CONTENTS

Foreword...... 5 Executive summary...... 6 Introduction...... 10 About Human Appeal...... 10 About the Study...... 10 Contextual overview...... 11 Displacement, Return, and Safety...... 12 Civil Documentation...... 13 Economy and Employment...... 14 Infrastructure and House Damage...... 15 Community Cohesion...... 18 Female – Headed Households...... 19 Methodology and Methods...... 20 Survey and focus groups...... 20 Sampling...... 21 Study Limitations...... 21 Findings...... 22 Displacement and Return...... 22 Safety and Security...... 22 Access to Services...... 23 Shelter and Property...... 25 Access to Livelihoods and Income...... 28 Access to Aid...... 32 Civil Documentation...... 33 Arbitrary Detentions...... 34 General Well-Being...... 34 Social Cohesion...... 35 Women and Female-Headed Households...... 37 Conclusions and Recommendations...... 38 References...... 41

Acronyms:

FFS Funding Facility for Stabilization FHH Female-headed household HRW Human Rights Watch IDP Internally Displaced Person MHI-5 Mental Health Inventory (5 items) IOM International Organization for Migration ISIS Islamic State of Iraq and Syria MHH Male – headed household UNHCR United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNDP United Nations Development Programme

2 3 FOREWORD

Almost a year has passed since large-scale fighting The people of Mosul will need support for some time in Mosul ended. Life is coming back to the city as to come. Rebuilding and restoring communities goes thousands of people return to their homes and far beyond bricks and mortar, and what is needed is start to rebuild their lives and communities. But a comprehensive response to the Moslawis’ needs, still the legacy of conflict casts a shadow over the from infrastructural to social. Leaving this vital city and its inhabitants, and the task of rebuilding job half done could abandon Iraqis to slip back into is immense. So much remains to be done to repair vulnerability and exacerbate social tensions, while damaged and destroyed homes, public buildings and compromising recovery and longer-term stability infrastructure, restore essential services like water in Iraq. As the country transitions out of crisis, and electricity, and facilitate peaceful coexistence UNHCR and its partners such as Human Appeal are among the city’s inhabitants. committed to standing by the people of Mosul every step of the way on the road to recovery. Across Iraq, the return home of displaced Iraqis must be safe, voluntary and based on an informed This report, commissioned by UNHCR and decision about the conditions in their home areas. undertaken by Human Appeal, delves into the needs When people return home prematurely, it risks of different groups of West Mosul residents and the another displacement of families already made challenges they face. Respondents include people vulnerable by years of extremist control, conflict and who fled during the conflict and recently returned, life in displacement, further decreasing their ability and those who remained in their homes. The findings to withstand hardships. Premature return is going indicate that recovery is some way off for many backwards, not forwards. of the respondents regardless of whether they remained in the city or fled for safety, and people will continue to need humanitarian assistance for some time, even as longer-term work is underway to restore the buildings and communities of Mosul brick by brick.

Head of UNHCR Mosul Sub-Office Hovig Etyemezian 5 Executive summary

The present survey, undertaken by Human • When asked on their satisfaction regarding return, • Only ten percent of households explicitly • When asked on what they primarily spend their Appeal, explores the challenges that returnees 14% are satisfied and 57% are somewhat satisfied, mentioned not lacking income and/or having income on, respondents mentioned: food (80%), face, including female – headed households and 6% are neither satisfied nor dissatisfied with 21% enough. Others, in order to cope with the lack fuel (45%), housing (45%); health services (38%); the coping mechanisms that these are currently expressing dissatisfaction, especially women. of income mostly resorted to: borrowing money water (17%); repaying loans (14%); education adopting in three neighbourhoods of West Mosul, Dissatisfaction with return could also be considered (58%); spending savings (25%); reducing spending (15%); clothing (13%); transportation (13%); namely Al-Yarmouk (in Al-Rabee), Al-Mamoun, and as a proxy indicator of premature returns. on health (20%); reducing spending on food (18%); spending for generating income (8%); and other Tel Al-Rumman (both in Mosul al-Jadeeda). The relying on support of family or friends (17%); (4%), including electricity and house repairs. information collected by the study intends to inform • When asked about safety, 91% of respondents selling items from damaged homes (9%); and the planning and interventions of humanitarian feel safe, 6% feel neither safe nor unsafe, and collecting food/water/other items for disabled • When asked about priority needs, 77% mentioned actors in the study areas and can serve as material only 2.6% feel unsafe (with the remaining families (3.8%). food (with female-headed households in higher for advocacy efforts. data missing). However, more than half of the percentages than male-headed households); respondents raised at least one safety concern, • The survey found that children pay the highest 61% health care; 60% mentioned water; 35% including ISIS, contamination with explosives, price: in order to cope, families reduce spending education; 34% shelter; 10% security; 8% criminality, militias, and other concerns. on education (18%), send children to beg (9%) documentation and legal support; and 5% and force children to work (6%). psychosocial support. While respondents did • Satisfaction with service provision is low: only not list fuel/kerosene as a priority need, spending 18% of households are satisfied with the current • An alarming 42% of households also have patterns revealed that this is considered a top health provision, 31% with education, 37% with at least one child under 15 contributing to priority need, which was also corroborated electricity, and 44% with water. Ninety – two household income. by focus group discussions. percent have access to the public water supply system where major concerns remain over • In order to improve their income-generation • In terms of legal assistance and documentation water quality and irregularity of access. ability respondents mentioned requiring a needs, participants mentioned requiring assistance grant, or financial support (73%); a car/van/other with: identification cards (16%), birth certificates • When asked about the condition of their vehicle (23%); vocational training (20%); improved (14%), death certificates (6%), documentation houses, only 31% mentioned a generally good mobility (10%); education (10%); and primary related to moving property (2.2%), and to a smaller condition. Forty – four percent mentioned and/or secondary education. However, the most extent property documentation (1.6%). a lack of windows; 40% mentioned a lack of important necessity was overwhelmingly doors; 30% high humidity; 20% mentioned dirt; considered resuming government jobs, which • Forty-four percent of households have at least 20% leaking water; 19% broken stairs/debris; would in turn revitalize the whole economy. one member with a long-standing illness or 15% a lack of ventilation; 14% walls/roof of disability and psychological well-being is plastic, wood, iron or fabric; 10% the presence • Women’s contribution to household income is critically low among the respondents. of rodents; and 9% mentioned health hazards. low: only 24% of female respondents compared to 54% of male respondents were contributing • Social cohesiveness has been eroded in West • One household in 5 requires support for house to household income. And the female contribution Mosul. Only 23% of respondents mentioned the repairs for various degrees of destruction. is also considerably lower, on average between existence of community representative bodies – IQD 50,000 to 100,000 (or USD 43 to 86) compared among which only 34% are women and 66% are • The average household income is between to the IQD 200,000 to 300,000 (or USD 168 to 258) men - and 72% think that such bodies do not exist. IQD 150,000 to 200,000 (or USD 127 to 168), contributed by male respondents. which converted to an annual income amounts • When asked about the presence of tensions to IQD 1,800,000 to 2,400,000 (or USD 1,514 to • Within their respective neighbourhoods, 63% between different groups in the community, 2,018) and is considerably lower than the average of respondents have received some form of 22% think there are tensions (with the highest annual income in Iraq that was set at IQD 7 million assistance in Al-Mamoun, 18% in Al-Yarmouk, recorded in Tal Al-Rumman), 19% neither agree (or USD 5,882) as of 2012. and 37% in Tal Al-Rumman, mostly food, non- nor disagree, and 57% disagree. food items, and water. • The fact that households on average have 9.4 members who mostly rely on a single source of • Female-headed households are less likely to low income is telling of the extreme vulnerability have received any form of assistance compared of families in the studied areas. to other households, (which is statistically significant – consider deleting); 70% of FHHs compared to 56% of MHHs have not received any assistance.

