figures released by the International Middle East since the displacement Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Syrian refugees in Kawergosk of the Palestinians in 1948. At the the Iraqi government. In addition, refugee camp, Erbil peak of the crisis, more than 4 million more than a quarter of a million Iraqis had fled their homes: around Syrian refugees have sought shelter half were internally displaced within from the conflict in their country in Iraq while the other half had become Iraq, primarily in the Kurdistan region. refugees abroad, according to UN This comes against the backdrop statistics. of an unprecedented global Just as the situation was beginning displacement disaster. More people to show signs of stabilising and are IDPs or refugees today than some refugees started returning to at any time since records began, their homes, Iraq was plunged into a according to the United Nations. new chapter of chaos and upheaval Globally, nearly 60 million people with the rise of the Islamic State in have been displaced by war, conflict Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da’esh). or persecution. If this were a state, it would be the world’s 24th most populous. ‘We are witnessing a 24

Iraqi IDPs in unfinished buildings

paradigm change, an unchecked to refugees and vulnerable host slide into an era in which the scale communities, build resilience of global forced displacement as and comply with international well as the response required is law, standards, conventions and now clearly dwarfing anything seen humanitarian principles.’ before,’ observed the UN’s High When it comes to refugees and Commissioner for Refugees, António IDPs, the regional strategy focuses Guterres. on building community resilience while addressing basic needs, such Shelter from the storm as helping the displaced to secure A new arrival at a refugee camp. In light of the magnitude and their livelihoods and educations. gravity of Iraq’s refugee and Importantly, the strategy also IDP crisis, the European Union is highlights the importance of treating committed to helping mitigate the refugees with the respect and dignity situation. Europe is providing rapid, demanded by international law. impartial and targeted humanitarian assistance to help counter the latest In addition to assistance to countries developments in the unfolding hosting Iraqi refugees, the EU is also emergency. supporting Iraq to tackle the Syrian refugee crisis. Refugees and IDPs Moreover, the EU is assisting are also considered a cross-cutting neighbouring countries, especially issue in all the EU’s programmes and Lebanon and Jordan, which are interventions in Iraq. struggling to cope with the massive influx of Iraqi and Syrian refugees and the significant destabilising effect this brings. ‘The EU commends the considerable efforts of all countries sheltering and offering protection to refugees,’ stated the Union’s recent ‘Regional Strategy for Syria and Iraq’. ‘It will spare no effort to help them provide protection and assistance 25

Case study

Safe and secure haven All the upheavals and terror caused by ISIL/Da’esh advances in northern and central Iraq have resulted in a massive influx of displaced people into the Kurdistan region, which Kurdistan now provides shelter to more than 1.7 million IDPs. needs help in Kurdistan needs help in dealing with the influx in a sustainable and humane manner. dealing with With EU funding, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) launched the HIJRA- AMINA (which means ‘Safe Migration’ in Arabic) initiative to assist the Kurdish regional the influx in authorities and the central Iraqi government to manage this migratory flow effectively. a sustainable The programme focuses on a number of vital areas, including integrating and reintegrating and humane IDPs, resolving land and property disputes, managing refugee flows from and to Syria, and combating human trafficking. The project also focuses on researching migration and manner. studying its development implications. HIJRA-AMINA is designed to complement national and regional programmes already in place and raise awareness of the support structures available to IDPs and returnees. To this end, the project conducted a mapping exercise of available assistance and an information campaign, including TV advertisements, to spread knowledge to target communities. Given that over 70% of IDPs cite work as their top priority, the project is examining the feasibility of establishing a government-run income-generation programme that would complement the micro-loans and pension supplements already in place. Migration: Returnees face differing challenges, including bureaucratic hurdles they need to negotiate. 3 million internally HIJRA-AMINA is working to boost the capacities of returnee assistance centres and other displaced Iraqis bodies dealing with this form of migration, as well as providing training to immigration officials. 250 000 Syrian refugees in Iraq Human trafficking and violence against women are also key focuses of HIJRA-AMIN, which runs, among other things, awareness-raising workshops on these issues. Human rights

