BAASHIQA AREA BASED ASSESSMENT
JULY 2018
Returns Working Group RWG Iraq Baashiqa Area Based Assessment
Produced by REACH Initiative with the support of the Iraq Returns Working Group, CCCM and ECHO
About REACH
REACH facilitates the development of information tools and products that enhance the capacity of aid actors to make evidence-based decisions in emergency, recovery and development contexts. All REACH activities are conducted through inter-agency aid coordination mechanisms. All our reports, maps and factsheets are available on the REACH resource centre. For more information, visit our website at www.reach-initiative.org, follow us on Twitter: @REACH_info and Facebook: www.facebook.com/IMPACT.init or write to [email protected]
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents 15 Overview
4 Introduction 16 Healthcare
6 Methodology 18 Education
7 Challenges and Limitations 20 Water
8 Background and Context 22 Solid Waste Disposal
8 Contextual Overview 23 Conclusion
9 Assessment Findings 24 Endnotes
9 Demographics Appendix one: Baashiqa Maps 10 Returns
10 Livelihoods
13 Assistance, Top Priority Needs
14 Shelter
14 Protection and Social Cohesion
15 Functionality and Access to Services
3 INTRODUCTION
The towns of Baashiqa and Bahzani1 (hereafter households had fled the town – almost entirely referred to as Baashiqa), located in the Ninewa in the original waves of displacement in August Plains, 13 km northeast of Mosul city2 have 2014. As a result of this offensive, ISIL was historically hosted a diverse set of population expelled from Baashiqa in early November 2016. groups and a majority of residents are reported to be Yezidi.3 Apart from Yezidis, these groups After the KF established control over Baashiqa, include Christians, Shia Muslims, Sunni Muslims, residents were relatively slow to return, beginning and Shabak.4 However, during the territorial from February 2017 onwards. This was largely advancement of the so-called Islamic State of due to the perceived presence of unexploded Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in the area in 2014, ordnances (UXOs) and improvised explosive nearly all of Baashiqa’s residents had left the devices (IEDs) as well as damaged infrastructure.7 town by August 2014, largely moving to Dahuk, As of April 2018, according to the International of Iraq’s 2005 Constitution.11 In October 2017, Assessment (ABA) in Baashiqa. The assessment Sulaymaniyah, and Erbil governorates in the Organization for Migration (IOM), around 3,920 one year after the KRG established control of was coordinated and implemented under the Kurdish Region of Iraq (KRI). families (approximately 23,520 individuals) have Baashiqa, the GoI re-established full control over framework of the Iraq Camp Coordination and returned to Baashiqa8 since February 2017.9 This the town following an independence referendum Camp Management (CCCM) cluster and the Beginning in mid-October 2016, the Iraqi Security sets returns at an estimated 47%, as the pre-ISIL held in the Kurdish Region of Iraq (KRI).12 Returns Working Group (RWG), and aligned with Forces (ISF) and the Kurdish Forces (KF) began a population of Baashiqa was estimated at around the Multi-Sector Response Framework (MSRF), military offensive to regain control over the city of 50,000 inhabitants.10 Based on available sources, REACH Initiative a guidance document with input from relevant Mosul and its surroundings, including Baashiqa, (REACH) identified that, while general information clusters to facilitate coordinated area-based from ISIL. By late October 2016, when the KF In the immediate post-ISIL period, administrative regarding returns and levels of damage within interventions in support of Iraq’s conflict-affected began an offensive from two fronts with the aim of control of the area of Baashiqa was disputed Baashiqa were widely known, there was a populations. Baashiqa was selected because of removing ISIL from Baashiqa,5 KF commanders between the Kurdistan Regional Government lack of publicly available and location-specific the relatively high number of returnees. stated that, according to their intelligence, there (KRG) and the Government of Iraq (GoI)and as a data outlining the state of available services were no civilians left in Baashiqa.6 Likewise, result the town and its surroundings had already and specific needs in Baashiqa. Therefore, In focusing assessments at the settlement participants in mapping exercises and community officially been classified as a disputed territory in order to inform recovery and stabilisation level, the ABA seeks to provide a tailored and discussion groups (CDGs) reported that all between the GoI and the KRG under Article 140 programming, REACH launched an Area-Based actionable profile of the assessment area, with
4 Baashiqa Town - Neighbourhood Boundaries specific focus on demographics, household-level needs, and access to critical public services. The general objective of the ABA, then, is to inform evidence-based humanitarian programming and service delivery in the short- and long- term at the area-level. Through an area-based approach, humanitarian actors can operate at a more localized level to design a response that is geographically targeted, inclusive of a range of local, international, and governmental actors, and inter-sectoral in its programme delivery.