6 7

INTRODUCTION Contextual overview Mosul city was considered the third most populous Most of the incoming internally displaced persons city in Iraq, after Baghdad and Basra. A city straddling (IDPs) and rural migrants to Mosul city between the banks of the Tigris River, West Mosul is home 2003 and 2014 (prior to June 10- which year?) settled to the older part of the city, and East Mosul is home in some of the city’s poorest and least serviced to the newer parts. Mosul has historically been an neighbourhoods. Rural migrants originating from About Human Appeal About the study ethnically diverse city where Arabs, Assyrians, the southern villages and subsectors (Hammam Kurds, Turkmens, Shabaks, Yazidis, Armenians, Al-Alil, Al- Shora, Al-Qayara, Tal Abta) settled in and Mandeans lived. A map from 2010 (Photo 1) the south western part of Mosul (in Al-Mamoun, Human Appeal, established in 1991, is a British The present study explores the challenges that provides some evidence of the past diversity of Al-Rafidain, Tal Al-Rumman, Al-Risala, Wadi Al- international development and relief charity based returnees face, including female – headed households Mosul city and its surrounding areas, including the Ein, and Al-Yarmouk neighbourhoods). According in Manchester. Human Appeal strives for the (FHHs) and the coping mechanisms that these are high number of ethnically mixed neighbourhoods. to local residents, some of the newcomers to the prevention or relief of poverty by providing grants, currently adopting in three neighbourhoods of West Since mid-2014 and the takeover of the city by ISIS, city from surrounding regions were radicalised items and services to individuals in need and/or Mosul, namely Al-Yarmouk, Al-Mamoun, and Tel nearly all non-Sunni Arab residents of the city have and subsequently joined Al-Qaeda and participated charities or other organizations working to prevent Al-Rumman. The information collected by the study been violently expelled, including the inhabitants in the on-going sectarian violence. Some assumed or relieve poverty. will be used for advocacy and future interventions of surrounding areas. Based on the displacement a leadership role in the fighting and supported the by the organization in the study areas. numbers from 2014, it was estimated that the Sunni Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in taking Human Appeal provides humanitarian aid and Arab population residing in the city and the suburbs over the city in June 2014. responds to natural disasters such as earthquakes The report provides a contextual overview of of Mosul amounted to between 35% and 40% of and floods. In particular, the charity specialises demographics, current events, reconstruction, the total urban population. Mosul city also rests in water purification and sanitation systems, economy, employment, community cohesiveness, at the northern tip of the “Sunni Triangle,” a region food security, and building large shelters. Human and some aspects of premature return from of north-western Iraq that is densely populated Appeals’ focus is also on poverty alleviation, income displacement in the city of Mosul. The section by Arab Sunnis. generation, skills and training, education (both is then followed by an outline of the methodology building schools and curriculum development), and the findings subdivided into displacement health (maternal health and child health) and and return, safety and security, access to services, gender equality. livelihoods and income, shelter and property, general well-being, civil documentation, arbitrary detentions, Human Appeal began its current interventions and community cohesion. The challenges experienced in Iraq in response to the Mosul crisis in November specifically by FHHs are addressed separately in 2016. Human Appeal is responding in various the last section of the report. sectors (in Ninewa, Erbil, Dohuk, Salah al Din and Anbar) – these being, FSL, Cash, WASH, Shelter and NFIs and Protection. Human Appeal has partnered with UNHCR, WFP and OCHA and is delivering programming on behalf of Oxfam GB and AmeriCares. Human Appeal is one of the 6 NGOs elected to the Humanitarian Country Team for Iraq. Human Appeal seconded a staff member to the Protection Cluster for Emergency Protection Mainstreaming of front-line NGOs and has taken the responsibility of the Co-lead position for the Ninewa Protection Working Group.

Photo 1: Ethnic composition Mosul (Source: Izady, 2010, Gulf2000.columbia.edu)

11 Displacement, Civil documentation return, and safety Another issue is the question of housing, land, and property, and the ability to prove ownership Beginning in 2014, ISIS captured a third of Iraq’s The National Policy on Displacement outlines the upon (or before) return. A lot of documentation territory, mainly Ninewa, Anbar, Salah al-Din, rights of IDPs that the Iraqi government and Kurdistan was destroyed under ISIS and even though the Diyala, and Kirkuk. During the summer months Regional Government commit to upholding, such as group has sometimes issued its own documents, of 2014, ISIS instigated the displacement of over half property compensation, freedom of movement, and such as for births, these are not recognized by the a million people from and within Ninewa. The group social care. Additionally, the National Policy details government of Iraq. Compensation for destroyed implemented a systematic campaign to empty the how national authorities plan to meet IDPs’ and property as outlined in the National Policy has also region of religious and ethnic diversity. Christians, returnees’ basic needs, including food, employment, proven problematic. There are reports of people Turkmens, Yezidis, Shabak and others faced shelter, and education. However, given the ongoing who returned home that they were told by authorities targeted killings, abductions and persecution. economic crisis and the drain on the state budget they could not file a compensation claim. Even because of the fight against ISIS, the Iraqi government worse, some were told that they could file a claim By June 2016, Iraqi Security Forces backed by U.S. has not been able to designate significant funding upon return, travelled to their home areas and and Coalition airpower had retaken most of the to ensure that returns occur only when people feel then were not able to do so. territories held by ISIS. Operations began to retake ready. There have been some concerns over whether parts of Ninewa in October 2016 and by January the returns are safe, voluntary and dignified, as 2017 Iraqi forces and the Coalition had retaken East prescribed by the National Policy. In fact, major Mosul. According to the International Organization concerns over explosive ordnance contamination have for Migration (IOM), during that wave of fighting, been raised. In the first two days of an assessment 182,000 people were displaced from East Mosul and conducted by United Nations Mine Action Service its surroundings, receiving shelter in pre-prepared in November 2017, over 100 explosive hazards were camps. Of these, 70,000 returned to their homes by reported by civilians and other national agencies March 2017. An estimated 300,000 people remained to the clearance teams on Ninewa Road, the main in liberated East Mosul. street running from West to East through the Old City. After East Mosul was retaken, a report found that After the military operations concluded in East Mosul there were widespread security issues, including and despite the damage, city life began to resume significant reports of criminality and some looting, quickly, with markets and schools opening. Operations claims of revenge attacks and retaliations from to retake West Mosul began in February 2017. Up unknown armed groups, attacks from ISIS fighters in to 750,000 people remained in ISIS-occupied West West Mosul (including drone-delivered grenades), and Mosul at the beginning of the fighting, living among threats from extremist sleeper cells throughout East 12,000–15,000 ISIS fighters and struggling with acute Mosul. The same report mentioned that the mayor food and water insecurity. According to IOM, the of Mosul, interviewed in February 2017, said ISF and fighting for West Mosul had displaced an additional US counterterrorism forces discovered about 87 ISIS 153,000 people by late March 2017. Total displacement militants hiding in two neighbourhoods alone in one from both East and West Mosul, after accounting for early raid in East Mosul. returns, was 270,000 by March 2017. By July 2017, a total of over a million people had been displaced by the fighting in Mosul, and some 200,000 had returned, leaving net displacement at 822,000. In terms of return numbers, IOM estimated that 15,969 families returned to Mosul as of October 2017.

As to what determines return, a study implemented in liberated areas of Iraq found that security in the area of origin appeared as the main factor influencing the decision to return or remain in displacement: 52% of returnees went back because security was considered good in their area of origin, while 28% of IDPs chose to remain in displacement because of the lack of security back home. Secondary factors preventing return were lack of service provision and damage or destruction of property back home.

