Iraq 2014-2016 Conflict Overview PDF

CONFLICT A.33 / IRAQ iraq 2014-2016 / CONFLICT Overview...

CONFLICT A.33 / IRAQ iraq 2014-2016 / CONFLICT Overview OVERVIEW MENA REGION OVERVIEW IRAQ 2014-2016 / CONFLICT TURKEY Conflicts in the Syrian Arab CRISIS Republic and Iraq provoking protracted cross-border and internal displacement, 2012-onwards. SYRIAN ARAB 4.4 million in need 1 REPUBLIC 3.1 million IDPs 2 IRAN PEOPLE AFFECTED1 1.3 million returnees 2 228,894 Syrian refugees in Iraq (74,984 families)3 PEOPLE SUPPORTED 597,841 households (NFIs). BY THE RESPONSE4 (2014-2016) 201,682 households (Shelter JORDAN assistance). SAUDI SUMMARY OF THE RESPONSE KUWAIT ARABIA The situation in Iraq has been unstable for several years for both the internal conflict and the impacts of the Syrian cri- sis. The shelter response has taken a range of approach- Map based on Iraq Humanitarian Needs Overview 2016. Severity of needs has es, from mobile assistance for populations on the move, to been calculated on: proportion of displaced people compared to the population of Iraq; proportion of displaced people to host governorate population; percentage a variety of interventions for displaced, host communities, of displaced people living in critical shelter arrangements. refugee and returnee caseloads in multiple settlement situa- tions, including camps, which have been the preferred form 1 SHNO / HRP 2017. of assistance from the government. Integrated programming, 2 2017 HRP Advanced Executive Summary, http://bit.ly/2iCMO24. protection and accessibility considerations have become es- 3 UNHCR (30 November 2016). sential in responding to such protracted crisis. 4 Data reported to the Shelter Cluster, as of December 2016. 5 Displacement Tracking Matrix factsheet # 10. 2012 2014 2015 2016 2017 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 T IM EL IN E SYRIAN AND IRAQ CRISES AUG JAN MAY JUL SEP OCT JAN OCT DEC 1 Aug 2014: The UN declares a Level 3 Emergency in Iraq. For projects in Iraq or similar approaches see: 2 Jan 2015: 2.2 million Iraqis have been displaced from their homes Shelter Projects 2011-2012, A.16 and A.17: Lebanon, on shel- since the start of 2014. ter repairs/upgrades and sealing off. 3 May 2015: Military operations in Tikrit create some displacement, Shelter Projects 2013-2014, A.13 and A.14: Lebanon, on seal- but also allow returns to commence. ing off kits; and on multisector, mixed modality interventions. 4 Jul 2015: The Anbar offensive commences, with 100,000 people dis- Shelter Projects 2013-2014, A.9: Iraq, on cash/voucher pro- placed over the following six months. grammes for shelter maintenance. 5 Sep 2015: Cholera outbreak lasts until November 2015. Shelter Projects 2015-2016, A.34, A.35 and A.36: Iraq, on repairs 6 Oct 2015: Heavy rain and flooding creates additional displacement. of damaged homes and religious buildings; on accessibility up- grades in camps; and on resettlement of IDPs to a planned site. 7 Jan 2016: 3.2 million Iraqis have been displaced since January 2014, 50% in Anbar, Baghdad and Dohuk governorates. 400,000 people have been able to return home. Procurement, planning and prepositioning begin, as plans for the Mosul offensive are shared with the Human- itarian Sector. 8 Oct 2016: The Mosul offensive starts; mass displacement prompts humanitarian actors to scale up emergency preparedness and re- sponse plans. 9 Dec 2016: 121,158 people displaced due to the Mosul crisis by the end of the year, and increasing5. Camps have been established in Iraq since 2013 to host Syrian refugees. SHELTER PROJECTS 2015 - 2016 137  MENA REGION A.33 / iraq 2014-2016 / CONFLICT Overview CONFLICT © Joseph Ashmore © IOM Iraq Sealing-off kits were distributed as one of the shelter response options. IDPs live in a variety of conditions, including in rented accommodation, collective centres (such as schools) and spontaneous, self-settled, sites. Most of the displaced population (both refugees and IDPs) lives outside of camps. BACKGROUND TO THE CRISIS Shelter Sector Working Group already established to focus on Against the background of the ongoing Syrian crisis as it the Syrian refugee response. Given that many host commu- entered its fifth year, Iraq’s internal conflict against armed nities (particularly in northern Iraq and the Kurdistan Region opposition groups has resulted in a protracted crisis that of Iraq) were composed of a mix of vulnerable non-displaced, has left almost 3.2 million people displaced. The economic refugee and IDP families living in similarly substandard shelter crisis has seen a 40% drop in oil revenues, resulting in the and settlement conditions within proximity of each other, the collapse of the social protection floor across the country and Shelter-NFI Cluster merged to consider both IDP and ref- seriously compromising the ability of communities to access ugee responses in this mixed crisis. basic services, maintain incomes and meet everyday needs. In parallel to allowing longer-term displaced families achieve Overcrowding, dwindling resources, perceptions of dispropor- and maintain adequate shelter, agencies in Iraq have also had tionate assistance, lack of (or competition for) employment to prepare for regular waves of new displacement across opportunities, and continued insecurity threatened to exacer- the country, as the active conflict continued. This required bate already fragile ethnic and sectarian tensions across the a phased and incremental approach, covering emergen- country, particularly as sections of the non-displaced popu- cy, post-emergency and early recovery activities, often in lation are already in a situation of destitution. By the end of the same locations during the same timeframe. Building on 2016, it was estimated that over 10 million people in Iraq the national strategy set out by the Ministry of Migration and required some form of humanitarian assistance, of whom Displacement, the Shelter-NFI Cluster in Iraq set out the re- a large proportion were host communities. More broadly, in- sponse strategy in the following three packages: 1) first-line formal settlements increased significantly after 2003, due to response to address the emergency shelter needs of the a shortage of land allocated for housing, lack of services and newly displaced; 2) second-line response to upgrade shelter infrastructural investment, corruption and poor governance, for existing IDPs in critical need; and 3) full-cluster response compounded by significant waves of displacement in 2003 to maintain shelter for the most vulnerable and support rap- and 2007-20086. id return. However, due to the scale of emergency needs, funding for first-line, and sometimes second-line responses, SHELTER STRATEGIES AND RESPONSES has had to be prioritized over the longer-term responses. For The Shelter and Non-Food Items (Shelter-NFI) Cluster in Iraq 2017, the strategic objectives also included: replenish core was activated in January 2014 to address the IDP crisis, with a households items (second-line) and expand shelter and hous- ing options for vulnerable households, according to standards 6 Over one million people were already displaced during these years, accord- (full-cluster). ing to the Iraqi Ministry of Displacement and Migration. © Joseph Ashmore © NRC Iraq “Transit camps” with tents as a temporary measure were initially established for temporary accommodation of the influx of Syrian refugees. These grew in number and size over time, and structures were partially upgraded. The number of refugees was only a fraction of the total number of people displaced (IDPs and returnees). 138 SHELTER PROJECTS 2015 - 2016 CONFLICT A.33 / iraq 2014-2016 / CONFLICT Overview MENA REGION POPULATIONS SETTLEMENT OPTIONS TYPES OF ASSISTANCE IN NEED COMMUNAL SETTINGS [A] TEMPORARY CAMPS / TRANSIT SITES reFUGeeS [B] CONSTRUCTION OF TENT - FREE CAMPS [C] UPGRADING OF TRANSIT SITES Formal / planned camps TO TENT - FREE CAMPS [D] CAMP INFRASTRUCTURE iDPs Mobile assistance packages Collective centres for people on the move BASIC NFI KIT Spontaneous sites BASIC EMERGENCY SHELTER reTUrNeeS including self-settled camps KIT (BESK) EMERGENCY SEALING OFF KIT (ESOK) MOBILE NFI KIT FULL SEALING OFF MOBILE EMERGENCY REHABILITATION AND DURABLE SHELTER KIT (MESK) UPGRADE Hosted accommodation MAIN TYPES OF SHELTER ASSISTANCE IN IRAQ Non-shelter-grade plastic sheeting, blan- kets, Mylar blankets, spoons, forks, cups, MOBILE NFI KIT rented accommodation bowls, deep plates, basic First Aid Kit, so- USD 100-120 