5 METHODOLOGY
Interviewees Number Surveyed The ABA employs a mixed methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection, including scoping and secondary data review (SDR); semi-structured key informant Community Leader KIs: 3 mukhtars interviews (KIIs) with community leaders; community group discussions (CGDs) with residents of CGDs & Mapping: 38 participants the area; KIIs with individuals with specialised knowledge of service provision in the area; and a comprehensive household-level needs assessment that is representative of the population living Specialised Service Provision KIs: 16 KIs within the area of assessment. Household Need Assessment: 494 households
Scoping and SDR: Prior to the launch of the structure of Iraq, individuals known as mukhtars assessment, REACH conducted extensive SDR represent the most local level of government participants. In addition, REACH staff conducted removal within Baashiqa. These individuals to determine the base of knowledge related to representation. These individuals are appointed by a comprehensive mapping of Baashiqa town in were identified both through mukhtars and other the area of assessment that was already publicly local councils and serve as a primary intermediary mid-February 2018. This was supplemented with INGOs and UN agencies active within the area. available, and to build a level of contextual between residents and government service additional participatory mapping exercises in Overall, REACH enumerators conducted semi- knowledge to inform the data collection plan. In providers within their area of responsibility. In their late April 2018, comprising 14 participants from structured interviews with three education KIs, addition, REACH conducted several scoping position as community representatives, mukhtars Baashiqa and Bahzani sections. three healthcare KIs, three electrical KIs, three missions to the area in order to meet with are well placed to provide general information water KIs, and four solid waste disposal KIs. All community leaders and pilot assessment tools. on the demographics, needs and access to Specialised Service Provision KIIs: After interviews were conducted between 30 April and In order to avoid duplication, the availability of services within their areas of responsibility. In building a picture of community perceptions and 7 May 2018. existing information informed the primary data order to gather preliminary information on the expectations with regards to service delivery, collections methods utilized. area, REACH conducted KIIs with three mukhtars REACH conducted a total of 16 additional Household-Level Needs Assessment: In between 24 - 26 January, 2018. During the same interviews with KIs with specialist knowledge of order to triangulate findings from qualitative Community Leader KIIs, CGDs and period, REACH conducted CGDs on service the provision of public services – namely health, data collection, and to provide a comprehensive Participatory Mapping: In the governance provision in the area with 14 female and 10 male education, water, electricity, and solid waste overview of needs within the municipality,
6 Challenges and Limitations
REACH also conducted a household-level needs assessment in Baashiqa. As reliable population The pilot of the ABA in Baashiqa presented several challenges and limitations: figures are difficult to identify within the Iraqi context, an infinite population was assumed for • As this was a pilot assessment with multiple components conducted within a rapidly shifting the purpose of sampling. In total, 494 household context, the overall data collection period for the ABA in Baashiqa was necessarily dynamic in interviews were conducted in Baashiqa, reaching terms of its length. As additional information gaps were identified, additional assessment tools a 97% level of confidence and a 5% margin of were deployed to address those gaps. As a result, the data collection period for the overall error at the town level. To draw the random assessment was spread over four months; a period longer than initially anticipated during the sample, random GPS points were generated research design phase. across all populated areas of the city through a grid-based technique. All data was collected • Lack of population density data meant the sample points were generated with the assumption between 18 - 30 January 2018. of a uniform population density across all inhabited areas of Baashiqa.
• Given the limitations of qualitative data collection, the information collected through KIIs and CGDs is indicative only and is not generalizable to the entire population.
7 BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
Contextual Overview
Due to its diversity, Baashiqa has been referred ties. Although Baashiqa was included in the KRI Baashiqa to as ‘the little Iraq’, representing the diverse independence referendum vote in September populations of Iraq although with a majority 2017,15 the ISF took over administrative control in Yezidi population (70%). In addition, the pre-ISIL Baashiqa in October of 2017, resulting in some of Baashiqa community was known for its strong the roads connecting Baashiqa with the KRI being local identity and communal ties. For example, closed16 cultural traditions and the spoken dialect were not necessarily affiliated with one particular group but Prior to the displacement of populations from with Baashiqa itself. For many residents, being Baashiqa during ISIL advancement in August ‘Baashiqi’ was their primary identity.13 2014, Baashiqa experienced an influx of Yezidi internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Sinjar, After the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq, Baashiqa which had been taken by ISIL earlier that summer.17 became a “microcosmic example of the most Furthermore, Baashiqa suffered significant contentious issues facing the greater nation: infrastructural damage during the conflict, such as federalism, disputed territories, security, energy, to the water network and electricity grid, as well as and identity politics.”14 During this period, damage and destruction of buildings.18 Following Baashiqa became an officially disputed territory the town being retaken from ISIL, a UNHCR and between the KRI and the GoI, as defined by Article DRC assessment found a marked difference in 140 of the 2005 Iraqi constitution. The town has the interactions between population groups in links to both the GoI, through its Arabic speaking the down, as well as a decreased level of trust population and its geographic proximity to Mosul, between those groups.19 as well as with the KRI through the Kurdish- speaking Yezidi population and their cultural
8 ASSESSMENT FINDINGS
Demographics