12 Economy and employment Infrastructure and house damage Al-Qaeda and affiliated groups had already de According to a study conducted in East Mosul facto control over the city’s administration and in September 2017, the major employer in Mosul economy years before ISIS came into power. After was the government: according to some estimates, On May 3 2017, the Deputy Chairman of the Ninewa As of 30 September 2017, UNDP was undertaking taking control of the city in June 2014, ISIS fighters 60% of jobs were in the government sector. However, Provincial Council announced that the Council has 81 projects in West Mosul. According to the quarterly looted the city’s Central Bank (seizing nearly USD government salaries have been halted during started to formulate reconstruction plans, including report that covers activities from July to September 425 million in cash in addition to a quantity of gold ISIS time, depriving the all of the city’s pensioners, a two-year reconstruction phase focusing on restoring 2017, the offensive to retake Mosul destroyed many bullion) and continued to exploit enterprises and civil servants, doctors, teachers, nurses, police electricity, running water, and infrastructure; of the electrical substations, wires and transformers, forcefully collect fees from business owners and and workers at state-owned companies of both supporting return of IDPs; and a reconciliation while residents in West Mosul completely relied on farmers to finance their organisation. As a result, their income and some of their last official links process. This phase would be followed by a 30-month generators to supply power as a result. West Mosul the city’s economy gradually collapsed. Many private to Baghdad. Additionally, each salary or pension period focused on investment and development. has four water treatment plants, of which two were establishments and small businesses closed down, may support whole families of dependents. The Ninewa Provincial Council representatives reported at the time of reporting functioning at partial and government-funded projects stopped. Industries, impact was felt even more widely among those that efforts to reconstruct Mosul will require several capacity. According to the same report, there are laboratories, cafés, restaurants, clothing stores whose livelihoods depend on customers with cash, billion dollars over a period of at least five years to 16 primary health-care centres and five hospitals and other commercial enterprises also closed as consumer demand became low. The government complete. As of May 2017, Ninewa Governorate has in West Mosul, all of which are in various states down in view of the declining purchasing agreed to pay salaries to the provinces after been allocated USD $44.5 million by the Government of disrepair. power of city residents. liberation and once the cities become inhabited of Iraq to implement the two - year reconstruction plan. by their people again, but it has not happened Although there were no housing projects ongoing Agriculture has historically been the main contributor yet consistently. In late October 2017, The World Bank approved in Mosul, during the third quarter of 2017 FFS to the economy of Mosul, a report found. There are a US$400 million financial assistance package developed plans and recruited housing engineering several grain silos in Mosul district, two of which are According to an assessment conducted in Ninewa to support the recovery, reconstruction and staff to begin works in the last quarter. Destruction inside the city. In addition, Mosul city had a number in October 2017, the governorate has a high share rehabilitation of priority infrastructure to restore of housing is a major issue in West Mosul given of flour factories (private and government-owned). of unemployed returnees, as in nearly 70% of delivery of public services in areas newly liberated the scale of overall destruction, including private After the fall of Mosul, ISIS assumed control over locations in the governorate, most returnees do from ISIS, which also includes Mosul. The package homes and businesses. There are no concrete plans agricultural production, flour factories and bakeries. not have jobs. The study conducted in East Mosul represents additional financing for the Iraq from the Government of Iraq to deal with housing It confiscated the wheat and barley in the city’s silos in September also found that unemployment was Emergency Operation for Development Project compensation for totally destroyed homes. UNITAR and transferred it to Syria. ISIS also confiscated all very high, especially among newly graduated and (US$350 million), approved back in July 2015 satellite imagery coupled with FFS field assessments agricultural equipment loaned by the government young people. The same study found that most and already underway in seven cities in Diyala indicated that approximately 40,000 houses will to local farmers and from minorities who fled. They men reported depending on day labourer jobs and Salah Ad-Din governorates. require rehabilitation or reconstruction support. also forced farmers to sell them their products at in construction, restaurants, and barber shops Of the 54 residential districts in West Mosul, 15 lower rates. The combination of dwindling financial and some said they operate microenterprises The United Nations Development Programme suffered destruction or heavy damage, another returns and a volatile security situation led many or small businesses. (UNDP)’s Funding Facility for Immediate Stabilization 23 areas are moderately damaged, while further farmers to stop working in the fields, and to flee (FFIS) in Iraq is the main vehicle for stabilization 16 neighbourhoods sustained light damage. their villages in search of livelihood opportunities The same study also concluded that while the activities supported by the international community. elsewhere. Nonetheless, the agricultural sector current economy is focused on basic needs – as The FFIS established four categories under which Following FFS assessments conducted during did not entirely collapse under ISIS. people cannot afford non-essential items - there all projects must fall: light infrastructure rehabilitation, the third quarter of 2017, a housing program in is an expectation that government services and livelihoods support, capacity building, and community West Mosul was set to begin initially in Al-Jadeeda Without steady jobs or income, some families had public sector employment will resume, resulting reconciliation. A follow-on program has also been and Al-Ghizlani neighbourhoods. Upon the direction no choice but to consume their savings to meet their in a growth in the construction sector due to initiated, namely the Funding Facility for Extended of the Education Directorate, FFS was also planning daily subsistence needs. Others sold household widespread reconstruction needs across the city. Stabilization (FFES). The FFES is intended to bridge to rehabilitate 63 of the 193 schools in West Mosul. items and/or borrowed money from relatives. Some Without consistent government salaries and the the FFIS and reconstruction, covering up to three Roads are badly damaged in many parts of West families started to raise livestock (chickens, ducks, federal budget allocations to bolster government years and requesting $800 million through 2018. Mosul; municipality services are completely inadequate and sheep) and cut down their spending on food. It services and expenditures, the economy in East By the end of September 2017, FFS was undertaking and require significant support, especially equipment; is likely that many of those who arrived into Mosul Mosul is at a standstill. 269 projects in East Mosul. The immediate priorities and the sewerage network is in disrepair and poses in 2006 from its rural hinterlands and adjacent were to restore water, electricity, education and health a risk for public health. The United Nations is planning districts (Tal Abta and Tal Afar) were among the services to the city. Local authorities also prioritized a fundraising conference in Kuwait in early 2018, city’s most vulnerable groups. Given their precarious support to Municipalities, Roads and Bridges, and which will seek up to $100 billion in donations for living conditions and inability to find work, many Sewerage Directorates, given the poor state of roads, the reconstruction of Iraq. young disenfranchised peasants (both from Sunni excessive rubble, and impaired sewerage networks Turkman origin and from Sunni Arab tribal origin) that posed major risks to public health. became easy prey for ISIS recruiters.

14 15

Community cohesion Female – headed households

The Religious Freedom Report released in 2017 Among other threats, aid workers interviewed by Violence and conflict have a different impact on The latter has also had implications for the family stated that the situation of religious freedom in Iraq HRW said that in May and June 2017, so-called ISIS men, women, girls and boys. In Iraq, women and economy and access to income, as according to a has been one of the worst in the world and during relatives from Mosul living in Hammam al-Alil, 30 girls have been subjected to gross human rights study conducted in East Mosul, the conflict has left the reporting period went into further decline. kilometres south of Mosul, told them that the local abuses such as abductions, killings, trafficking, a significant number of women widowed, many of ISIS has committed grave atrocities against the tribal elder warned them that they might be killed torture, forced marriage, and are exposed to risk whom have never earned an income and may not religious freedom of Christians, Yazidis, Shabak and if they did not leave. The aid workers interviewed of Sexual and Gender Based Violence. Following the have completed secondary school. In fact, according other groups, especially Shi‘a. There were reports by HRW also said that there had been numerous seizure of Mosul, ISIS established a pattern of sexual to the same study, the majority of women also about mass killings, systematic rape, kidnapping, cases of vigilantes vandalizing homes of people slavery, abduction and human trafficking. The ISIS said that they rely on their husband or families for enslavement, especially of women, theft, and the believed to be relatives of ISIS members, leading occupation had a complex impact on gender relations income and that most women in their communities destruction of religious sites like churches and a number of families to leave town. The same within households where even men were punished do not earn an income. mosques. However, Sunnis who did not agree report, based on information collected from a local for perceived transgressions of their wives, sisters with the extreme ideology of the group were also journalist, found that a local police chief reported and daughters, a report found. Years of protracted targeted and hundreds of thousands fled the areas that the police would not stop or arrest members conflict continued to produce dramatic changes to controlled or attacked by ISIS. Additionally, the report of an armed group called the “Hamam al-Alil family structure also with approximately 1.6 million continues, Sunnis also suffered violence by Shi‘a Revolutionaries” that had publicized on Facebook widows and FHHs (that some estimated at 16%). militias supported by the government, crimes which grenade attacks on homes of so-called ISIS families. often go unpunished. Shi‘as are also targeted by There were also reports of a local lawyer collecting Sunni militants in areas controlled by the government. signatures to call for evicting all ISIS families.

In general, the return and faith of ISIS - affiliated Yazidis who once lived in the west of Mosul and families represents a major concern in ISIS liberated Christians are convinced that their Sunni Arab areas. According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), neighbours, with who they had previously lived since May 2017, local tribal and governorate authorities peacefully, were complicit with ISIS in murdering, in Hammam al-Alil, Qayarrah, and Mosul have raping and stealing. The same report mentions that issued eviction calls against so-called ISIS families, they say they cannot return to their villages and in tandem with grenade and other attacks on the towns if ISIS collaborators are allowed to live there. families, as well as threatening letters and demands In addition, the Shia-dominated Iraqi government to deny these families humanitarian assistance. and the Kurdish authorities had an interest in As a result, many of these families have been forced rounding off or expanding the territory occupied to move to nearby camps that are housing families by their communities at the expense of the Sunni displaced by the fighting in Mosul. The same article Arabs whose fortunes, willingly or unwillingly, have reports that in June 2017, a circular was sent to become linked to ISIS and the foundering Caliphate. alleged ISIS families in Mosul telling them to leave However, Arab Sunnis are also themselves complicit the city by July 15, or “you will be shot,” according in attempting to expel other Arab Sunnis believed to social media. In July, an international organization to have ties with ISIS. Reasons are many, including said that some so-called ISIS family homes were because they want revenge, because they claim that being set on fire. In Qayyarah, the same report they cannot protect them, or see them as tainted continues, 60 kilometres south of Mosul, a Popular and because they want to show to Baghdad that Mobilization Forces (PMF) fighter and a senior not all Sunnis sympathize with ISIS. security officer said that a group of families who were ISIS victims, with the backing of local tribal leaders, drew up a list of 67 families whom they demanded should leave the city.

