Project profile — Supporting Anbar and Ninewah Communities to Address Drivers of Violent Extremism

• Iraq (100.00%)

• Conflict Prevention And Resolution, Peace And Security: Civilian peace-building, conflict prevention and resolution (15220) (100.00%)

• Gender equality (significant objective)
• Environmental sustainability (cross-cutting) (not targeted)
• Participatory development and good governance (not targeted)
• Trade development (not targeted)
• Biodiversity (not targeted)
• Climate change mitigation (not targeted)
• Climate Change Adaptation (not targeted)
• Urban issues (not targeted)
• Desertification (not targeted)
• Children's issues (not targeted)
• Youth Issues (not targeted)
• Indigenous Issues (not targeted)
• Disability (not targeted)
• ICT as a tool for development (not targeted)

This project aims to help consolidate military gains and reduce the potential for renewed conflict and violent extremism in liberated areas of Iraq, with a focus on Anbar and Ninewah governorates. It is designed to prevent the further spread of violent ideologies, advance reconciliation, and enable the return of displaced Iraqis to their homes. Key project activities include: (1) conducting analysis on drivers of conflict and violent extremism; (2) facilitating dialogue and consultations with tribal and religious leaders; (3) identifying challenges and possible solutions relating to the vetting of internally displaced persons; and (4) facilitating town hall meetings and roundtables to engage local communities and women activists.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) establish and introduce a strategy for countering violent extremism (CVE) in Nineveh; (2) advance reconciliation efforts and safe return processes; (3) increase the integration of gender in relation to CVE and reconciliation; and (4) develop capacity of key stakeholders to respond to tensions and conflicts.

Results achieved as of the end of the project (December 2018) include: (1) the development of a strategy for countering violent extremism (CVE) in Nineveh governorate and validation by relevant national authorities; (2) the development and adoption of amendments to the People’s Covenant of Anbar, working with more than 140 tribal and community leaders from across Anbar governorate; (3) the development of a policy paper on policies and principles to integrate and mainstream gender considerations presented to local coordination mechanisms for consideration; and (4) 100% of interviewed key informants reported an increased willingness by the representatives of disparate groups within the communities involved in the project to engage in reconciliation efforts.

• Proactive disclosure