Through the household needs component of chronically ill member. Other reported vulnerable Composition of assessed households by gender and age group the assessment, REACH was able to build a groups were: disabled persons (16%), pregnant Male Female statistically representative understanding of the or lactating women (13%), and widows (12%). 8% 40= 60+ 50= 9% composition of households within Baashiqa. Households with at least one orphaned child Overall, assessed households consisted of 6 to (2%) or unaccompanied minor (<1%) were less 42% 420= 18 - 59 440= 43% 7 persons, of whom 3 to 4 were adults and 2 to common. 3 were children (<18 years old). Of the heads of 33% 340= 6 - 17 310= 34% household, the majority reported being married Proportion of households reporting at least (87%), and only 12% of heads of households one member being affected by a chronic 17% 200= 0 - 5 200= 14% were female. Finally, the average age of heads of illness household was 47 years old. Average age of head of household, by gender of head of household Assessed households were found to often be 43% caring for one or more vulnerable persons. In order to identify the prevalence of these vulnerable 43+57J ☻45☽48 individuals, the assessment focused on five Proportion of households reporting at groups: orphaned children, unaccompanied least one member with a physical and/or minors,20 individuals with a chronic illness,21 intellectual disability individuals with a physical or mental disability,22 widows, and pregnant or lactating women. Overall, the most commonly reported vulnerable 16% group were persons with chronic diseases, with 42% of households reporting at least one 16+84J
9 Returns Livelihoods
As all but one of assessed households (493/494) households, compared to 47% of households According to data from 2012, 31% of households member had earned an income in the 30 days were reported to be returnees, these households that reported the ‘mother’ having played a role. In in Baashiqa lived below the Iraqi national poverty preceding data collection, with an average of were asked about how they informed their decision addition, 23% of assessed households indicated line (105,500 IQD or 88.50 USD25 per capita per one household member providing an income per to return. Most returnee households reported that that the oldest male child also played a role in the month)26, and 34% of males between 16 and 29 household. Of those 80% of households, 92% they were informed about the returns process decision to return (see Table 1). years old were unemployed or underemployed, reported that the earning member was an adult or the situation in their area of origin before but searching for work.27 For the ABA, 80% of male, compared to 13% reporting that the earning returning (98%). Their main reported sources of assessed households reported that at least one member was an adult female.28 At the same information regarding the condition in their area of origin was television (36%), followed by friends Top most reported barriers to employment* and relatives (19%), social media (17%), and Skilled wage labour (construction, etc) 280= 28% the internet (news websites, 15%).23 In general, both adult males and females reportedly played Government employee / public security official 260= 26% a role in the decision to return, however, ‘fathers’ Skilled service labour (teacher, lawyer, engineer, etc) 190= 19% were reported to have played a role by 83% of Retirement fund 160= 16% Table 1. Member of household who played a role in the decision to return24 Social support (e.g. disability allowance) 100= 10%
Low skill service industry (janitor, waiter, cook, etc) 10% HH member Percent of returnees 100=
Father 83% Agricultural waged labour 80= 8% Mother 47% Transportation (taxi driver, truck driver etc) 70= 7% Oldest male child 23% Oldest female child 6% Practitioner of trade or vocation (carpenter, electrician, plumber, etc) 60= 6%
10 * Respondents could select multiple options. Therefore, results exceed 100%. Livelihoods
time, 11% reported that elderly male household main reason for acquiring debt was to support Main employment problems households face* members (60 years and older) were earning an businesses (69%), followed by purchasing food income, compared to 6% that reported elderly (57%) and healthcare costs (43%). Most of those Lack of jobs for skilled workers 630= 63% female household members. households with debt reported borrowing this money from friends and relatives (88%), followed Lack of jobs for unskilled workers 620= 62% The most prevalent reported livelihood sources by from merchants at the market or bazaar (34%). were skilled wage labour (28%), followed by Relatedly, 39% of assessed households reported Previous job no longer exists 100= 10% government jobs (26%). that costs of basic needs, such as shelter, health, Need documentation to get a job 80= 8% and food had increased either a little or a lot over However, 30% of all assessed households reported the three months preceding data collection. Job exists but no salary 70= 7% facing problems with accessing employment. The top reported barriers to employment were In order to support themselves, 75% of assessed Lack of local connections 70= 7% the lack of jobs for skilled workers (63%) and for households reported employing at least one No training courses 60= 6% unskilled workers (62%). Overall, this implies a livelihood coping strategy in the 30 days prior to lack of employment opportunities – regardless of data collection. The most frequently cited coping whether an unemployed individual was skilled or strategy amongst all households was borrowing unskilled. money (34%), followed by selling assets (17%), accessing a previous income source (16%), Approximately two-thirds of households reported spending savings (16%), and obtaining support being in debt (68%), with the average amount from friends and/or relatives (16%).29 of household debt reported at 5,206,662 IQD (4,374 USD). According to these households, the
* Respondents could select multiple options. Therefore, results exceed 100%. 11 Food Security
