NPA in Iraq with Kurdistan region

Norwegian People’s Aid works with local organizations in Iraq to promote democratic participation and strengthen marginalized groups. NPA holds office in Suleymania in the Kurdistan region.

Program established: 1995
Mode of operation: Strategic partnership, 10 partner organizations
Program work areas: Suleymania, Erbil, Ranya, Kalar, Dehuk, Kerkuk, Mosul, (Baghdad)
Current donors Community Development: Norwegian MFA 8 mill NOK, Unicef
(small project grant), IMDI (small project grant
Current Mine Action (phase out 2009): Norwegian MFA 6,5 mill NOK

Community Development Program

Capacity building and support for independent civil society

NPA fundamentally works to assist building strong local organizations that are able to work for social and political change. Capacity building for partners, other local organizations and social activists is a key component for achieving a strong civil society that can increase the space of social and political participation, and work to put essential rights and critical social issues on the agenda of the authorities.

NPA projects include:

• Training for young professionals and activists
• Follow up and strengthening of partner organizations strategic and administrative capability.

Human rights, democracy and peace building.

In Iraq’s Kurdistan region, in a process of building viable institutions, organizing social life in a new Iraq, and in promoting co-existence within the country – the need to establish universal Human rights norms is crucial. There are big challenges related to government institutions and social traditions that contribute to serious violations of Human rights. NPA works with local partners that are at the forefront of building local knowledge and accountability towards Human rights.

PA projects with partners include:

• NPA and partners have achieved to introduce Human Rights Education to be taught as mandatory curriculum in all primary, intermediate and preparatory schools in the Kurdistan Region – the aim is now to start expand into schools in the rest of Iraq.
• Human Rights Training for police and security officers
• Peace building projects in conflict areas, bringing different ethnic groups together in dialogue.
• Human Rights Monitoring. Systematic monitoring of different sectors in the KRG to document human rights issues and violations.

Gender equality, women’s participation and Violence against women

NPA and partners have been instrumental in putting the issue of women’s rights on the agenda in the Kurdistan region. Today the authorities are giving attention to the issues, but a lot of work needs to be done in order to transform this into social change and actual improvement of the condition for women.

NPA projects with partners include:

• Training and awareness programs to promote gender equality
• Strategic advocacy
• Promoting women’s social and political participation through ”Women can do it” program
• Women’s centers in Ranya and Kalar districts. These centers offer protection, mediation, awareness building and advocacy in the local community to fight domestic violence.
• Legal support and improving conditions for women in custody prison
• Supporting a women shelter in Kerkuk
• Supporting a women radio, “Tawar Radio”, broadcasting to put focus on women’s issues.

Youth participation

At the same time as Iraq and the Kurdistan region is coming closer to the outside world, youth in the country have difficulties in asserting themselves as important contributors to the development of society. Taking part in politics and getting into the professional job market poses obstacles; many choose to leave the country for opportunities elsewhere. NPA with partners believe in building and involving youth to increase public participation and open op for further social change.

NPA projects with partners include:

• Promoting youth to participate in politics, organize in local communities and confronting community leaders, politicians and authorities.
• Supporting youth initiatives that youth groups themselves are promoting, such as films, social research, campaigns and sport activities.

Media and information

NPA was among the first international organizations to support independent media in the Kurdistan region, where free media continues to be under pressure from above. Free, diverse and critical journalism is a key to prepare the grounds for and forward democratic processes.

NPA projects with partners:

• Support for independent media (magazine and websites) and training for independent journalists
• Women’s “Tawar Radio”.