Dignity for all Flash mob of Kulluna Muwatinun youth, Erbil mall, 2013

Human rights conditions in ‘Good administration guarantees a functioning and sustainable Iraq are ‘dire’, according to respect for the political, civil, democracy. The Union’s Amnesty International, and ‘have and human rights of citizens… commitment to human rights crumbled’, in the words of Human [and] ensures equality for all in Iraq is reflected in the many Rights Watch, since the rise citizens before the law, protects programmes and projects it of ISIL/Da’esh. ‘As the fighting them from administrative supports in this field, including its continues, protection of civilians oversteps, or from repressive extensive backing of Iraqi human must be of paramount concern,’ procedures undertaken by rights defenders in their efforts to urges Amnesty. executive authorities,’ reiterates protect fundamental freedoms. Despite the deterioration, the National Development Plan Furthermore, the Delegation the Iraqi authorities have an (NDP) for 2013 to 2017. of the European Union to Iraq expressed commitment to chairs the Human Rights Working Universal values upholding and protecting human Group, where issues related to rights. Equality between all The European Union is committed human rights can be discussed Iraqi citizens is enshrined in the to upholding and safeguarding and courses of action agreed. country’s 2005 constitution, as human rights – civil, political, In addition, the Delegation is in are the state’s role in protecting economic, social or cultural – constant contact and dialogue the most vulnerable, including both at home and globally. Its with the Iraqi authorities and civil women, children and the elderly. stance draws on the Universal society. The constitution also guarantee Declaration of Human Rights social and health security. and the 1993 World Conference on Human Rights, as well as the In 2011, the Council of Ministers EU’s own Charter of Fundamental launched the Iraqi National Rights. Human Rights Plan, which asserts ‘Iraq has renewed [its] For the EU, respect for human commitment to promote and rights, along with the rule of protect human rights as a core law, is a key ingredient of Iraq’s value.’ transition towards becoming 27

Case studies

Breaking Iraqi women’s chains

Aliaa is a member of the 2-million strong Afro-Iraqi population. An orphan of war, she survived on the edges of society, between begging on the streets, serving others in ‘disreputable’ houses, and prison. Aliaa found refuge in a shelter run by the Organisation of Women’s Freedom in Iraq (OWFI). Today, Aliaa takes other women at risk under her protective wing.

‘I have found my mission with OWFI, which is to become a defender of my vulnerable sisters,’ she explains, ‘not leaving any of them subject to the suffering which awaits them and their children in the houses of misery in Baghdad.’

Established in 2003, OWFI strives to improve the situation of ordinary and poor Iraqi Women from ethic minorities, like women, who have suffered the most from war, conflict and sanctions in Iraq but have these Yazidis, are especially vul- received less attention than their elite sisters. With support from the EU, the Iraqi NGO nerable. has been able to expand its shelters for women exposed to domestic violence and sexual trafficking.

‘In an era when [ISIL/Da’esh] is shocking the world with its heinous acts of enslaving women of Iraq, we have not surrendered to shock and surprise,’ insists OWFI’s president, Yanar Mohammed. ‘We immediately started to set up our shelters for women escaping [ISIL/Da’esh] in the bordering territories.’ OWFI does not just work to protect vulnerable women against violence and exploitation, explains Yanar Mohammed. As was the case for Aliaa, it also seeks to empower and mentor these women to enable them to advocate for their rights. OWFI also organises conferences and other events targeted at parliamentarians and government officials to raise their awareness of the actions required to empower trafficked women and reintegrate them into society.

Safeguarding the rights of prisoners

The appointment of the Independent High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR) in 2012 was a major milestone for human rights and accountability in Iraq. ‘For the first time in its history, there is an independent national institution to promote and protect the rights of all Iraq’s people, irrespective of their national, ethnic, religious, gender or other differences,’ said Martin Kobler, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Iraq. The IHCHR’s role of safeguarding human rights extends to those Iraqis who find themselves behind bars. However, the commission lacked the capacity and know- how to carry out its prison monitoring duties effectively. An EU-funded initiative, implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), is designed to strengthen IHCHR’s monitoring, complaint and report-writing departments. It concentrated on the commission’s preventive and protective roles. Participants focused on the challenges facing the monitoring and inspection teams and how to overcome these. ‘We are confident that this programme will enable the IHCHR to enhance its performance in the monitoring and inspection of detention centres,’ Nieves Molina-Clemente, UNOPS programme manager, said in March 2015. As a sign of this, the IHCHR will adopt the standard operating procedures for prison monitoring developed by the participants during the programme. 28

'Consolidating Media Freedoms in Iraq', an EU-supported project.

From state propaganda to public broadcasting

In a free society, the media play a vital role in holding to account the various branches of government and other centres of power. Under dictatorships, the media’s task becomes that ‘Consolidating of shoring up the state’s power, rather than keeping it in check. Since the fall of Saddam Media Freedoms Hussein’s regime, Iraq has been striving to develop a truly independent media. in Iraq’ seeks to With support from the EU and other donors, ‘Consolidating Media Freedoms in Iraq’ seeks to nurture a more sustainable environment for Iraqi media players and to help protect nurture a more freedom of expression. This three-year project empowers Iraqi stakeholders to amend cur- sustainable rent legislation, promote better journalism practices, facilitate the free movement of media professionals and introduce editorial guidelines for various media outlets. environment Managed by BBC Media Action, the British public broadcaster’s international development for Iraqi media charity, the project has already scored notable successes. These have included a code of players and to practice for the Communication and Media Commission, training for senior news presenters and extensive dialogue with parliament and government. help protect The project’s most significant achievement so far came at the end of May 2015, when the freedom of Iraqi parliament voted to re-establish the Iraqi Media Network (IMN) as a public service expression. broadcaster, a process which ‘Consolidating Media Freedoms in Iraq’ helped mediate. ‘The IMN, under this law, is able to reflect the needs and desires of the population,’ maintains Maysoon Al-Damluji, chair of the Parliamentary Culture and Media Committee, who was the driving force behind the legislation. ‘The law provides IMN with immunity from turning into the propaganda machine of one political party.’ ‘It is a professional law for a diverse country and superior to all other similar laws in the Arab world and the region, including Turkey,’ believes Ali Al-Shelah, who chairs the IMN board of governors. ‘In the current circumstances, this is as good as it gets.’ ‘This piece of legislation is an inspiration, when elsewhere in the Arab world media reform initiatives have stalled,’ observes Abir Awad, BBC Media Action’s country director for Iraq. ‘The legislation is only the first step, though. We are now working with the Iraqi Media Net- work in developing the operational basis for the implementation of the spirit of this law.’ 29