18 19 Methodology and methods Survey and focus groups Sampling Study limitations

The study took a mixed methods approach whereby The survey was administered at household level in A total of 550 surveys were administered in the Focus groups were difficult to conduct, due to a survey explored the trends in terms of challenges the study areas of West Mosul. The survey explored study areas: 183 in Al-Mamoun, 177 in Al-Yarmouk, security restrictions that allowed for mostly short upon return that households and FHHs experienced, the priority needs upon return, safety and security, and 190 in Tal Al-Rumman. The latter were based stays in one part of a neighbourhood on the majority while qualitative data provided in-depth information access to services, along with questions on sources on population estimates provided by government of data collection days. They also take time, especially on the trends established by the survey. of income before/after the occupation, current officials from the areas: 4200 to 4500 in Al-Mamoun, in regard to what focus groups are able to achieve coping mechanisms, and the items on which the 2600 in Al-Yarmouk, and 4500 in Tal Al-Rumman. compared to other methods: synergy among While the topics addressed by the study were households spend most of their income. Questions Each neighbourhood was sampled at 90% confidence participants and depth. Additionally, they require determined based on general and protection-related on savings, credit availability, and land availability interval and 6% margin of error. While a quota for a confined space where people feel relaxed and concerns recorded in other areas of Iraq after these along with its usage, including crop production FHHs was initially determined at 16% of the sample, are able to talk without being overwhelmingly were retaken from ISIS, the study also captures (for personal use and sale) were also addressed. the final sample of the FHHs represents 34% of the interrupted by people passing by, which was elements of the Sustainable Livelihoods framework total sample, which is telling of the high number unavailable for this study. Therefore, the majority that presents key factors affecting people’s livelihood The level of social cohesion was established of FHHs present in Mosul - considerably higher of discussions were conducted on the street with and level of vulnerability. The latter consists of the by exploring the existence of community-level than the estimates for other areas of Iraq. Half shopkeepers, people sitting in front of their houses following five categories: natural resources (also governance bodies, their inclusivity, and the of the respondents are male and half are female catching some sun, or people in front of their houses called ‘natural capital’), physical reproducible goods level of tension present in the community. Survey whereby the female respondents who were not busy with repairs. Considering that actual focus (‘physical capital’), monetary resources (‘financial participants were also administered the Mental head of households were adult women ‘second groups are time-consuming, not all topics were capital’), manpower with different skills (‘human Health Inventory with 5 items or the MHI-5 Scale, in charge’ (after the husband). discussed with all the discussion participants. capital’), and social networks of various kinds which partially addressed issues on general well- Consequently, qualitative data collection was (‘social capital’). The framework rests on the belief being (along questions about household levels of Overall, qualitative data comprises of: a focus group very fluid and improvised based on the people that people require a range of assets to achieve disability). The MHI-5 is a five-item short screening with men and one with women from Al-Jadeeda available in the street where protection officers positive livelihoods outcomes, and that no single questionnaire designed for research and clinical that was used as an exploratory focus group for were simultaneously conducting quantitative category of assets is sufficient to yield desired practice to detect patients with psychiatric disorders improving the survey questionnaire. In Al-Mamoun, data collection. Observation also played a big role livelihoods outcomes. in primary care. It looks at anxiety, depression, a discussion was held in a shop with approximately whereby the consultant also annotated experiences behavioral control, and positive affect. 16 men; one interview with a religious leader; a and ideas shared by the protection officers. focus group with 4 women, and a focus group with Focus groups were conducted with men and FHHs 8 women. In Al-Yarmouk, a discussion was held with Considering that the majority of discussions in the study areas. The latter explored the gendered a shop-keeper and 3 neighbours in front of his shop; were held standing, note taking was also difficult. differences that participants experience upon a grocery seller and four men, who happened to be It was also a challenge to keep the conversation return in terms of access to services, livelihood in the shop; a husband and wife in their home; 2 on track because people are enduring high levels opportunities, and perceptions of safety and security. older men and younger men sitting in front of their of hardship and require a lot of support to restart houses; a father and a son standing in front of their their lives. Consequently, people were mostly trying house, and a university professor. Due to delays in to change the discussion agenda and discussions commencing the quantitative data collection in Tal were often interrupted with requests to address Al-Rumman, the consultant was not able to collect their most pressing needs. Considering that most qualitative data in the neighbourhood. of the discussions were held outdoors, keeping the conversation on topic was even more challenging due to people joining or leaving the discussion, which did not allow for the establishment of focus groups rules for these exchanges.

Nonetheless, the information gathered was triangulated with notes from the field, discussions with protection officers after data collection, and with the team in Mosul. Especially the latter had a good grasp of the problems occurring in each surveyed neighbourhood. Additionally, travel, check- points, and timings of return to Erbil made the actual data collection time-frame very short (3 hours maximum per working day). On some days, data collection lasted for more than 2 hours and in some cases even as little as 30 minutes. For example, in one occasion more than one hour was spent on a check-point negotiating entry into the community.

20 21 The answer to the question on security and safety was Findings also likely rushed. When asked why they do not feel safe (as the software experienced a skipping question This section explores the findings related to problem), many more reported different causes for displacement and return, safety and security, feeling unsafe. Despite the fact that the latter was access to services, shelter and property, income not answered by approximately 40% of respondents, and livelihoods, general well-being, civil the remaining 52% reported at least one safety documentation, and arbitrary detentions. concern (with 8% reporting no safety concern, in line The findings specifically related to FHHs are with having reported feeling safe in the preceding addressed separately at the end of the section. question). The highest percentage or 40% feel unsafe because of ISIS. The latter is a legitimate concern as corruption within the security forces and judiciary contributes to the perception that Islamic State fighters have bought their way out of prison. There Access to services Displacement and return is also a legitimate fear of ISIS sleeper cells being present throughout the city and Iraq in general from where these could stage attacks. News outlets only Chart 1: Satisfaction with health-care in Al-Mamoun, Chart 2: Satisfaction with educational services Almost 8% of respondents never left Mosul, 4.5% confirm such fears. Al-Yarmouk, and Tal Al-Rumman in Al-Mamoun, Al-Yarmouk, and Tal Al-Rumman returned up to a month prior to fieldwork (conducted in mid-December 2017), 6% up to 2 months before, Only 18% are satisfied with their access to health A slightly higher percentage (31%) are satisfied with 12% 3 months, 10% 4 months, 12% 5 months, Nineteen percent of respondents also mentioned IEDs, care, 14% are neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, and their access to education, 12% are neither satisfied and 25% 6 months prior to fieldwork (or more or booby traps, and other type of contamination. Focus 67% are not satisfied with the highest dissatisfaction nor unsatisfied, and57% are not satisfied. Focus less after the fighting in Mosul officially ended). groups also mentioned explosive contamination and recorded in Tal Al-Rumman. Focus group participants group participants in general mentioned inadequate While respondents were identified as Arab Sunni, concerns over contamination clearance not being mentioned requiring to pay for a ticket of IQD 2000 facilities that were over-crowded, teachers as being neighbourhoods such as Al-Mamoun and Tal Al- conducted properly: (or USD 0.85) for a visit, which despite being low, absent, a lack of furniture, lack of books, and even Rumman, at least based on the map above, were “There are land mines just over the wall from the can still be challenging with low or no income. explosive contamination (in a school in Al-Yarmouk) in the past mixed. However, the percentages of house - many people are scared to return because Discussion participants also mentioned they needed as plaguing education in their respective areas. other ethnicities that were present in the respective of this. The army hasn’t adequately removed them, to pay for medicines. When asked about priorities, neighbourhoods in the past remain unclear, which and we are not sure where all the mines, IEDs, and health – care was the second most common need does not allow to us draw any conclusions on UXOs are. We have neighbours who won’t return listed by respondents. the extent of the homogenizing effect of the ISIS because they are concerned about IEDs and some occupation in terms of ethnic diversity in the who died because of them. People won’t come back studied areas. due to the lack of information and rumours of the security forces and Federal Police not properly When asked about their satisfaction regarding clearing houses from explosives.” return, 14% are satisfied and 57% are somewhat satisfied. Six percent are neither satisfied nor Satisfaction with health-care Satisfaction with education dissatisfied with 21% expressing dissatisfaction. Twelve percent mentioned criminality, 10% It could be therefore reasonable to assume mentioned militias (with higher numbers in Tal that in almost 30% of the cases, the return Al-Rumman in comparison to other neighbourhoods), should be considered premature based on and 2% mentioned the Popular Mobilization Forces respondent’s perceptions. (PMF) or Al-Hashd Al-Sha'abi as causing insecurity in their respective communities. The 10% mentioning militias also likely refer to PMF - now incorporated into the national armed forces and therefore not a militia anymore – as there are no other militias Safety and security currently active in the studied areas. Consequently, as much as 12% of respondents likely referred to When asked about safety, 91% of respondents feel PMF as a security concern in their area. Smaller safe, 6% neither safe nor unsafe, and only 2.6% feel percentages mentioned: religious leaders (0.9%); the unsafe (and the remaining data are missing). The respondent’s gender (1.1%), which was mentioned over - optimistic finding could be explained by the by male and female respondents; IDPs (1.8%); people plight that people experienced preceding and during who have returned (1.3%); people who have stayed the fighting in the western bank with extremely (1.1%); Iraqi Security Forces (1.3%); government high levels of insecurity. Additionally, considering authorities (0.7%); tribal leaders (0.5%); and the the current emergency situation with high presence local government (0.4%). of police and different armed actors, safety is likely Not satisfied Satisfied Not satisfied Satisfied better than it was in more than a decade, at least in areas where sufficient trust was established Neither satisfied nor unsatisfied Neither satisfied nor unsatisfied between people and the security provider.