Overall, households reported being able to cook Similarly, reported consumption-based coping Proportion of household reporting having their food at least once a day. Furthermore, adults Food 323,141 IQD mechanisms were closely linked to the limited received PDS since October 2016* were reported to eat an average of three meals livelihood opportunities reported, and the resulting per day (99%), while for children this was 3 to 4 Health 140,269 IQD lower consumption of households. 29% of the meals per day (71% three meals per day, 15% assessed households reported resorting to food- 39% four meals per day, 13% more than four meals Rent/utilities 111,186 IQD related coping strategies during the seven days per day). Moreover, most households reported prior to data collection. Of these households, 84% an “acceptable” food consumption score (96%),30 NFI 92,455 IQD reported reducing the number of meals for males, 39+61J with the remaining 4% of households reporting 26% reported reducing the number of meals per Calculated food consumption score a “borderline” score. Although these findings Transportation 64,726 IQD day, and 25% reported borrowing food. indicate relatively high consumption of and access to food, 80% of households still reported Education 46,372 IQD The Public Distribution System (PDS) in Iraq food as a priority need. This possibly reflects provides subsidised staple foods and fuel to all ♳ the fact that households prioritised food over Iraqi citizens through a rations card distributed by Clothing 41,475 IQD other needs to ensure the “acceptable” level of the government. Of assessed households, only 96% consumption. On average, households reported 14% reported having received PDS rations in in Other 24,445 IQD of household have an acceptable food spending a total of 842,546 IQD (706.82 USD) in the three months prior to data collection. Of these consumption score the month preceding data collection. The largest households, the majority (89%) had received expenditure was food, at 323,141 IQD (271.10 PDS food rations in the 30 days prior to data USD), compared to the following prices: collection.31
12 * Respondents could select multiple options. Therefore, results exceed 100%. Assistance, Top Priority Needs
Regarding assistance received in Baashiqa, Reported household top priority needs* Proportion of households reporting having received assistance 27% of assessed households reported that they Food 800= had received assistance since the beginning 80% 27% of October 2016. Overall, 19% of households Medical care 440= 44% reported having received food assistance, and 9% reported having received household items Electricity 360= 36% (such as jerry cans, blankets, clothes, and kitchen ☽☽☽☽ Employment utensils). Other reported types of assistance 320= 32% received were: cash (5%), health (5%), and water Water 290= 29% (4%).32 The majority of households reported Proportion of households reporting barriers to accessing assistance that they did not face difficulties in receiving Security 160= 16% assistance (85%). Clothing 140= 14% of household reported no difficulties ♱ 86% in accessing assistance As noted previously, assessed households’ Education for children 120= 12% reported top priority need was food (80%). This was followed by other basic services such as Shelter support 80= 8% medical care (44%), electricity (36%), employment (32%), and water (29%). Psychosocial support 60= 6%
* Respondents could select multiple options. Therefore, results exceed 100%. 13 Shelter Protection and Social Cohesion
In terms of shelter, nearly all assessed assessed households that reported renting their Almost all assessed households (99%) reported The majority of households were not aware of households reported residing in houses (99%), shelter, 79% did not have a written rental contract, no restrictions on their ability to move freely any security incidents in their area (87%) in the with the remainder living in unfinished buildings. In again signalling a higher risk of eviction for these in the area and its surroundings. In addition, three months prior to data collection, with the only addition, 29% of households reported their shelter households. 94% reported experiencing no stigmatisation prominent figures being 9% reporting robberies being damaged, though the nature and severity or discrimination. Furthermore, few households and 5% reporting shootings during that time of the damage – whether cosmetic or structural The average size of households’ living space in (9%) reported missing documents not related to period. Similarly, 94% of households reported – was not specifically assessed. Furthermore, their shelters was self-reported to be 245 square their shelter (i.e. ID cards). For example, 95% feeling safe from harm and violence in Baashiqa, most shelters (90%) were reported to have been meters, with three to four rooms in use for sleeping of assessed households with children under 5 while 86% of households reported utilising cleared of explosive remnants of war (ERW) and recreation. (approximately 50% of assessed households) the services of official government institutions and UXOs by ISF or Mines Advisory Group had their births registered with the authorities. providing safety, protection, and justice. (MAG). However, 10% of households reported their shelters not having been formally cleared, Most commonly reported occupancy status Assessed households reported level of access to although this does not necessarily indicate the local community leaders was also quite high, with presence of ERWs or UXOs in these structures. Property owned with documents 750= 75% 85% reporting access. At the same time, 86% of assessed households reported not feeling able to The majority of assessed households (75%) Property owned without documents 120= 12% play a role in policy making in their area. reported owning their homes and possessing Squatting with permission 70= 7% legal documents that proved ownership. However, 12% of households reported owning Renting 60= 6% their homes without documentation, and a further 7% were squatting with permission, indicating a sizeable minority who may be at a greater risk of eviction. Additionally, of the remaining 7% of
14 FUNCTIONALITY AND ACCESS TO SERVICES
Overview
In areas of Iraq formerly under the control of Damaged Kindergarten in Baashiqa ISIL, the resumption of basic services has recently been cited as a primary consideration for displaced individuals in determining whether to return to their areas of origin. Amongst IDPs from Ninewa governorate (69%), this was the most frequently cited factor in their decision-making process for returning to their homes.33 Similar trends were identified by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), who reported that the lack of service provision was cited as one of the reasons for the initially low return rates for Baashiqa.34
15 Healthcare