Strengthening Iraq’s social fabric For the first Iraq is a complex patchwork of numerous ethnic and religious groups. But as headlines time in its around the world have shown, this intricate tapestry has been coming apart at the seams in recent years. history, there is an independent Iraqi civil society has not been silent in the face of this growing intolerance and onslaughts against civil and human rights. One example is the ‘We are all citizens’ (‘Kulluna national Muwatinun’) initiative, which strives to promote inclusive citizenship and defuse religious institution to and ethnic tensions. promote and ‘This project has planted a seed of hope in Iraqi society when it comes to peaceful protect the coexistence and breaking the stereotypes relating to the different social groups,’ believes Ahmed Abdel-Kazem, a citizenship ambassador with the initiative. rights of all Iraq’s people Led by Dutch NGO, PAX, in collaboration with other stakeholders, this EU-funded project seeks to build up a cadre of advocates who champion human and minority rights, ethnic and religious diversity, and civic responsibility.

This is achieved through a diverse training and mentoring programme targeted at young Iraqis and minorities. ‘Over several months, I received training on peaceful coexistence and minorities,’ explains Mohamed Abdel-Jabbar, a student from Baghdad. ‘This had a huge impact on my understanding, on my thinking and on my awareness of our social make-up.’

‘Kulluna Muwatinun’ also organises events, arranges for advocates to take part in local, national and international conferences, and facilitates minority self-advocacy targeting lawmakers. Civil society

Towards a new social contract Iraqi women: an increasingly vocal presence

During Iraq’s dictatorial years, Barriers to progress civil society in Iraq was severely However, the spillover from the restricted. Only civic institutions Syrian civil war, the marginalisation affiliated to the ruling regime were of parts of Iraqi society and the permitted to operate. crystallisation of political disputes Since the collapse of Saddam along sectarian and ethnic lines Hussein’s regime, there has been a hampered efforts to empower civil concerted and determined effort to society. The insurgency led by ISIS build up a vibrant and robust civil and the rekindling of widespread society and the number of non- violence continue to pose a serious governmental organisations (NGOs) threat to the NGO sector. has grown exponentially. Beyond the ongoing instability and ‘Civil society organisations violence, there is the question of started with offering charitable Iraq’s non-inclusive political culture and humanitarian work, but and its problematic governance grew gradually to influence the model, not to mention the state’s government itself,’ Hanaa Edwar, weakened ability to exercise secretary-general of the Iraqi al- authority. Iraq’s dominant political Amal Association, said in a media culture does not trust civil society, interview. ‘The experience of civil- nor does it regard NGOs as partners society organisations in Iraq has in the decision-making process. This perhaps surpassed its counterparts is due, at least in part, to a lack of in other Arab countries.’ understanding of the vital role civil society plays in democratic societies. 31

In addition, NGOs themselves face judicial oversight, hence reducing the Despite all serious structural issues. Rather government’s capacity to interfere than being issue-based, unaffiliated indirectly in the civil society sector. the internal organisations, many are loosely The law also eased restrictions on and external structured around individuals who foreign funding and affiliations with represent single religious, political foreign organisations. challenges or tribal interests. This affects both A year later, the Kurdistan region NGOs face, the independence of Iraqi NGOs took this a step further with its own civil society and, perhaps more significantly, the NGO law. The Kurdish legislation has become public trust they enjoy. streamlined the registration process, helped boost the financial an influential Safeguarding civil society sustainability of NGOs by widening and important Despite all the internal and external their legitimate sources of funding, challenges NGOs face, civil society and removed all restrictions on the presence in Iraq has become an influential and involvement of foreign residents that is making important presence in Iraq that is in local NGOs. Moreover, the law a clear and vital making a clear and vital difference guarantees that government funding on the ground. to civil society must be transparent difference on Nevertheless, the legal and and awarded via competitive the ground. regulatory framework is stifling the bidding. ability of civil society to move up to As part of its programme to support the next level in its evolution. For human rights and the rule of law, civil society to function fully and the European Union is working with effectively, an enlightened social the Iraqi authorities and NGOs to contract needs to be forged, one help strengthen Iraq’s civil society which upholds the independence sector, for the good of Iraqi citizens of NGOs and protects them from and society. The EU support aims to government interference. Iraqi help boost civil society’s capacities authorities also need to involve civil and capabilities to monitor the society in the policy-making process government and other public and listen to its concerns. institutions, as well as to advocate There has been some progress for human rights. in this regard. For instance, in Funding in this sector includes some 2010 Iraq passed a federal law EUR 3.5 million earmarked between – widely considered among the 2014 and 2017 for capacity building most enlightened in the region – in civil society organisations and regulating the establishment and local authorities. running of NGOs. This legislation improved the status of civil society in a number of significant ways. It limited the state’s ability to reject applications (handled by the NGOs Directorate in Baghdad) and to suspend a registered NGO without 32