per kit Diagram summarizing the main types lar lantern, hand-crank torch, collapsible DISPERSED SETTINGS of assistance by settlement typology jerry can, duct tape, rope, wet wipes, bag One woven bag containing: 2 x tarpaulin MOBILE EMER- GENCY SHELTER (shelter-grade); 1 x rope (30m); 1 x wire OUT-OF-CAMP (5m); 0.5kg x roofing nails; 0.5kg x wire KIT (MESK) nails; 1 x claw hammer; 1 x shovel; 10 x While the preferred response option for the authorities in Iraq USD 60-80 per kit has been the establishment of formal, planned, camps for both tent pegs refugees and IDPs, 62% of the Syrian refugee population6 and BASIC NFI KIT Shelter-grade tarpaulin, blankets (possible to replace with sheets in summer), mattresses, 86% of the IDP population7 across the country have been liv- USD 220-260 per kit (including supplemental hygiene kit (30 day), kerosene or gas cooker, ing outside of camps within the host community, though there seasonal support) kitchen set, solar lantern, water jerry can has been insufficient focus on their needs and conditions. As One woven bag containing: 2 x tarpaulin the crisis in Iraq continued, greater efforts towards support- BASIC EMER- ing self-reliance, sustainability and building resilience (shelter-grade); 4 x timber lengths or poles GENCY SHELTER has become increasingly urgent. This had to be addressed (2.3m); 1 x rope (30m); 1 x wire (5m); KIT (BESK) 0.5kg x roofing nails; 0.5kg x wire nails; 1 within affected populations, as well at the administrative level USD 80-100 per kit x claw hammer; 1 x shovel; 10 x tent pegs through local authorities. Select items and quantities to form a kit As of December 2016, 45% of the displaced population were within cost envelope in response to needs assessment at each location: in rented accommodation (including hotels), facing increas- EMERGENCY (1) Construction materials: tarpaulin and ing financial pressure, as a result of saturation in the rental SEALING OFF KIT plastic sheeting, square cut timbers, other market and high rental costs, leading to greater vulnerability – (ESOK) framing material, plywood sheeting, fixings and particularly a risk of eviction – as resources were depleted USD 250-300 per kit and rope, sealants and adhesives, metal and families fell into debt. In addition, the ability to rent private straps and angles, insulation materials accommodation did not necessarily correlate with achieving ad- (2) Personal and site safety equipment equate shelter, with 17% of families living in what was con- (3) Tools sidered “critical shelter” types – unfinished or abandoned BoQs and technical design led by agency, buildings, schools or religious buildings and informal settle- implemented by beneficiary families with ments8. A main approach of cluster partners working outside of FULL SEALING supervision or by hired contractors. Includes OFF more durable sealing off measures such the camp context has been to improve shelter alongside se- as insulation, PVC windows and doors, curing tenure, while coordinating closely with WASH, CCCM and roof repair and Cash and Livelihoods actors, to ensure displaced families Repair of existing shelters (e.g. unfinished do not fall into deteriorating shelter and settlement situations and abandoned buildings) and/or installation over time. Therefore, the shelter response had to adopt a holis- of good quality shelter or settlement level in- tic and cross-sector approach towards meeting complex, multi- terventions that address priority issues identi- faceted, needs outside of camp settings, over a longer duration. fied through technical assessments of shelter REHABILITA- safety and adequacy. Security of tenure and Approaches have included combinations of the following: TION AND DURA- scope of works confirmed through signed Standardized and complementary Mobile or Basic BLE UPGRADE agreements with legal owner. The Shelter Emergency Shelter Kits (ESK) and Mobile or Basic Cluster works very closely with the HLP NFI Kits, to respond to anticipated new and large-scale Sub-Cluster to develop robust guidelines on how to ensure that HLP issues are addressed 6 3RP, 2016-2017. and do not become barriers for the upgrades. 7 Shelter-NFI Cluster Factsheet, September 2016. All partners follow the same process. 