22 23

Satisfaction of electricty Satisfaction of water Shelter and property

Mosul city suffers from a chronic housing shortage. Chart 5: Number of people living in one household The deficit in housing units in Mosul was estimated to have reached 53,000 units in mid-2016 with 29% of the households have up to 6 people living destruction due to the liberation now only adding in the same household, which is the equivalent of to the already high figure. Only three housing an average Iraqi family. The remaining 71% have complexes were built in Al-Yarmouk, Al-Arabi, more than 6 people living in the same household: and Al-Karama neighbourhoods in the 1980s. 32% have from 7 to 9 people; 19% have from 10 to The Al-Hadbaa project near Tal Al-Rumman is 12 people; 9% have from 13 to 15 people; 8% have the only recent public residential project (although from 16 to 20 people, with the remaining small only partially completed). This was later confiscated percentage accounting for more than 20 people by Daesh. New housing provision was limited to residing in the same house. Sixty percent own the private sector. The housing demands of poorer their apartment/house; 27% rent it unfurnished; members of society were mainly met in the old city 1.5% rent it furnished; 8% are hosted for free, and of Mosul where existing buildings became cramped 1.5% occupy it. The lowest level of owned apartments with families living in shared accommodation. are found in Tal Al-Rumman, where also the highest After 2003, informal settlements became a housing number of people is hosted for free. solution and a lucrative business, causing additional Not satisfied Satisfied Not satisfied Satisfied pressure on public utility networks and services. Before the fall of Mosul, there were no national Neither satisfied nor unsatisfied Neither satisfied nor unsatisfied policies in place to regularise informal settlements.

Chart 3: Satisfaction with electricity in Al-Mamoun, Chart 4: Satisfaction with water in Al-Mamoun, Al-Yarmouk, and Tal Al-Rumman Al-Yarmouk, and Tal Al-Rumman Number of people living in one household Only 37% are satisfied with their access to electricity, 44% are satisfied with their access to water (especially 12% are neither satisfied nor unsatisfied, and 50% are in Tal Al-Rumman, which was recorded at 66%), not satisfied. Especially in Al-Yarmouk, dissatisfaction 10% are neither satisfied nor dissatisfied, and 45% with electricity is recorded at 79% (which is below are not satisfied, especially in Al-Yarmouk (64% of 40% in Al-Mamoun and Tal Al-Rumman). respondents). Ninety – two percent have access to the public water supply system, 16% to a tube well with a motor pump, 4.4% to stored spring water; 2.7% to a dam, 1.3% to a water storage tank, 0.3% to a pond, 0.3% to a creek, 1.3% to a hand dug well, 2.7% to a tube well (with a hand pump); 1.6% to a natural spring water; and negligibly small percentages to other sources.

Mosul, and especially its right bank, have always suffered from water scarcity. In 2013, the city built new pumping stations to serve the city’s water network, deploying modern techniques to pump water from the Tigris River, filter and sterilise it. Pumping stations and the water network were functional until March 2015, but due to the lack of any serious maintenance by ISIS water became unfit for drinking. The latter was also corroborated Up to 6 10-12 16-20 by focus group discussions in Al-Mamoun and Al- Yarmouk. Focus groups also mentioned the timing 7-9 13-15 More than 20 of water access as also being limited, in some instances even to 2 hours per week. A press release from Médecins Sans Frontières highlighted a shift in medical needs that reflects the living conditions in the destroyed neighbourhoods of West Mosul with a stark increase in patients suffering from intestinal infections after drinking dirty water, and food poisoning due to lack of electricity and gas for refrigeration and cooking.

26 27 Access to livelihoods and income

When asked regarding the condition of the Regarding the current sources of income, respondents house, only 31% mentioned a generally good mentioned: tailoring/weaving/handicrafts (4.2% with condition. Forty – four percent mentioned a lack a similar percentage recorded for past – or prior to Table 1: Current and past sources of income of windows; 40 % mentioned a lack of doors; 30% occupation - income generation activities); day labour high humidity; 20% mentioned dirt; 20% leaking in the non-agricultural field (8% with 11% recorded water; 19% broken stairs/debris; 15% a lack of in the past); day labour in the agricultural field (4.4% Current (all) Past FHH ventilation; 14% walls/roof of plastic, wood, iron with a similar percentage recorded in the past); Government pension 17% 16% 21% or fabric; 10% the presence of rodents; and 9% small business with non-agricultural products (3.1% percent mentioned health hazards. compared to the 1.6% in the past); driving a van/auto/ Small business (services) 12% 13% 13% motor cycle (9% compared to the 11% in the past); While shelter (in general) was listed as a top small business services (12% compared to 13% in the Regular full-time employment 10% 14% 7% priority by 34% of respondents, those who owned past); small business in buying, trading, selling (8% their house/apartment also listed shelter as a with a similar percentage in the past); regular part- Driving a van/auto/motorcycle/bicycle 9% 11% 6% priority. This could be interpreted as referring time employment (2%); regular full-time employment to the need for house repairs and represents (10% with 13% recorded in the past); financial Day labourer in non agricultural field 8% 11% 7% approximately a third of those, who own their support government (family of martyrs, people Begging 0.4% 0.5% 1.1% house/apartment and about 20% of all the with disabilities, etc. at present 5% and past at 8%); surveyed households. Therefore, 1 household government pension (17% with the same percentage Small business (trading, buying, selling) 8% 9% 7% in 5 requires support for house repairs for in the past); 16% explicitly mentioned not having any various degrees of destruction. income compared to the 6% that did not have any Day labourer in agricultural field 5% 8% 8.5% income in the past. Very small percentages mentioned Considering that 29% percent of households rent raising livestock, dairy, crop cultivation, and fishery. Financial support from the government 4.4% 4.5% 4.3% a house and about a third among these cited a need (family of martyrs, people with disabilities, etc.) for shelter support - or 10% of all the households Apart from the lack of income and to a smaller surveyed - the latter likely refers to financial support extent regular full-time employment, there is no Tailoring/weaving/handicrafts 4.2% 4.7% 5% to pay the rent - or to more adequate shelter, as these substantial difference between the types of livelihoods households are less likely to invest in housing and that households had in the past and now. Overall, Small business (non-agricultural products) 3% 1.6% 4.3% consequently less likely to require support in house considering the low percentage of more stable repairs. Considering the high levels of destruction income, such as regular employment and pensions, Regular part-time employment 2% 2.9% 3.2% in West Mosul, the high price of rents recorded in the family economies were also fragile in the past. In East Mosul, and the general house shortage in Mosul fact, education is also low and illiteracy was recorded Dairy 0.9% 0.7% 1.1% preceding the occupation, rents in West Mosul are at 18% among the respondents. The remaining Livestock 0.4% 1.5% 0.5% likely very high, which was also corroborated by mentioned: being semi-literate (6%); having some a focus group discussion. primary schooling (22%); having completed primary Crop cultivation 0.4% 0.2% 0.5% school (22%); having some secondary education An aspect that the survey did not touch upon is (16%); having completed secondary education (8%); Fishery 0.2% 0.4% 0.5% the looting of private property, including furniture, completed high school (5%); and higher education (6%). water pumps, TVs, and other type of equipment, Cash incentives from trainings 0.2% 0.5% 0.5% which was recorded in most of the areas of Iraq experiencing a former ISIS occupation. A major Remittances 0.4% 0.5% 0.5% issue visible all around the city was the burnt and destroyed cars, trucks, and buses, which were used in the fighting against the Iraqi troops and likely affected the vast majority of the households owning a vehicle in West Mosul.