Overall, 82% of assessed households reported specialised, maternity, and trauma care, residents through the installation of five prefabricated reported a shortage of medical staff of all kinds; having a primary healthcare facility containing needed to travel outside of Baashiqa, as the structures, constituting 10 rooms, by an INGO shortages of physical space and equipment such doctors within two kilometres of their home, while facilities within the town did not contain sufficient in late April 2018. In addition, the UN is currently as x-ray machines and beds; and shortages of 35% of households reported that at least one supplies, equipment, or staff for these treatments. installing an additional 120m2 of capacity behind medicines, specifically those to treat chronic individual in their household suffered from a health Therefore, most residents were reportedly the current facilities in the form of five additional diseases, inflammation, and allergies. The health event in the two weeks prior to data collection. traveling to hospitals in Mosul, which was said to prefabricated shelters. This expansion project centre was reported by several KIs to not have According to KIs with specialist knowledge of take around 45 minutes driving, as the road to the was reported to be approximately 90% completed the financial capacity to buy enough oil and fuel healthcare (health KIs), Baashiqa was reported to hospital in Sheikhan to the north was reported to at the time of data collection, with the centre not monthly to operate their cars and ambulances. have no general hospital, and only one primary be closed. Additionally, KIs and CGDs participants yet able to utilize the space. One health KI reported that some staff pool public health centre (Health Centre Ninewa, see noted that residents were also travelling to portions of their salaries in order to purchase Baashiqa reference maps in Appendix One), Hamdaniya (40 km to the south) and Duhok (95 Overall, 35% of assessed households reported necessary items to operate the facility, such as and several private doctor’s offices and private km to the northwest) for medical treatment, with experiencing barriers to accessing healthcare. light bulbs and fuel. pharmacies. However, the pressure on the health some even reported to be traveling to Baghdad Of those households, the main reported barrier centre was reported to have increased in the (430 km). was the overall cost of healthcare (71%). According to CGD participants and health KIs, post-ISIL period. Health KIs noted that this was Another commonly reported barrier was the shortages of all healthcare materials (medicines, due to the fact that surrounding villages had The health centre was reported to be housed in lack of medicines available in the health centre equipment, etc.) were worse than in the pre- previously hosted smaller health centres located two buildings next to a larger partially constructed (59%). Other difficulties highlighted were a lack ISIL period, reportedly because much of these in prefabricated structures. However, these health centre, the completion of which was of medicines at pharmacies (26%), no access to materials had been stolen or damaged by ISIL. In KIs reported that ISIL had looted most of the interrupted by the arrival of ISIL. According to two qualified health staff (25%), the cost of medicines addition, the ISIL occupation of Mosul was reported equipment from these centres, and even some of KIs with specialist knowledge of healthcare, the being too high (17%), the lack of treatment for to have had effects on the availability of medicine the pre-fabricated structures themselves. functional health centre contained one building for some conditions (15%) and the facility with the in Baashiqa, as most medicines were previously general medical services and another building for relevant treatment being too far away (12%). brought from Mosul to stock the Baashiqa health Furthermore, health KIs reported that for emergency cases. Additional space was created Similarly, CGD participants and health KIs centre. In addition, KIs with specialist knowledge
16 of healthcare reported that many of the medicine Households reporting experiencing difficulties accessing healthcare storage facilities in Mosul had been damaged by the operation to re-establish control of Mosul city.
In noting the unavailability of medicines, mukhtars, CGD participants, and health KIs indicated that 35% the prices of medicines in pharmacies had not necessarily changed, but that households did not ☊ have the financial means to pay for them due to a lack of livelihoods. The medicines reported to be in highest demand were insulin, over-the-counter Most commonly reported barriers to accessing healthcare* (OTC) pain relievers, analgesics, flu medicines, and medications for urinary tract infections. The Treatment cost 710= 71% medications most difficult for patients to access, No medicine available at the hospital 590= 59% according to health KIs, were insulin, paediatric medicines, pregnancy related medicines, No medicine available at the pharmacy 260= 26% medicines for heart disease and blood pressure, medicines for joint problems, and medicines No qualified staff 250= 25% for other chronic diseases. Overall, the lack of access to medicine was also linked to financial Cost of medicine too high 170= 17% constraints and lack of livelihoods opportunities.
* Respondents could select multiple options. Therefore, results exceed 100%. 17 Education
Overall, Baashiqa was reported to host 14 were more crowded, and some saying they were • A primary school for boys and girls and and female children within the same age range in schools and three kindergartens, of which four less so. In addition to damaged infrastructure, the middle school for boys in Markaz not attending formal school. were identified as damaged (see reference map main identified causes of overcrowding related in Annex): to the continued displacement of teachers, The majority of households (88%) with school- The main reported barriers to education for combined with the return of children who were not aged children (72.5% of all assessed households) residents of Baashiqa, according to education • A public high school for girls in Ras al Ain yet of school age when they displaced returning reported sending an average of two children to KIs, were financial constraints, especially to school. The specifically overcrowded schools school (assessed households had an average regarding paying for transportation to access • A public primary school for girls in Markaz mentioned by education KIs were (see reference of 2.5 school-aged children) in the four days schools that were not located within walking map in Appendix): preceding data collection. Around 12% of distance. Instead, several KIs indicated that • A public kindergarten in al Jabal households with school-aged children, however, households had prioritised their finances to repair • A primary school for boys and girls in Markaz reported having at least one of their children not damaged houses, or to support the household • A public kindergarten in al Askary attending formal education. Reported instances given a lack of livelihood opportunities. These • A middle school for boys in Markaz of school dropout were low, with only 9% of barriers were reportedly less prevalent in the Partly as a result of this damage, schools in assessed households with school-aged children pre-ISIL period, though education KIs expressed Baashiqa were reported by KIs with specialist • Baashiqa High School for Girls in al Rabi al reporting having had a child that dropped out of differing opinions on the change