8 See case study A.34 for an example of a repairs project in these shelter types. SHELTER PROJECTS 2015 - 2016 139  MENA REGION A.33 / iraq 2014-2016 / CONFLICT Overview CONFLICT © Jospeh Ashmore Unfinished buildings were occupied by some people. Where agreements were possible with landowners, repairs, light or durable upgrades were made. In some cases, frame tents or sealing-off kits were provided. displacement, aiming to address emergency, life-saving, WITHIN CAMPS needs in a variety of potential transit, non-camp and In some locations, shelters have been established from the camp-like settings. start in so-called “permanent” (or “tent-free”) camps with Sealing-off shelters through distribution of sealing-off concrete slabs, kitchens and bathrooms, or planned as tran- kits or implemented sealing-off activities. Inter-agency joint sitional settlements with prefabricated composite panel car- methodologies and mobile site monitoring by CCCM avans forming single-family dwelling units. In other areas, teams have been developed to ensure site, shelter & where “transit camps” were initially established for tempo- settlement, WASH and protection (including HLP/tenure rary accommodation of the influx of Syrian refugees, a pro- security) issues are addressed. cess of transformation and shelter upgrading has been un- derway since 2014. Tents as temporary, emergency shelter Development of Emergency Sealing-Off Kits (ESOK) solutions have been phased out and replaced with more du- for rapid distribution in the case of a large influx, returns, rable shelters. or for climatization measures. A key aspect of camp activities has been installing, upgrad- Repair, rehabilitation and “durable upgrades” of collec- ing and maintaining camp infrastructure, from public ser- tive centres and unfinished / abandoned buildings, includ- vice facilities, educational buildings and recreation areas, to ing the installation of appropriate shelter-level water and roads, electrical connections and drainage. Close working re- sanitation facilities, as part of shelter actors’ responsibility. lationships with WASH and CCCM actors have been required, Phased and incremental approaches towards collective in order to coordinate both hardware and software compo- centres, unfinished and abandoned buildings and spon- nents, with increasing coordination and engagement with lo- taneous sites transitioning to more formally managed set- cal authority counterparts, as management of camps and their tlements. These include sealing-off (often non-structural, associated infrastructure and service provision was handed for climatization purposes), followed by rehabilitation and over to primary duty-bearers. Although rules vary between durable upgrades to ensure protection against climate in camps, single-storey construction (masonry or using mixed the short term, while longer-term shelter needs are ad- materials) has been permitted, resulting in the stabilization of dressed comprehensively. the areas as settlements. Tenure security and incentives have been integrated SYRIAN REFUGEE RESPONSE through negotiated bi- or tri-partite agreements between Refugees and IDPs comprised 25% of the total population of beneficiary, land or building owner, and sometimes with the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) in 2016. A spike in arrivals local authorities and/or the agency. For example, in ex- of Syrian refugees came in August 2013, with a subsequent change for allowing a displaced family to remain in a house influx in late 2014. The majority of Syrian refugees entered with set rent levels and duration, durable upgrading works the KRI. As of December 2016, around 39% resided in one to the property (such as installing windows and doors, or of ten camps established from 2013, with the remaining 61% bathrooms) would be undertaken. Cash-for-Rent and other of refugees living outside of camps, in host communities. The cash-based programming have also been piloted. refugee population remained largely stable, with movement Community construction activities, such as Quick Impact into and out of camps characterizing population movements Projects, to support over-stretched public services in host in some areas, alongside migration to Europe and other coun- communities with large populations of refugees and IDPs, tries. often engaging Cash-for-Work or skills-building modalities. 