IRAQ

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT

Despite continuous efforts by a wide range of stakeholders supporting the government of Iraq, violent extremism remains a major threat to Iraq’s national security and stability. Iraq adopted a national strategy for preventing and countering violent extremism and has put in place action plans at the level of the governorates through the countering violent extremism (CVE) sub-committees. Iraq also faces another major challenge posed by the camps in North-East Syria (NES). Beyond their threat to national, regional, and global stability, Iraq is committed to the return, rehabilitation, and reintegration of large numbers of Iraqi families coming from these camps.

In Iraq, the drivers behind violent extremism are complex, there are two main drivers of violent extremism: inter-ethnic and religious conflicts and challenges in reintegration of returnees.  GCERF began investing in the country in 2024 and till date USD 7.1 million has been invested to address these drivers of violent extremism. 

OUR INVESTMENT STRATEGY IN IRAQ

The primary objectives of GCERF’s investment are:

  • strengthening the coordination and capacity of CVE local sub-committees
  • enhancing an enabling environment for rehabilitation and reintegration of returnees
  • improving community-security relationships

To achieve these objectives, GCERF funds programmes that:

Provide holistic case management support to returnees for their better reintegration

Strengthen the capacity of frontline workers to support the rehabilitation of returnees

Improve access to livelihood opportunities to at-risk youth and women in violent extremism affected areas

KEY FIGURES

(cumulative from 2024 to March 2025)

Grants
0
Civil society organisations
0
Total amount invested (in USD)
0 M
Returnees have benefited from different activities under GCERF programming
0
Returnees and survivors of violent extremism received counselling and psychosocial support to heal from trauma, rebuild confidence, and restore social ties, supporting their reintegration and reducing the risk of recidivism
0
Returnees received vocational training, helping them gain practical skills to rebuild their lives and find hope through better opportunities
0

AREAS WHERE WE WORK

Baghdad, Basra, Anbar, Ninewa, Salah Al-Din, Kirkuk, Diyala, Babylon

Sustainable Development Goals

Sustainable Development Goals

Peace, Justice & Strong Institution

Peace, Justice & Strong Institution

No Poverty

Quality Education

Quality Education

Gender Equality

Gender Equality

Decent Work & Economic Growth

Decent Work & Economic Growth

Reduced Inequalities

Reduced Inequalities

Partnership for The Goals

Partnership for The Goals

These goals are based on those set forward in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nation Member States in 2015