IOM • OIM

THE -eu-iom jointly run advanced assisted migration initiative

FLASH REPORT

JAN HIJRA AMINA Widens Coverage for Its Land and 11-29 Property Assessment Throughout Iraq 2015 The EU-funded HIJRA AMINA programme, in collaboration FGDs and interviews were conducted, in with IOM’s Land and Property Reparation Division close coordination with the respective local considerably progressed during the month of January authorities, with IDPs living in camps, informal 2015 with the Land and Property assessment throughout settlements and rented houses, namely in Iraq, with a view of gaining an in-depth understanding of Arbat camp (), Sharya and Bajid the extent and type of land and property concerns that Kandala camps (Dohuk), informal settlements have emerged following the massive wave of internal and rented houses in Dukan and Bazyan sub- displacement since the end of 2013. After covering the districts (Sulaymaniyah), district (Dohuk) camps and settlements in December 2014, the and Sader, Al-Adhanya and Shiekh Maroof assessment team, strongly supported by IOM Iraq’s Rapid districts (Baghdad). Assessment and Response Teams (RART), pursued the FGD’s and individual interviews in Baghdad, Sulaymaniyah The consequences of the collective and and Dohuk. individual circumstances of property loss have 1 “We need the support of the Government and the international community to return to our home communities and take back our houses.” – FGD participant in Akre

been captured to gauge a more complete picture of Iraq’s displacement history and the resulting land and property context. The displaced Iraqis shared their experience of having to leave behind their homes and provided insights regarding possible land and property solutions that might enable them to return home.

Preliminary findings indicated the enormous scope of property tribulations faced by the displaced Iraqis. These comprise illegal sales, secondary occupation and generalized destruction and looting of property. Within the FGDs there was broad representation of ethnic and religious diversities and gender balance was maintained.

Furthermore, in order to include the outlook of Iraq’s young generation; students displaced from and , currently studying at Dohuk and Nawroz Universities were interviewed. They gave valuable insight into their coping mechanism which is channeled through social media and allows them to share constantly updated information on the property status in their respective places of origin.

The assessment was strengthened by the perspective provided by the Yazidi population on their property ordeal. The circumstances of the Yazidi population are unique due to their past history, namely the confiscation of their lands and the absence of property documentation for them.

2 “IDPs are welcomed here as part of our community and we are responding to their immediate needs.” – Mr. Jahwar Aziz, Mayor of Akre introducing the FGD

Given the complexity of the property predicament faced by displaced Iraqis and the impact on future stabilization of Iraq, HIJRA AMINA’s land and property assessment will provide pragmatic recommendations that aim to support the policy response of GoI.

While the attention of the humanitarian community rightfully remains focused on responding to the immediate needs of the displaced population, the impact of displacement has also created longer term needs. Therefore HIJRA AMINA’s land and property assessment looks towards longer term stability through providing informed guidance essential for the design of durable solutions for the displaced.

Contact IOM Iraq: Phone: +962 6 56 59 660 [email protected]

www.iomiraq.net

Issued Jan 2015 “To go back we need both the assurance of safety and the certainty of recovering our property.” - FGD participant in Shariya Camp

This publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of IOM and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union. 3