28 Only 1.6% of households have at least a member, Table 2: Households’ monthly When asked about savings, respondents mentioned The importance of one’s ability to travel was also who migrated to find a livelihood. Only 3.1% own income and spending having cash at hand (35%); tangible assets such as raised by focus groups participants. These discussed land. Negligibly small percentages also own gold (6%); loans given to other people (1.1%). Cash in the challenges for travelling from West to East Mosul animals with 2.7% mentioning chicken. a bank is almost non-existent and was mentioned due to the presence of only one bridge for crossing % of Earnings (IQD) Expends (IQD) % of by only 0.7% of participants (with very small the Tigris. For those who thought that there was no families families Thirteen percent of the families earn up to IQD percentages mentioning other forms of savings). work in West Mosul, there was limited transportation 50,000 (or USD 42) per month; 21% earn between Up to 50,000 13% Less than 50,000 6% Fifty – one percent explicitly mentioned not having available to cross over and when available the costs IQD 51,000 to 100,000 (or USD 43 to 84); 19% make any savings. When asked about credit, respondents were prohibitive. Additionally, some remarked being 51,000 - 100,000 21% 51,000 - 100,000 8% from IQD 100,000 to 150,000 (or USD 85 to 126); 15% mentioned loans from banks (3.5%); family/friends scared to travel, especially men: make between IQD 150,000 and 200,000 (or USD 127 100,000 - 150,000 19% 100,000 - 150,000 13% (2.5%); government (14.5%); private companies to 168); 14% make between IQD 201,000 to 300,000 150,000 - 200,000 15% 150,000 - 200,000 14% (1.1%); and 29% did not know. Forty – five percent We have serious issues with identification. A lot of (or USD 169 to 252); and 8% make IQD 301,000 to mentioned there was no credit available in their people have the same name. We don’t have finger 400,000 (or USD 253 to 336) with only 8% above IQD 201,000 - 300,000 13% 201,000 - 300,000 17% communities. prints. Maybe there are many people with the same 400,000 (or USD 336). Six percent of the families 301,000 - 400,000 8% 301,000 - 400,000 24% name, they will take them when they are looking for spend up to IQD 50,000 IQD (or USD 42) per month; In order to improve their income generation ability someone or a suspect. They will take the first one they 8% spend between IQD 51,000 to 100,000 (or USD Above 400,000 8% Above 400,000 16% respondents mentioned requiring a grant, or find, as long as the name matches. About 2000 people 43 to 84); 13% spend from IQD 100,000 to 150,000 financial support (73%); a car/van/other vehicle in jail have the same problem, I was detained too. This (or USD 85 to 126); 14% spend between IQD 150,000 (23%); vocational training (20%); an increased is a genuine fear here.” and 200,000 (or USD 127 to 168); 17% spend between Ten percent of households explicitly mentioned ability to travel/move around the city (10%); IQD 201,000 to 300,000 (or USD 169 to 252); and 24% not lacking income and/or having enough. Others, higher/university education (10%); primary and/ People are currently borrowing money, selling their spend IQD 301,000 to 400,000 (or USD 253 to 336) in order to cope with the lack of income, mostly or secondary education (8%); and 3.5% do not know. house items, TVs, cars and whatever they have to with 16% above IQD 400,000 (or USD 336). resorted to: borrowing money (58%); spending However, the most important aspect of income make it through the month, focus groups revealed. savings (25%); a reduced spending on health generation improvement was overwhelmingly When asked what they intend to do before they The average household income is between IQD (20%); a reduced spending on food (18%); relying considered resuming government jobs, which receive their governmental salaries, their thoughts 150,000 to 200,000 (or USD 127 to 168), which, if on support of family or friends (17%); selling items would allow many to increase their income: were less clear. As a university professor explained: converted to an annual income, amounts to IQD from damaged homes (9%); collecting food/water/ ”There is very little they could do, they try to rebuild 1,800,000 to 2,400,000 (or USD 1,514 to 2,018) and other items for disabled families (3.8%); and 7% "Now, there are no jobs, before Daesh we were their lives and wait for their government jobs to is considerably lower than the average annual do not know. Children are negatively affected, as working in grocery stores, we had shops, we worked resume.” Despite households managing to secure income in Iraq that was set at IQD 7 million (or respondents mentioned also a reduced spending for the government. Now there is almost nothing. some income, which is extremely low, this does not USD 5,882) as of 2012. Only a very small percentage on education (18%); sending children to work (6%); Rehabilitating the factories, cleaning the roads, the equal an actual job. People are de facto jobless, some of incomes reach the average national levels. and sending children to beg (9%). area, telling the government to pay salaries, that’s for over 3 years now. Some resorted to daily labour what would help. If the government pays the salaries, jobs while others opened small shops in front of Looking into income diversification – measured Households are financially depleted, which led the whole economy would start to recover. And we their house as a last resort: by the total number of income-generating activities to negative coping mechanisms resulting also in would be able to sell." per household – is telling of how resilient households working children and/or child labour as already are in terms of shocks. Alarmingly, 76% of the discussed above. While the latter was not measured "If you knock on a door here, for example, look at households have only one source of income, 6% in the present study, survey respondents were asked these houses, they are really nice and big, but the have 2 sources, and 16% none. The fact that how many children under 15 contribute to their owner of the house has nothing, does not receive a households on average have 9.4 members, who household income. Forty-two percent of respondents salary. These houses here are from people, who were mostly rely on a single very low source of income mentioned at least one child under 15 contributing doing business, they have no income now. Also my is telling of the extreme vulnerability of families to household income (with only 58% mentioning that house is very good, I do not have an income. I had to in the studied areas. a child under 15 was not contributing to household open a shop here in front just to make a living. I do income), which is considerably higher than the not have anything to feed my family otherwise. I was In 61% of the households, the difference between national average set at about 5%. The already high a manager in big company here in Mosul before." income and expenses was negative and if total figure should also be considered an underestimation spending of income is included, 89% of the families considering that working children and/or child are not able to save (or the difference between labour is a multidimensional measurement that income and expenses is 0 or negative). The latter takes several factors into consideration, which is telling of the substantial debt that families are were not included in the present study. currently incurring, which is also confirmed by the high percentage of families borrowing money (mentioned by almost 60% of households).

30 31 Access to aid Civil documentation

Within their respective neighbourhoods, 63% of When asked about their priority needs, 77% Legal assistance was also mentioned as a priority Therefore, it could be reasonable to assume that respondents have received some form of assistance mentioned food; 61% health care; 60% mentioned need among respondents with 4% mentioning it in issues related to civil documentation in these cases in Al-Mamoun, 18% in Al-Yarmouk, and 37% in water; 35% education; 34% shelter; 10% security; Al-Mamoun, 11% in Al-Yarmouk, and 10% in Tal Al- likely refer to travelling time, lack of transportation, Tal Al-Rumman, mostly food, non – food items, 8% documentation and legal support; and 5% Rumman. More specifically, participants mentioned a dysfunctional bureaucracy and similar hurdles and water. psychosocial support. Sixteen percent mentioned requiring assistance with: identification cards rather than complexities arising out of former ISIS other needs but details were mostly not provided (16%); birth certificates (14%); death certificates (6%); issuance of documentation, which was also recorded with a few mentioning cleaning, jobs, electricity, documentation related to moving property (2.2%), in other areas of Iraq. The latter are especially Table 2: Assistance received in Al-Mamoun, fuel, financial support, and belongings, which and to a smaller extent assistance with property problematic in the case of immovable property, Al-Yarmouk, and Tal Al-Rumman probably refers to furniture. Priorities broken down documentation (1.6%). However, qualitative data which was raised by a very small number of per neighbourhood are provided in the table below. did not provide further details in this regard, as respondents, as the findings above revealed. When asked on what they spend mostly their income people interviewed did not encounter difficulties Al- Al- Tal Al- on, respondents mentioned: food (80%), fuel (45%), with issuance of documentation apart from some Mamoun Yarmouk Rumman housing (45%); health services (38%); water (17%); complaints of delays over birth certificates. repaying loans (14%); education (15%); clothing (13%); Food 51% 26% 49% transportation (13%); spending for generating income Availability of PDS 33% 15% 15% (8%); and other (4%), including electricity and house ration Card repairs. While respondents did not list fuel/kerosene Non – food items 27% 16% 8% as a priority need, spending patterns revealed that this is considered a top priority need, which was also Water 15% 35% 26% corroborated by focus groups discussions. Legal assistance 0% 0.9% 2.8%

House repairs 3% 0% 0%

Grants/financial support 0% 0.9% 1.4% Priorities needs mentioned from the government by respondents in Al-Mamoun, Psychosocial support 3% 1.8% 0% Al-Yarmouk, and Tal Al-Rumman Grants, financial 1.2% 1.8% 1.4% support NGOs Al- Al- Tal Al- Mamoun Yarmouk Rumman

Food 74% 80% 79%

Medical Care 67% 70% 57%

Water 61% 63% 56%

Education 35% 44% 28%

Shelter 26% 36% 39%

Security 10% 11% 8%

Legal assistance 4% 11% 10%

Psychosocial support 2.7% 8.5% 4.3%

Other 14% 20% 14%

32 33 Arbitrary detentions General well-being Social cohesion

Another issue raised by some respondents was Twenty-eight percent of survey participants Social cohesion is low in the studied neighbourhoods Another focus group explained: that of detained family members. The percentage mentioned having a long-standing illness or of Mosul. Only 23% of respondents - 34% of women "People are afraid to report ISIS supporters, because could not be established by the present survey, as disability. Among these, 58% find it very limiting and 66% of men - mentioned the existence of they are afraid of the cooperation of the police or the respondents did not mention the issue when asked for conducting their daily activities, 10% somewhat community representative bodies and 72% think army actors with ISIS supporters, so they think twice about their priority needs but only as a note at limiting, 16% neither limiting nor not limiting, that such bodies do not exist. Among the small before reporting any ISIS supporter; they are afraid the end of the survey. Nonetheless, the number is 14% not limiting, and only 2% not limiting at all. percentage of those who agree that there are bodies of being exposed and encounter problems or be in likely high, as a recent study found: 27% of families In addition, 37% also mentioned a household representing community members, 74% think they danger in the future." in Ninewa needed information on the status of member having a long-standing illness or are representative of the different groups from the detained family members (the second highest disability. Combined, 44% of the households community (for example, based on gender, ethnicity, percentage after Salah al-Din). In one street alone have at least a member with a long-standing or religion), 16% neither agree nor disagree, and In contrast, other respondents mentioned full in Al-Mamoun, according to a conversation with illness or disability. 10% disagree. cooperation between security providers and people the community leader or mukhtar of the area, in terms of fighting the remnants of ISIS, which 50 men were detained by the military in the The MHI-5 is a screening test that assesses overall When asked regarding the presence of tensions points to the complex dynamics related to ISIS week preceding fieldwork. psychological well-being. There is no set cut-off between different groups in the community, 22% affiliation currently at play in Mosul, permeated guideline for scores on the MHI-5 that would help think there are tensions (with the highest recorded by a deep sense of social injustice that would distinguish between those with probable mental in Tal Al-Rumman - 26% - and the lowest in Al- require further clarifications and inquiry. health problems from those without, where generally Yarmouk with 20%), 19% neither agree nor disagree, higher scores indicate better mental health. A and 57% disagree. Focus groups provided further All the neighbourhoods visited had a number of