Case studies

Setting a A model for Iraqi participation Civil society organisations were involved in formulating both the Iraqi federal NGO law healthy and the Kurdish NGO law, which helped ensure that the legislation met their needs while precedent for paving the way for grassroots involvement in policy- and decision-making. dialogue Parliamentarians, civil servants and civil society leaders consulted as part of the drafting process, setting a healthy precedent for dialogue between the authorities and civil society, between and proposing a model for deepening this relationship. authorities and Following this, the Iraqi government and NGOs began a dialogue on mechanisms to civil society strengthen civil society participation in Iraq’s political life. With the support of the United Nations Office of Project Services (UNOPS), both the Iraqi and Kurdish authorities launched initiatives to develop a social contract to regulate the relationship between government and civil society. In 2013, with UNOPS and Danish assistance, this led to the Kurdistan Region Compact, which outlines a basis for cooperation between the regional authorities and the NGO sector. At the federal level, progress has been more sluggish. Although a ‘Charter of cooperation between public authorities and non-governmental organisations’ has been drafted, it has yet to be adopted, despite calls from many NGO leaders and parliamentarians. The Kurdish Compact contains specific commitments for civil society and the authorities, and envisages joint responsibility for implementation. It outlines the roles of each party, defines goals and mechanisms for cooperation, identifies main priorities, and establishes how to implement activities and monitor performance. By so doing, the Kurdish region hopes to bolster its democracy, safeguard social stability and promote good governance.

Breaking the silence on gender violence Violence against women is a major challenge across Iraq in its various forms, including domestic violence, often accentuated by instability and poverty, political violence and the recent shocking phenomenon of sexual slavery of minority women introduced by ISIL/ Da’esh militants. Moreover, moves in parliament to lower the marriage age have set off alarm bells in Iraq’s civil society. The EU-backed ‘Protecting the human rights of vulnerable civilians in Iraq’ project focuses on the rights of vulnerable women in five provinces: Sulaymaniah, Duhok, Kirkuk, Erbil and Mosul. The three-year project has developed a methodology for recording, monitoring and reporting on violence against women as defined by international and national law. It has mobilised and trained local NGOs to conduct a survey on violence against women in the target communities. ‘We need to know the real situation in which women live and this can be achieved only by monitoring their actual status in Iraqi society,’ explained Dr Rewar Mahmoud Karim, the project’s coordinator. 33

New NGO laws should help protect all vulnerable groups

The need for legislation to curb domestic violence and a law specifically designed to combat violence against women has been acknowledged for some time. However, The project legislation is only part of the solution: Iraqi society’s understanding of, and attitude to, empowers gender-based violence also need to change. One fundamental objective of the project is to shatter the taboo surrounding violence against women and to encourage victims to vulnerable break their silence. women by The project empowers vulnerable women by making them aware of their rights under the making them law; it raises public awareness of gender-based violence and encourages the authorities to take more seriously their responsibilities to protect women. ‘We need to work … with aware of their youth groups and men to change their opinion about women,’ said a spokesperson for the rights under Women’s Leadership Institute, a partner in the project, ‘and to intensify legal awareness programmes for women to know their legal rights.’ the law Private sector