in access to knowledge of education (education KIs) to be Thania school. Boys aged 15-17 were the demographic education when compared to the pre-ISIL period. generally overcrowded, with primary schools most frequently reported as never having attended However, the majority of KIs indicated that access highlighted as being especially crowded — • Bahzani Secondary School for Girls in al school, with 26% of households with boys aged to education was better in the pre-ISIL period although this was also said to be the case for Intisar 15-17 reporting so. Amongst households with girls because there was less damage to educational several high schools and secondary schools. in this age group, 19% of households reported facilities, and households had greater access to There was, however, disagreement amongst • Bahzani Ula Primary School for Girls in Old that at least one girl had never attended and 11% livelihood opportunities. these KIs as to the level of overcrowding compared Bahzani of households with boys aged 6-14. Overall, no to the pre-ISIL period – with some saying schools significant difference was found between male Furthermore, schools in Baashiqa were reported
18 by education KIs education to generally be lacking Proportion of households with school-aged children reporting at least one child in the teachers, books, desks, and stationery materials household having dropped out of school (by age group) such as pens and notebooks – which was in part Male Female said to be due to the overcrowding of schools. To cope with the shortage of materials, two or three 77% 770= 15-17 640= 64% students were reported to be sharing books and 23% 230= 12-14 230= 23% desks meant for one student. Education KIs also 0% 6-11 140= 14% noted that teacher salaries remained largely the same when compared to the pre-ISIL period, and indicated that these salaries were being paid regularly. School drop-out rates over time, as reported by households with school-aged children
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19 Water
Overall, 92% of assessed households reported reported to have carried out some repairs. Despite pumps were reported to largely rely on generators. they perceived to be linked to the water quality. receiving their primary source of drinking water water from wells and the Salamiyah pump feeding However, CGD participants and KIs noted that While18% of households reported using no water from the public water network, while 6% reported in to the water network, KIs and CGD participants there was a lack of fuel for these generators, even treatment methods, 78% reported filtering the purchasing their drinking water. The average cost noted that not all neighbourhoods received though INGOs and the UN were reported to have water to treat it, in line with the high percentage reported was between 12,000 and 13,000 IQD water from both sources. Specifically, al Rabi al given support in the purchase of fuel. As a result, of households reporting unacceptable water (10-11 USD) per 1,000 litres. In addition, 91% Ula neighbourhood was reported to only have KIs noted that residents were sometimes pooling quality.35 However, the ability to filter water was of households reported having a private water access to water from the public water project in funds to buy fuel for these generators. The water said to have a financial burden, with households tank available in which they were able to store Salamiyah. Overall, areas only receiving water supply from the wells was said to vary by season, reportedly having to pay 100,000 IQD (around 84 the water that was irregularly available from the from Salamiyah – and not from the wells – were with less water available in the summer months USD) every six months to renew the filter. public pipe network. This proportion was similar reported to have reduced access to water overall, due to fewer hours of public electricity. for water sources for cleaning and washing, for as the supply of water from the water project was which 98% of households reported using the less consistent and had lower water pressure. CGD participants and water KIs reported that public network. well water was sometimes treated with chlorine, Baashiqa was reported to have 21 water wells with well water not treated in any other way. According to KIs with specialized knowledge (seven on the Bahzani side, and 14 on the Participatory mapping respondents indicated that of water provision (water KIs), as well as Baashiqa side), of which one to two were said they did not know whether water coming from participants in CGDs and mapping exercises, the to be non-functioning. Almost half of these wells the project in Salamiyah was treated. As such, public water network sourced its water both from were reported to have been built by INGOs in the 49% of assessed households reported that piped wells on the mountain to the north of Baashiqa, post-ISIL period. However, the operation of the water was not acceptable in terms of taste, colour, as well as a public water project in Salamiyah water wells was entirely reliant on pumps, which and smell, indicating problems with the quality (33 km southwest of Baashiqa). However, the were dependent on a consistent electricity supply, of drinking water coming from the communal pipe network was reported by KIs to be partially according to water KIs. Given the inconsistency water network. Participants in CDGs reported damaged due to its age, though INGOs were of public electricity (see Electricity section), these skin and kidney health-related problems that
20 Electricity
The majority of assessed households reported wires were also said to have been cut or stolen as the night. Generally, communal generators were specialist knowledge of electricity provision noted having around either 9-12 hours (45%) or 13-20 they pulled out of the town. reported by KIs to be better functioning than in the that there had been a seminar to show residents hours (47%) of electricity per day at the time of pre-ISIL period, though they also reported them to how to efficiently and effectively use the electricity assessment. The supply of electricity in Baashiqa Households were reported to pay around 13,000- be more expensive. Previously, households spent available. KIs also indicated that, due to the lack was said to come from two main sources: the 25,000 IQD (around 11-21 USD) per month for around 6,000-7,000 IQD (5-6 USD) per ampere,36 of livelihoods and the absence of government public electricity grid and privately-run communal public electricity, depending on the season (less compared to a reported 8,000-9,000 IQD (7-8 electricity, there was a need for the GoI or INGOs generators. KIs with specialist knowledge of in spring and autumn, and more in winter and USD) in the post-ISIL period. Households were to support households to buy three amperes of