Iraq Urban Recovery Programme

UN-Habitat sees the value of establishing an integrated urban recovery programme, incorporating the experience and technical expertise in Iraq. Typically emergency urban responses have been ad-hoc and not linked to the overall development objectives of the country. Lessons learned demonstrate that the community develops its own coping mechanisms, which, when supported, lead to sustainable change. In addition, UN-Habitat recognises that the challenges faced by communities in crisis-affected areas are complex and multifaceted, requiring a comprehensive, longer-term response that cuts across a number of sectors. Lessons learned, has shown that the potential for development gain is highest in the immediate aftermath of a crisis, and this is a key principle underlying this project response in recently liberated areas in Iraq. Given UN-Habitat's previous experience globally and in Iraq, the project provides a comparative advantage for a holistic approach to urban recovery and stabilising fragile communities.

Humanitarian and developmental work in newly retaken areas (from ISIL)  are an opportunity to address long standing developmental concerns which if dealt with at this stage could reduce some of the root causes and drivers for conflict in the country.UN-Habitat promotes community-based reconstruction in crisis-affected countries, implementing projects in places such as Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Engaging community members themselves in reconstruction activities, this community-based approach will empower them socially and economically, enabling them to plan and manage their own activities for more peaceful and stable community. In Iraq, UN-Habitat has worked closely with governorates and local community members to support reconstruction and rehabilitation of housing and infrastructure in areas hosting refugees and internally displaced persons, which gives UN-Habitat a comparative advantage and technical expertise to plan and implement this project.