Oiling the wheels of private enterprise

It is known as the ‘resource curse’ or the economy shrank by 2.7% in 2014, “The country can’t the ‘paradox of plenty’: many countries forcing the Iraqi parliament to slash the with an abundance of natural resources national budget by 16% in early 2015, rely on a single eventually register lower economic which still left the country with a deficit source of income growth and development levels. equivalent to 9% of GDP. Despite early success, which saw Iraq and revenue; become one of the most developed A different kind of oil crisis we must find countries in the region, it is no exception In addition, the petroleum sector alternatives to to this enigma. is capital-intensive, employing few support the Iraqi Although it possesses abundant Iraqis. While it accounts for 65% of petroleum resources, Iraq has not the country’s GDP, the sector employs economy” Haidar managed to exploit its oil wealth to just 1% of the labour force. This has al-Abbadi, Prime boost its economy and significantly translated into high unemployment enhance the economic welfare of its and poverty. Minister of Iraqq citizens. One reason for this is decades The public sector is Iraq’s largest of war and instability that have bled employer, yet official unemployment the economy, diverting resources away levels hover at around 11%, but actual from construction towards destruction, jobless rates may be significantly higher. from development and economic The lopsided nature of the oil sector growth to conflict. also means that the fruits of growth are Another important factor is oil rarely distributed evenly. For example, dependence. Iraq’s petroleum sector Iraq experienced average annual is by far the most dominant in the economic growth of 7% between 2008 economy, accounting for as much as and 2012, yet this made only a minor 98% of exports and 90% of government dent in poverty levels. About a fifth of expenditure. This leaves Iraq hugely the population lives below the poverty vulnerable to fluctuations in oil prices. line, with many more at risk of joining Falling crude prices and exports meant their ranks. 35

Although the government has scored rose from 28% in 2009 to nearly 40% significant success in shepherding in 2010. Education is another sector unemployment downwards since where the private sector has taken up 2003, when 25% were unemployed, the slack, with the number of private the huge number of graduates who schools almost doubling in a single join the workforce each year are bound year. to put a major strain on the capacity to create more jobs. Enterprising solutions Moreover, significant unemployment, Iraq’s National Development Plan under-employment and low pay have for 2013 to 2017 focuses both on Private sector: a significant knock-on effect on poverty. developing the private sector and exploiting it as a vector for development. Petroleum represents Unsurprisingly, three-quarters of Iraqis 98% of exports believe that poverty reduction is the The document encapsulates the most pressing priority for the country. government’s vision: ‘To build up a Private sector creates diversified and prosperous economy 35% of GDP The power of entrepreneurship with industry, energy, agriculture and tourism as the main drivers and pillars In recent years, Iraq has been striving of development, where the public to wean itself off its oil dependence. and the private sector, along with civil ‘Economic reform required the reduction society, are partners in development.’ of the domination of oil revenue on the economic situation and the adoption of In February 2015, the Iraqi a policy of diversifying the economy and government launched its Private Sector developing other productive sectors,’ Development Strategy (2014-2030), said Iraq’s former planning minister, which aims to create sustainable Mahdi al-Hafez, in an interview. Among growth and jobs by stimulating private the important tasks are to develop the enterprise and industry. The strategy is private sector and the middle class in divided into two phases. The first is led Iraq. by the government and runs until 2017. The second phase (2018-2022) will Stimulating the private sector has been see leadership gradually transferred to a top priority of Iraq’s previous two the private sector, which will assume national development plans. So far, the leading role by 2030. this has delivered limited results, with the private sector growing slightly to “The country can’t rely on a single constitute nearly 35% of GDP. Despite source of income and revenue; we the government’s focus on private must find alternatives to support the enterprise, the private sector’s relative Iraqi economy,” said Iraqi Prime Minister contribution to fixed capital formation Haidar al-Abbadi shrank significantly, falling from 6.8% The EU fully supports Iraq’s efforts to to 3.7% between 2009 and 2010, diversify its economy and to encourage even though the target is 46%. the private sector to take up its role in The government’s strategies sought promoting sustainable and inclusive to guide the private sector towards growth. For example, Iraq has been greater diversification and new sectors, added to the list of countries that but most private investors chose to stick can receive loans from the European to traditional, tried-and-tested models. Investment Bank, which can be used That said, efforts to boost investment to stimulate the private sector and in manufacturing have paid dividends, especially SMEs. with capital investment tripling in a few short years. Private sector output 36

Case studies

Energising EU-Iraq cooperation

The energy sector is of vital importance both to Iraq and the European Union. Iraq possesses an abundant supply of petroleum resources but needs to exploit its resources Iraq possesses an better, diversify its energy mix and move up the value chain. The EU possesses a diverse abundant supply energy mix and cutting-edge energy technologies, especially renewables, but suffers from relative energy insecurity. of petroleum resources but The massive opportunities for EU-Iraq cooperation in the energy sector to deliver huge dividends for both sides in the form of complementarity and synergies explains why the needs to exploit EU-Iraq Energy Centre (EUIEC) is now being established. its resources The EUIEC’s tentative objectives are to improve the business climate in the Iraqi energy better, diversify sector by upgrading its management, business practices and research capacities. It also its energy mix seeks to promote energy-related cooperation between a broad range of stakeholders in Iraq and Europe: governments, academia and the business community. and move up the value chain. Following decades of war, conflict and sanctions, Iraq’s crumbling energy sector faces enormous challenges. The EUIEC will help put it back on the path to sustainable development by pursuing a systematic approach to the various challenges, promoting strategic planning and facilitating long-term cooperation and partnering.