electricity (electricity KIs) reported that most of summer). However, the GoI was said to not be said to use an average of three amperes per electricity per month from communal generators – the electricity used by households came from charging residents for electricity at the time of month, though depending on the season this as this was identified as the minimum necessary communal generators and not from the public data collection (April/May 2018), instead creating could go up to four or five amperes. for a household to run their core appliances. grid, which was said to provide an average of only debt tabs for each household. Furthermore, they suggested increasing the two to six hours of electricity per day. Issues with public electricity provision were number of distribution stations and transformers, According to electricity KIs with, most also said to have had effects on livelihood and fixing the wires and insulators on electricity Public electricity was reported to primarily come neighbourhoods were able to access power from opportunities and attracting businesses back to poles. from the Taza station in Kirkuk, and distributed by communal generators, although it was reported Baashiqa. According to two electricity KIs, there two sub-stations in Baashiqa: Zeitouna Station by one KI that al Malain neighbourhood was not used to be several factories around Baashiqa, but and Baashiqa Station. Both of these stations connected to any communal generators because all of them had either stopped working or moved were said to have been damaged, therefore residents were not able to collectively afford to Erbil because of the current lack of electricity to decreasing the overall capacity of the electrical purchasing one from the private company that sustain them. grid. This decrease in capacity was also largely sold the generators to the neighbourhood. KIs and attributed to ISIL having looted or destroyed most CGD participants both estimated that households Generally, KIs and CGD participants indicated of the transformers in the town. In addition to the used generator power for around 10-12 hours that no steps had yet been taken to address the damaged transformers and sub-stations, many per day, with generators not functioning during electricity issues in Baashiqa, though one KI with
21 Solid Waste Disposal
At the time of assessment, solid waste disposal leftover copper. In addition, the main dumping site Baashiqa services were reported to be provided only by the was reported to be a temporary location close to municipality, which was said to be collecting trash Baashiqa town – raising more health concerns several times a week and every day in the town due to its proximity to the population. However, centre. However, KIs with specialist knowledge several KIs also noted that a new dumping site of solid waste disposal (solid waste KIs) noted would be opened soon. that this service was largely insufficient to meet the needs of the population. These KIs, CGD Overall, the functionality of solid waste disposal participants, and participants of the mapping was reported to have been negatively affected exercises indicated that the primary focus of solid by the occupation of the town, as in the pre-ISIL waste collection was on main streets, and that for period, the municipality was reported to have had other parts of the town, residents were disposing more trucks and staff to service the area. One KI of solid waste in communal trash collection points working at the municipality level estimated that within the town or bringing it to informal dumping the municipality previously operated 21 trucks, sites on the periphery of the town. The carrying but only four remained functional in the post-ISIL of waste to periphery areas was noted by some period. Furthermore, a decrease in the number of solid waste KIs as a protection concern, as some municipal staff was reported by KIs to be related of these areas were said to not be cleared of to the ISIL occupation, as some of these staff ERWs/UXOs. Respondents also raised concerns had been displaced and had not yet returned. related to health, especially related to the burning Additionally, there were reported to be some staff of trash. One solid waste KI specifically noted that who had resumed working, but because they did residents from surrounding villages were burning not receive their full salary, they had subsequently trash just outside of Baashiqa in order to sell the refused to continue.
22 CONCLUSION
In focusing at the settlement level, this Though the overall Food Consumption Score for mechanisms that deliver critical public services to assessment seeks to provide a more tailored and households in Baashiqa was largely acceptable, the residents of Baashiqa. This includes ensuring actionable profile of Baashiqa town, with specific food was still reported as a priority need. PDS that the GoI has the capacity to train, equip and pay focus on demographics, household-level needs, rations were reported to not have been distributed the employees that are ultimately the backbone of and access to critical public services. Through to the majority of the population, and 29% of service provision within the municipality. In doing such an area-based approach, humanitarian households reported resorting to food-related so, this capacity building can also help to alleviate actors can operate at a more localized level to coping strategies. Additionally, basic services other issues identified by this assessment – design a response that is geographically targeted, such as healthcare, education, water provision, mainly the lack of livelihoods – by helping public inclusive of a range of local, international, and electricity services, and solid waste disposal, were sector employment to fully recover. Finally, this governmental actors, and inter-sectoral in its said to continue to lack the funding necessary to process means working collaboratively with both programme delivery. enhance the availability of services by completing the GoI and the residents of Baashiqa to ensure the health centre and restoring its equipment, transparency of the process, and to allow the Although infrastructure and structures have been repairing all damaged schools, improving water communities themselves to play a role in the partially repaired and basic services are available provision, repairing Baashiqa’s power distribution future of their community. in Baashiqa, respondents throughout data stations and increasing their capacity, and collection reported that these services remained sustainably collecting solid waste throughout the inadequate to meet the needs of residents. For town. example, 29% of household still reported their shelter as being damaged, and a majority of Overall, it is critical that the international community households reported both a lack of livelihood – whether non-governmental or governmental, opportunities and jobs for both skilled and humanitarian or development – continues to unskilled workers, driving them to take on debt support the GoI in the transition from emergency and other livelihood coping strategies. recovery to sustainable redevelopment of the