high score on the MHI index denotes feelings of details on the tensions present in the communities houses sprayed with the name Daesh (a street in peace, happiness and calm all of the time, whereas related to ISIS affiliated families, highlighting the Al-Mamoun had even up to 7), which mark where a low score would indicate constant feelings aspect of distrust in the security provider present the so called ISIS families resided. In many of nervousness and depression. Some studies in the area (which was already highlighted in the instances these were burnt but some were still established the cut-off point at ≤ 72, ≤ 65,or even as section on Safety and Security) and wasta – or the inhabited (aside of one example where the family low as 52, which is often used to identify individuals connections that one has - regarded as central in had no place to stay and moved into an empty at high risk for severe depression or other mental one’s faith for past support of the self-styled caliphate: ISIS – affiliated family house). Considering that the health problems. Respondents on a scale from 0 studied neighbourhoods are relatively homogeneous "Security forces do not allow them to come back, to 100, on average scored M=53.8. The average with predominantly Sunni populations, community they sent them to the camps. The security forces established by the present study is below the first tensions refer to tensions between Sunni Arabs, burnt their houses. But usually it is people who burn two suggested cut off points and slightly above the who, a study found, tend to have a more “nuanced their houses also. Before the army burnt houses, they third indicating relatively poor psychological well- understanding of who constitutes an ISIS-affiliated asked people who does not have a house could take being among the population. 52% of respondents person.” The same study found that these differentiate it, some people agreed but most did not, they couldn’t scored lower than 52 – or at risk of severe depression between Arabs still displaced and those who were take somebody’s else houses. Nobody wanted to live or other mental health problems - and 67% scored ISIS fighters, those who agreed with the ideology there. They are afraid to live there. They are afraid below 65. Only sixteen percent scored above 72 (with but did not commit any crimes, and those who were that in the future the owners will come back and take 4.7% of data missing). Five percent of respondents simply trapped with no means to escape, whereas revenge. People will not accept these people back, also listed psychosocial support as a top priority. other ethnic groups claim that revenge is justified under no circumstance. We are refusing because However, considering the findings based on the for any link with ISIS, from ideological affiliation they reported others. MHI-5, the need for psychosocial assistance is to active membership. considerably higher than acknowledged by the One day I was smoking in the house, the neighbour survey participants. wanted to report me, they explained to him that I was crazy and they let me go. It is about killing; in this case we will not forgive them. People are not going to revenge but they will ignore them, discriminate against them. Some families paid some Iraqi forces . to come back. We can’t do anything against them. In ISIS time they were controlling everything, they had power back then and they have it now. We are going to ignore them. People are afraid from everyone here."

34 35 Women and female-headed Households A focus group also described how difficult life Closely related to community cohesion is also can be for families who had a member join Daesh, information on experiences of harassment, which especially in case of blood feuds where even were reported by 0.9% of respondents with 2.8% The present study was also able to identify some Educational levels of women are also generally ‘government clearance’ might not contribute not knowing (with others not reporting any sort of differences in the responses provided by FHHs lower compared to men. Illiteracy, as already to cohesiveness: harassment). One respondent mentioned that he/she and male-headed households (MHHs) (and in some mentioned above, was recorded at 18% the vast is harassed because of his/her political affiliation, instances between male and female respondents) majority of who were women (73% of those "If a man didn’t hurt anyone (referring to an ISIS – 2 because of their gender and displaced respondents on some issues discussed in the previous sections, mentioning being illiterate). In comparison to affiliated person), his sister can travel and move easily. 2 because of mistreatment by the host community. which points to the general higher vulnerability of male respondents, at higher educational levels If the men didn’t commit criminal acts, nobody is going When asked who is harassing them, 4 mentioned FHHs. A higher number of women (26%, compared female education drops substantially. to go after the females of the family. Otherwise these the host community, 1 mentioned the government, to 16% of men) are not satisfied with their decision can’t move freely. You know if you hurt somebody, 3 mentioned PMF, 1 mentioned the Iraqi Security to return and if we include those who are unsure, Women’s contribution to household income is you will be afraid from revenge. Including your Forces, and 2 mentioned militias without providing about 32% of women (compared to 23% of men) also low: only 24% of female respondents compared family members. the name of the militia. Under final remarks in the feel they have returned prematurely. While the to 54% of male respondents were contributing to survey could not establish any difference between household income. Women were mostly working as For example, let’s suppose my brother was supporting survey, surveyors annotated at least 4 respondents, men and women in terms of safety and security, day labourers (10% of all female respondents) and Daesh. I tell to the police that I don’t have anything to who openly complained about their perceived ISIS especially related to Gender-Based Violence, a focus at home (11% of all female respondents) with a very do with it, that’s his decision. They take my profile and affiliation and one respondent, who felt the need group raised the issue of sexual harassment where small percentage in the public sector. And the female call me after a week. They send me to a judge. I have to be more respected, again very likely due to a participants almost nostalgically remembered contribution is also considerably lower, on average to clarify to him that I couldn’t stop him. An official perceived ISIS affiliation. These are not the same ISIS times when perpetrators were punished between IQD 50,000 to 100,000 (or USD 43 to 86) letter will be then released. I’m clear in front of the respondents who reported feeling harassed, which for such acts. However, the extent of the problem compared to the IQD 200,000 to 300,000 (or USD police and army… but not in front of the community." brings the percentage of people, who feel harassed slightly above the percentage reported earlier, at 2%. could not be established as questionnaires did 168 to 258) contributed by male respondents. Another possible source of tensions are people living not specifically address sexual harassment and A focus group also described the consequences of in occupied houses. The latter was mentioned by the questions related to safety might have been In terms of livelihood opportunities for women, branding families as ISIS supporters. Despite feelings only 1.6% of respondents. perceived as too general for addressing an issue respondents mentioned requiring jobs in line of anger, participants implicitly acknowledged that a like sexual harassment that for many might not with prescribed gender roles in Iraq: as teachers, longer- term solution is needed: be even perceived as a safety concern. doctors, nurses, and positions with the government or at home. Shops were considered inappropriate “In the future, nobody is going to give a girl to marry FHHs are less likely to have received any form unless these were located in women’s homes, to a member of an ISIS supporting family for example… of assistance compared to other households, which which is in line with social norms prevailing Any extremist group that comes afterwards, these is statistically significant; 70% of FHHs compared in Iraq. When asked about needs for improving people will go with them. It breeds new terrorists.” to 56% of non - FHHs have not received any assistance. their income generation ability, women mentioned Assistance in the studied neighbourhoods, therefore, requiring a grant/loan/financial support (68%); did not consistently target FHHs, who likely vocational training (16%); higher/university experience difficulties in access especially due to education (8%); nothing (7%); primary/secondary societal restrictions related to women’s freedom of education (11%); an increased ability to travel/ movement. When asked about priority needs, the move freely (8%); surprisingly, a car/van/vehicle highest percentage or 77% mentioned food, with (22%); do not know (4.1%); and other (4.5%), FHHs mentioning food in even higher percentages including buying a sewing machine. compared to MHHs. Also, only 22% of the FHHs compared to the 35% MHHs reported a generally good condition of their house.