The EUIEC is intended to work on four main pillars: R&D, business cooperation, policy dialogue and training, and to focus on renewables and energy efficiency, as well as electricity, oil and gas. 37

The EU supports vocational education and training

Helping Iraqis find their vocation Nearly a fifth of Iraqis aged 18 to 25 are unemployed, and this figure is likely to grow with the country’s high youth population. The public sector can only absorb a small proportion The government of these young jobseekers, which means that the solution lies with private enterprise. has highlighted The government has highlighted the importance of technical and vocational education the importance and training (TVET) in preparing young Iraqis for the labour market and helping them find their calling. The National Strategy for Education and Higher Education (2012-2022) of technical and the National Development Plan (2013-2017) both set ambitious goals for the TVET and vocational sector. These include boosting enrolment rates, reallocating funds to expand admission opportunities and gearing TVET to meet the needs of the job market. education and UNESCO, the UN’s cultural and educational arm, in partnership with the Iraqi government, training (TVET) has launched the comprehensive ‘Reforming technical and vocational education and in preparing training (TVET) in Iraq’ initiative, using funding from the EU. The ambitious programme aims to give TVET a more central role in Iraq’s economic development and to reform young Iraqis the sector so that education and training provided are in line with international quality for the labour standards and, crucially, develop relevant skills for available jobs. market and The reform project pursues an integrated, holistic approach which takes into account the TVET landscape in its entirety, including training centres for skilled workers, vocational helping them schools training professionals and technical universities graduating top-level specialists. find their A supreme body will be tasked with putting in place a vision for the sector, as well as formulating policies and plans. calling. Decentralisation is also a key component of the programme. It is working to set up decentralised governance and management systems, which devolve executive powers to TVET institutions while the central administration takes care of planning, supervision, monitoring and evaluation. In addition, the project is developing a framework for nationwide recognition of TVET qualifications and a flexible system of credits to enable students to better pursue their interests. To facilitate easier entry into the workforce, the initiative recommends setting up employment centres at TVET institutions, and is working to build robust public-private partnerships between the government and enterprises that will enable TVET to produce the kind of skills the private sector requires and help graduates find gainful employment once they have finished studying. Nuclear safety

Decontaminating the past

The damaged IRT-5000 reactor at the Al Tuwaitha Nuclear Research Centre in Iraq

Iraq’s nuclear programmes ended is designing a disposal facility for long ago, but its former nuclear sites radioactive waste. This repository remain a cause for concern. Many will receive all the waste from past were damaged during the 1991 Gulf activities and will be able to deal with war, while others have been looted in any future waste produced in the recent years due to the difficulty of country. policing and securing them amid the A second and third project, which ongoing turmoil. These sites require have received EUR 4 million in EU decommissioning, decontamination funding, shall build and equip two and other forms of remediation. radio-chemical laboratories, one of The Iraq Decommissioning Dismantling and clean-up efforts are them mobile. A fourth, EUR 1.5 million Project team conducted under the auspices of Iraq’s project is providing regulatory support Ministry of Science and Technology, in radioactive waste management, which is in charge of nuclear waste decommissioning and remediation of management and holds the licences contaminated sites. for ten nuclear sites in the country, while regulatory issues are handled by the Iraqi Radiation Protection Centre (RPC), which reports to the Ministry of the Environment. The EU supports the Iraq Decommissioning Project (see box). In addition, the European Commission has approved four projects to boost Iraq’s decommissioning capacity under the Instrument for Nuclear Safety Cooperation (INSC). The first, launched in June 2015 and worth EUR 2 million, 39

Case study

Radiating safety The Iraq Most of Iraq’s nuclear sites are contaminated to some degree or another. Based on a request from the Iraqi government, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Decommissioning launched the Iraq Decommissioning Project in 2006. With funding from the EU and Project has already other donors, the project assists Iraq in its efforts to decommission these legacy facilities, from the legislative and regulatory framework to actual clean-up and achieved significant decommissioning. success, such ‘This project is of paramount importance in assisting Iraq in planning for and as the full-scale decommissioning its existing nuclear facilities, managing radioactive waste, and remediating contaminated sites,’ according to the European Commission. ‘It will bring decommissioning European and international expertise in this field to Iraq.’ of the entire al- The Iraq Decommissioning Project has already achieved significant success, such as Tuwaitha site. the full-scale decommissioning of the entire al-Tuwaitha site. This not only removed the risk posed by the site but also transferred vital knowledge and know-how to Iraqi scientists and technicians. With EU funding from its Instrument for Nuclear Safety and Cooperation, the Iraq Decommissioning Project has built Iraq’s capacity in decommissioning and waste management, supplied personal equipment for workers, and trained Iraqi scientists and engineers. Humanitarian assistance