23 Endnotes
1. Baashiqa and Bahzani were once distinct towns, power brokers in northern Iraq: the case of the Return Trends: Protection, and Social Dynamics the Armed Conflict in Iraq: 6 July to 10 September but have since merged due to geographic expan- Shabak’ 1974). in Northern Ninewa’, March 2018. Page 4 and 13. 2014. Page 12. sion. They are more commonly referred to by the And Van den Toorn, Christine, ‘look at ‘little iraq’ name of the larger town (Baashiqa). 5. Al Jazeera. ‘Battle for Mosul: Peshmerga target shows why iraq is so troubled’, 25 December 2012, 18. UNHCR, DRC, and Social Inquiry. ‘Population ISIL-held Bashiqa’, 23 October 2016. retrieved from niqash.org. Return Trends: Protection, and Social Dynamics in 2. Al Jazeera. ‘Battle for Mosul: Peshmerga push into Northern Ninewa’, March 2018. Page 6-7. ISIL-held Bashiqa’, 8 November 2016. 6. Ibid. 12. UNHCR, DRC, and Social Inquiry. ‘Population Return Trends: Protection, and Social Dynamics in 19. Ibid. Page 14. 3. A cultural and religious minority who speak Kurd- 7. Ibid. Northern Ninewa’, March 2018. Page 8. ish, who adhere to an ancient monotheistic religion 20. A person who is under the age of eighteen that combines aspects of Zoroastrian, Manichaean, 8. DTM-IOM. DTM Returnee Master List Data- 13. Van den Toorn, Christine, ‘look at ‘little iraq’ shows years, unless, under the law applicable to the Jewish, Nestorian Christian and Islamic faith. set. Bashiqa and Bahzani. 30 April, 2018. http:// why iraq is so troubled’, 25 December 2012, child, majority is attained earlier and who is Yazīd b. Mu‘āwiya (644–83), the second caliph of iraqdtm.iom.int/ReturneeML.aspx. retrieved from niqash.org. “separated from both parents and is not being the Umayyad dynasty is venerated by Yezidis as a cared for by an adult who by law or custom founding figure of the religion. (Oxford Dictionary, 9. UNHCR, DRC, and Social Inquiry. ‘Population 14. Ibid. has responsibility to do so.” (“Refugee Children: and Fred Attewil, ‘Background: the Yezidi’. The Return Trends: Protection, and Social Dynamics in Guidelines on Protection and Care”, op.cit., p.121 Guardian, 15 August 2007. Northern Ninewa’, March 2018. Page 8. 15. Ibid. Page 6-7. in UNHCR ‘Guidelines on Policies and Procedures in dealing with Unaccompanied Children Seeking 4. A cultural and religious minority who speak Sha- 10. El-Ghobashy, Tamer. ‘Christians and Yezidis see 16. Ibid. Page 8. Asylum’, February 1997) baki and whose ancestors were followers of the a bleak future in a proposed independent Kurdish Safaviyya order, founded by the Kurdish mystic state’, The Washington Post, 7 October 2017. 17. OHCHR and UNAMI Human Rights Office, Bagh- 21. Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), also known Safi-ad-din Ardabili in the early 14th century (Amal dad, Iraq. Report on the Protection of Civilians in as chronic diseases, are not passed from person Vinogradov, ‘Ethnicity, cultural discontinuity and 11. UNHCR, DRC, and Social Inquiry. ‘Population to person. They are of long duration and generally
24 slow progression. The four main types of noncom- children, other female children, elderly male, and Additionally, several options below 10% were not uary 2018. municable diseases are cardiovascular diseases elderly female. included in this report: ‘reduce spending on non- (like heart attacks and stroke), cancers, chronic food expenditures, such as health or education’ 34. UNHCR, DRC, and Social Inquiry. ‘Population respiratory diseases (such as chronic obstructed 25. Exchange rate used throughout the report was (7%), ‘charitable donations’ (1.4%), ‘humanitarian Return Trends: Protection, and Social Dynamics in pulmonary disease and asthma) and diabetes 1000 IQD = 0.84 USD on 7 June 2018, via XE.com aid (1.8%), and ‘selling assistance items received’ Northern Ninewa’, March 2018. Page 12. (WHO, ‘Noncommunicable diseases Factsheet’, (0.4%). June 2018). 26. GSDRC, Brigitte Rohwerder. ‘Poverty eradication 35. The remaining 4% reported using either boiling or in Iraq’, Helpdesk Research Report, 28 August 30. The food consumption score was calculated chlorination to treat their drinking water. 22. Persons with disabilities include those who have 2015. Page 3. using WFP’s Consolidated Approach to Report- long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory ing Indicators of Food Security (CARI), and 36. The number of amperes purchased by households impairments which in interaction with various barri- 27. UNHCR, DRC, and Social Inquiry. ‘Population measures households’ current status of food con- represents the maximum amount of power they ers may hinder their full and effective participation Return Trends: Protection, and Social Dynamics in sumption based on the number of days per week a can draw from the communal generator at any in society on an equal basis with others (UN Con- Northern Ninewa’, March 2018. Page 4. household is able to eat items from nine standard given time. If they exceed that amount, a fuse on vention on the rights of persons with disabilities, food groups weighted for their nutritional value. a communal fuse board will flip, and need to be December 2006 page 3) 28. Respondents could select multiple options, there- reset manually. fore the percentage does not add up to 100%. 31. This number should only be interpreted as indica- 23. Respondents could select multiple response Additionally, figures lower than 3% are not taken tive and is not generalizable to the population, as options. up in this table, these options included: other male the response sample was not large enough. children, other female children, elderly male, and 24. Respondents could select multiple options, there- elderly female. 32. Households were able to select up to three priority fore the percentage does not add up to 100%. needs, therefore, the total amount exceeds 100%. Additionally, figures lower than 3% are not taken 29. Households could select multiple options, there- up in this table, these options included: other male fore the total does not amount up to 100%. 33. REACH Iraq. ‘Intentions Survey – Round II’. Jan-
25 APPENDIX ONE: Baashiqa Mapped Data and Neighbourhood Maps
26 BAASHIQA DAMAGE MAPPING
*Please note that the data was sampled at town level, not neighbourhood level, so the results of the damage mapping are indicative only
27 BAASHIQA WATER MAPPING
*Please note that the data was sampled at town level, not neighbourhood level, so the results of the water mapping are indicative only WEST BAASHIQA EAST BAASHIQA 31