36 37 Conclusions Recommendations

In conclusion, in light of/comparison to the hardship Overall, considering the low percentage of more • Based on spending and top priority needs, food • While psychosocial support was listed the and danger experienced during ISIS time and during stable income, such as full time employment and support remains the main need among people least among the top priorities, considering the the military operations to retake the city, people feel pensions, the family economies are fragile with in all three areas. Considering that FHHs have extremely low levels of psychological well-being, rather safe. However, on second thought, insecurity some evidence that these were fragile also in the in general received less assistance than MHHs adequate programming should be also prioritized. related to ISIS, explosive contamination, criminality, past. Monthly incomes are low, approximately four and listed food as a top priority in even higher and presence of militias (where respondents likely times lower compared to the national average. There percentages than MHHs, it would be important • Children work, beg and in many instances referred to PMF) were raised as causing insecurity. is no marked difference between FHHs and other to ensure these are specifically targeted for do not attend school. Building a protective Satisfaction with services is low, especially health- HHs in terms of income - all are equally financially food assistance. environment for children that will help prevent care that seems to record the highest levels of depleted and indebted. Some have received some and respond to exploitation is also a priority dissatisfaction. War and destruction just added form of aid, with FHHs receiving less than others. • Fuel/kerosene should also be considered for in all areas alongside the urgent need to to the already chronic housing shortage present Families have adopted mostly negative coping distribution, considering that it is the second restore education. in Mosul. On average, almost 10 people reside mechanisms, including sending children to beg most cited expenditure in a household. • Based on the findings on income levels and in one house/apartment and only about a third and work. • Services such as health followed by water, expenses, low income diversification, debt, years reported their house being in good condition electricity, and education need urgent of joblessness, high levels of working children with FHHs less likely to report a good condition. In order to improve their income generation ability rehabilitation in all three neighbourhoods. and/or child labour and shelter needs due to respondents mentioned foremost the resumption renting expenses, households urgently require of governmental jobs, but also requiring a grant, or • As the findings revealed, house repairs remain livelihood support. financial support, a car/van/other vehicle, vocational a high concern among people as 1 in 5 households training, improved ability to travel around the city in total require support for house repairs with • The vast majority of respondents expressed the and primary and/or secondary education.. Human very limited (mentioned in Al-Mamoun) or no need for cash to restart their income generation capital, including education, physical ability, and assistance (other areas) received so far. activities or to improve it as currently, despite psychological well-being are low. Social capital some having opened businesses, the income also suffered with one respondent in five reporting • Legal support or documentation was also levels remain extremely low. The communities the presence of tensions in the community.ty. mentioned, with support mostly required for also received very limited financial support so acquiring identification cards, birth certificates, far, from both the government and NGOs. and to a smaller extent death certificates. In order to ensure an expedited resuming of civil • Twenty percent of respondents require vocational administration activities in West Mosul, it is training, both men and women. For the time recommended to help secure ease of access for being, technical trainings should focus on sectors people requiring new issuance or re-issuance with current market demand, such as food service of civil documentation. and/or preparation and the construction sector.

• Considering the relatively high percentage • Working with the government in order to support of respondents mentioning contamination with a longer term strategy that promotes an inclusive explosives as a security concern, demining private sector development in Mosul and a activities should also be prioritized in Al-Yarmouk, decreased reliance on the public sector is needed. Al-Mamoun, and Tal Al-Rumman neighbourhoods The government will continue to be the main of West Mosul. economic driver in Mosul - and as respondents explained - will determine the purchasing power • Considering the relatively high percentage of people and will be responsible for determining of respondents mentioning security providers, the long term economic strategy for the city especially PMF, as a security concern, an and the country more broadly. It is therefore improvement in trust between people and the important to remain engaged in upcoming security providers remains a pressing concern policy conversations surrounding early in West Mosul. recovery and reconstruction, as such strategies are developed especially in order to promote the inclusion of vulnerable and underserved communities, women, and people with disabilities.

38 39 References

• To promote women’s access to income generating • The income contribution of women to the Aid to Church International, “Religious Freedom Report: Iraq,” Iraq Business News, “Average Incomes to Increase 15% in 2012,” 2017, http://religious-freedom-report.org/report/iraq/?pdf=true January 2012, http://www.iraq-businessnews.com/2012/01/18/ opportunities, awareness should be raised among household economy is considerably lower average-incomes-to-increase-15-in-2012/ communities and efforts should be made to build than the one reported by men, which is also The Baghdad Post, “Mosul Emerges from ISIS One Business at a confidence among women, as these mostly do not a reflection of women’s relegation to low paying Time,” n.g., http://www.thebaghdadpost.com/EN/story/16531/ IOM, “Integrated Location Assessment II, Governorate Profiles,” work, especially in light of the high number of jobs in Iraq. Gaps in educational and vocational Mosul-Emerges-From-ISIS-One-Business-at-a-Time IOM, October 2017, http://iraqdtm.iom.int/LastDTMRound/ ILA%20II_PART2%20Governorate%20Profiles.pdf FHHs. Community awareness on the benefits training must therefore be addressed. More Cockburn Patrick, “Mosul Sunni Residents Face Mass of supporting women’s rights and access to work focus is needed also on non-traditional Persecution as ISIS Collaborators,” The Independent, 13 July IOM, “Mosul Crisis,” July 2017, http://iraqdtm.iom.int/Downloads/ should be incorporated into women’s livelihoods occupations for women such as engineering 2017, http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/ DTM%20Emergency%20Tracking/Mosul%20Crisis/0-%20 programming in order to lessen the social and business programs. mosul-sunni-residents-isis-collaboration-persecution-city- Mosul%20Crisis%20Report/DTM%20ET%20Mosul%20Crisis liberation-iraq-fighters-killed-massacres-a7839716.html %20Report%20July%202017.pdf barriers that women face in accessing income • If tensions among community members persists, generating opportunities. Coles Isabel, “Despair, hardship as Iraq cuts off wages in Islamic IOM, “Obstacles to Return in Retaken Areas of Iraq,” 2017, http:// the cycle of violence directly feeds into governance, State cities,” October 2, 2015, Reuters iraqdtm.iom.int/specialreports/obstaclestoreturn06211701.pdf • As women are less likely to contribute to economic, and social crises that directly contribute https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-iraq- household income and due to shifts in gender to collective fears of the future, which in turn salaries/despair-hardship-as-iraq-cuts-off-wages-in-islamic- Izady M, “Mosul and Environs: Ethnic Composition,” 2010, roles they often need to provide for their families facilitates mobilization of group identities based state-cities-idUSKCN0RW0V620151002 gulf2000.columbia.edu in situations of displacement and upon return, on ethnicity, religion, clan, and political affiliation Davis Rochelle, Benton Grace, Ferris Elizabeth, Rossi Lorenza, Medecines Sans Frontieres, “Iraq Returnees in Mosul Face Booby women require vocational training, credit, and for violence. 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Institute, April 1999, http://www.odi.org/sites/odi.org.uk/files/ 2016, https://unhabitat.org/city-profile-of-mosul-iraq-a-city- • While it is important that women meet their odi-assets/publications-opinion-files/2881.pdf. under-siege/ own immediate needs and can perform the • Social cohesion programming could also Emerson Lauren, “East Mosul, Iraq Labour Market Assessment,” Oxfam, “Choosing to Return,” 2015, https://reliefweb.int/sites/ economic and social roles expected from them be mainstreamed into other work including IRC, November 2017, https://www.rescue.org/sites/default/files/ reliefweb.int/files/resources/bn-choosing-to-return-solutions- by their families and the wider society, it is also livelihoods and infrastructure revitalization. document/2250/irceastmosuliraqlabormarketassessment211117. iraq-231215-en.pdf critical to ensure that these approaches wherever And indeed, a social cohesion lens and approach pdf Rifat Chadirji Prize, “2017 Theme: Rebuilding Iraq’s Liberated possible support and facilitate longer-term should be part of any program’s fundamental Gaston Erica, “Mosul,” Global Public Policy Institute, August 2017, Areas: Mosul’s Housing,” 2017, http://www.rifatchadirji. change in gender roles and relations. strategy on design and implementation, regardless http://www.gppi.net/publications/iraq-after-isil-mosul/?L=0 com/2017.html of the thematic cluster to which it belongs. • In order to start income generation activities, Grisgraber Daryl, “Too Much Too Soon, Displaced Iraqis UNDP, “Funding Facility for Stabilization: Q3 Report,” December women need to save and invest. 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Hoeymans Nancy, Garssen A. Ana, Westert P. Gert, Verhaak Weigel Margaret, Armijos Rodrigo, Racines Marcia, Cevallos PM Peter, “Measuring mental health of the Dutch population: a William, and Castro Nancy, “Association of Household Food comparison of the GHQ-12 and the MHI-5,” Health and Quality Insecurity with the Mental and Physical Health of Low- of Life Outcomes, 2004, 2:23, http://hqlo.biomedcentral.com/ Income Urban Ecuadorian Women with Children,” Journal of articles/10.1186/1477-7525-2-23 Environmental and Public Health, Volume 2016 (2016), https:// www.hindawi.com/journals/jeph/2016/5256084/#B74 Houghton, Frank; Keane, Noreen; Murphy, Niamh; Houghton, Sharon; and Dunne, Claire (2011) "Tertiary Level Students and World Bank, $400 Million for the Reconstruction of Mosul the Mental Health Index (MHI-5) in Ireland," Irish Journal of and Newly Liberated Areas in Iraq, 31 October 2017, Applied Social Studies: Vol. 10: Issue 1, Article 7, http://arrow.dit. http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2017 ie/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1147&context=ijass /10/31/400-million-for-the-reconstruction-of-mosul-and-newly- liberated-areas-in-iraq Human Rights Watch, “Alleged ISIS Families Sent to ‘Rehabilitation Camps,” July 13, 2017, HRW, ’https://www.hrw.org/news/2017/07 /13/iraq-alleged-isis-families-sent-rehabilitation-camp 40 41 HEAD OFFICE Human Appeal 1 Cheadle Point, Carrs Road Cheadle, Cheshire SK8 2BL United Kingdom

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