Ready for humanitarian action

A child carrying a humanitarian aid package distributed by the EU

Iraq remains one of the most serious Misery multiplied humanitarian crises in the world. To tackle this burgeoning crisis, the The number of people requiring European Commission’s Humanitarian life-saving assistance has reached Aid and Crisis Management the staggering figure of 8.2 million arm, ECHO, works with local and in less than a year, according to international partners to help meet the UN’s Office for the Coordination the urgent humanitarian needs of of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) IDPs and refugees. With a budget of and the International Organisation EUR 65.55 million for 2015, ECHO’s for Migration (IOM). This out of a office in Iraq monitors the situation on population of just over 33 million. the ground and helps coordinate the Over 3.1 million people have been humanitarian response. displaced, according to the IOM, on ‘The number of people in need of top of 1.13 million existing internally life-saving assistance in Iraq has displaced persons (IDPs) from increased by 400% in less than a year,’ previous conflicts. Despite the large said Commissioner for Humanitarian number of Iraqis seeking refuge, Aid and Crisis Management Christos Iraq has itself become a refuge for Stylianides, on the occasion of the Syrians escaping the carnage next announcement of an additional EUR door. There are an estimated quarter 25 million in EU humanitarian aid, in of a million Syrian refugees in Iraq. June 2015. The ongoing conflict and violence have left millions destitute and This latest EU humanitarian vulnerable and needs continue to assistance is in direct response to grow. the emergency, life-saving needs of the families who fled the fighting in Ramadi, the capital of al-Anbar province. It will help provide them 41

with water, food, sanitation, shelter, Wanted: more and better aid medical supplies and healthcare Given the magnitude of the crisis – the bare minimum for human in the country, more funding and survival. The recent displacement, support from the international caused by the conflict in Ramadi, is humanitarian community is Humanitarian massive: 300 000 have fled their desperately needed in Iraq. assistance: homes since military operations and It is not just a question of quantity, 8.2 million people in ISIL/Da’esh attacks escalated on 8 Iraq need humanitarian April. People are still on the move in though. Quality is also vital. assistance multiple directions in search of safety. The urgency of needs-based humanitarian funding in line with EUR 163 million: EU Unable to move on to Baghdad, the and MS humanitarian aid IDPs remained stuck and vulnerable the four humanitarian principles – in Iraq in 2014 in al-Anbar governorate. humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence – has never being Safe passage so high as it is today, Commissioner The recent escalation in hostilities Stylianides highlighted. has led to greater vulnerability for ECHO and the other humanitarian the civilian population, who are actors in Iraq are working to finding it increasingly difficult to coordinate their efforts more closely flee to safer ground. In addition, to ensure that the limited available the UN reports that all parties to resources make the maximum the conflict have committed gross impact in the most principled human rights abuses and violations way. This includes the ‘whole-of- of international humanitarian law. ‘I Iraq’ approach, which provides urge all parties involved in the conflict humanitarian assistance to the most to protect civilians and allow them vulnerable Iraqis, regardless of their safe passage when fleeing from religion, ethnicity or location. conflict-affected zones,’ European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides emphasised. In addition to the protection of and safe passage for civilians, delivering aid to the affected population is becoming a major challenge. The ongoing violence, growing insecurity, as well as the isolation of many affected groups in hard-to-reach areas in northern and central Iraq have significantly reduced the humanitarian access of aid workers. Reaching people in such conflict-affected areas, such as those controlled by ISIL/Da’esh, has become a top priority for ECHO. 42

Case studies

‘We left in the Emergency kits, a lifeline for the displaced It is mid-morning and the sun is gaining strength, yet many people stand outside the Thi night, in a hurry, Ael-Nnorain mosque, queuing patiently. People forced to leave their homes because of with only the widespread conflict in Iraq receive an emergency kit with enough basic supplies, such as drinking water, soap and hygiene items, stoves, clothing, bedding and food rations. Each clothes we were kit caters to a family of seven for one week. wearing.’ Rabaa, Supported by the European Commission, these emergency kits are part of the Rapid displaced Response Mechanism (RRM), which was set up to respond promptly to the immediate, mother-of-two life-saving needs of displaced people, within 72 hours of their arrival at their destination. Among them is Rabaa, a mother-of-two from Hawiga, which lies southwest of Kirkuk. Like many of those gathered at the mosque, Rabaa and her family were forced from their homes under the worst of conditions. ‘There was fighting very close to our house. We left in the night, in a hurry, with only the clothes we were wearing. We were very frightened,’ she said. The family has no hope of returning home in the near future, so they are doing their best to make some kind of a life in the relative safety of Kirkuk city. ‘We have no money. We cannot afford to buy anything,’ Rabaa said. ‘These supplies are very helpful, but what are we going to do for the long term?’ The crisis in Iraq affects all Iraqis and all communities. Over 8 million are already in need of urgent lifesaving help. This number is expected to reach 10 million by the end of 2015. Over half of these are children.

Mobile clinics in hard-to-reach areas Fahimah is a mother of two children who survived the odyssey of fleeing from Anbar as clashes between government forces and militants spilled into her neighbourhood. ‘It was a very difficult decision to leave home but we had no choice,’ she explained. ‘The children were so afraid. I couldn’t risk both being killed.’ Reaching safer ground did not bring her family’s tragedy to an end. Having spent all their family savings on a dangerous journey across deserts and checkpoints, threatened by warring factions, she now urgently needs medical care for her four-year-old child. ‘I couldn’t get any treatment for my son,’ she said. Unfortunately, Fahimah’s story is not unique. There are thousands of families like hers throughout the country. Many do not survive the journey, while others remain trapped in remote areas. Iraq is mired in a heart-breaking protection crisis with families left without assistance or basic services. Inside Iraq, ECHO supports international NGOs in their efforts to enhance access to healthcare for those affected by the conflict. Particular attention is given to hard-to-reach areas. One project, for instance, runs three mobile clinics based in Dohuk and Najaf, which supply medication, primary healthcare and trauma kits, to help more than 19 000 displaced people. The mobile clinics conduct some 40 medical consultations per day, 43

including treatment of infectious diseases, growth monitoring of children under the age of five and nutritional assessments. ECHO, in “We don’t know what’s going to happen in the future but thanks to the medication, my coordination with son’s health is improving,” Fahimah said local authorities

Peace through child’s play and international Salma is an ordinary eight-year-old girl who has lived through the extraordinary agencies, has circumstances of Syria’s civil war. Salma and her family are among the quarter of a stepped up its million Syrian refugees in Northern Kurdistan. A huge strain has been put on the capacity of local communities. support for Syrian ECHO, in coordination with local authorities and international agencies, has stepped up refugees in its support for Syrian refugees in northern Iraq. northern Iraq. While conditions may be difficult, the refugees are relieved. ‘We feel safe now. I can sleep, I can see my children around me, I can eat,’ admitted Salma’s mother. ‘I like singing and colouring,’ Salma relates, ‘but I hadn’t done it since we left home.’ That was until she joined nearly 300 other children and youth, including her brothers, in a friendly and safe space where they can play, take part in recreational activities and learn new things. With minors accounting for an estimated two-fifths of refugees in Iraq, according to UNHCR estimates, programmes like this are urgent and necessary. Operated by the French NGO ACTED, this project is supported by the EU’s Children of Peace initiative, which seeks to ‘let children of war be children of peace’. Across Iraq, projects benefitting 6 400 children are being funded by the initiative. These include emergency, basic education and psychosocial care. Financed by the proceeds from the EU’s Nobel peace prize, Children of Peace is helping 28 000 conflict-affected children in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America. 44

Strengthening Iraq through EU cooperation

EDUCATION: WATER AND SANITATION: HEALTH: GOVERNANCE: 14% school-age Iraqi children 10% - deaths related to Indicators of malnutrition: Iraq ranks 170th in not in school water, sanitation and hygiene Transparency International’s 22.6% - stunting in children Corruption Perception Index 4% - secondary school 90% - water supply under 5 attendance in rural areas used by agriculture 8.5% - children U5 21.5% - adult Rural urban divide: underweight (>15y) illiteracy Access to drinking water 11.8% - children U5 17.6% - youth 66.9% vs 94% overweight (15-24y) is illiterate Access sanitation 67.6% - population with 79.8% vs. 86% no secondary education 327 litres per capita 5.4% - children who water consumption per day have books at home 45

MIGRATION: PRIVATE SECTOR: HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE: 3 million internally Petroleum represents displaced Iraqis 98% of exports 8.2 million people in Iraq need humanitarian assistance 250 000 Syrian Private sector creates refugees in Iraq 35% of GDP EUR 163 million: EU and MS humanitarian aid in Iraq in 2014

Source: European Commission, UNDP, UNESCO, UNICEF Pictures: ©Khaled-Sulaiman, ©Laith Al-Obeidi 46

Painting outside the lines: displaced children express themselves through art

Further reading

Useful links EU Delegation to Iraq: http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/iraq/index_en.htm Development Cooperation in Iraq - EuropeAid site: https://ec.europa.eu/europeaid/countries/iraq_en Humanitarian Aid in Iraq - DG ECHO site: http://ec.europa.eu/echo/where/middle-east-north-africa/iraq_en EU relations with Iraq - EEAS site: http://www.eeas.europa.eu/iraq/index_en.htm EU trade with Iraq – DG TRADE site: http://ec.europa.eu/trade/policy/countries-and-regions/countries/iraq/ European Union in Iraq’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EUinIraq Contact details Directorate General for International Cooperation and Development Directorate H - Development Coordination, Asia, Central Asia, Middle East/Gulf and Pacific Unit H2 - Development coordination Central Asia, Middle East/Gulf and Pacific Rue Joseph II 54, B-1049 Brussels Email: [email protected] Catalogue number: MN-01-15-864-EN-N ISBN: 978-92-79-52838-5 DOI: 10.2841/443866