140 SHELTER PROJECTS 2015 - 2016 CONFLICT A.33 / iraq 2014-2016 / CONFLICT Overview MENA REGION ©NRC Iraq IDP and refugee camps, in some cases, initially consisted of emergency shelter solutions (e.g. tents), which have been gradually replaced by more durable shelters. Throughout 2015 and 2016, the refugee camps have moved PROTECTION, ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION into a period of significantly reduced involvement of human- The crisis in Iraq has been called “a protection crisis” and re- itarian actors, accompanied by an increased role for the quired to address the challenges faced by persons with spe- government authorities, through mentorship, capacity de- cial needs, supporting the security of women and girls within velopment and partnership programmes. For this, a Joint the household and settlement (often in very overcrowded Crisis Centre was established by the Kurdistan Regional conditions), and ensuring that health and safety considera- Government in 2015, to continue coordination of responses. tions are woven through physical interventions, as well as in Enhancement of livelihoods remained a key focus of resil- use and behaviour of beneficiaries. Shelter actors have been ience-building amongst the refugee population and within active in attempting to mainstream protection through: host communities, which have struggled to cope with the in- Using sealing-off and upgrading activities for partition- flux of both refugees and IDPs since 2014. ing, segregation or fire compartmentalization, to pro- vide more culturally acceptable, safe and secure shelter INTEGRATED PROGRAMMING and settlements. The needs encountered by the newly displaced, those expe- Participating in gender-based violence and safety au- riencing multiple and/or prolonged displacement, returnees, dits, to identify critical areas at shelter and site level. host and non-displaced communities have been of large scale and complexity. This has made necessary to trial ways to Awareness-raising campaigns with displaced communities effectively integrate sectors, for reasons of stimulating on electrical and fire safety, fire prevention and fire fighting. longer-term impacts, cost-effectiveness and sometimes due Adapting shelter improvements to meet both physical to changing security and access situations. Examples include: and cultural needs, and facilitating the role of carers9.6 Encouraging the use of conditional and multipurpose Developing “Quality of Life” indicators, in addition to cash-based modalities for shelter and NFI activities. technical assessments, and furthering consideration of accessibility through multiple sectors. Shelter activities include installation or repair of house- hold-level and shared water and sanitation facilities; Designing mobile, agile and rapid response packages, WASH cluster partners could then more effectively focus to deliver assistance on the move, in temporary situations, on addressing the high needs of community-level net- scattered across dispersed host communities or wide geo- works and municipal systems. graphical areas, and in insecure or inaccessible areas. Development of referral databases and staff sensitization LOOKING FORWARD across the sectors (particularly between Shelter, WASH, CCCM and Protection), to refer potential issues rapidly Prior to the start of the Mosul offensive by the Iraqi govern- to relevant counterparts. ment on 17 October 2016, partners prepared for the expected displacement by pre-positioning standardized NFI and shelter Mobile site monitoring (or CCCM) teams roving between kits and building camps. Once the offensive started and villag- settlements to monitor conditions, identify issues and en- es and districts of Mosul became accessible, partners moved gage or follow up with responsible agencies. in to provide first-line critical shelter and NFI assistance. Dur- Combining NFI distributions with sealing-off kit dis- ing this period, temperatures dropped to below freezing, with tributions, assessments and information dissemination. heavy rain and snow. Training beneficiary and host community households As of early 2017, the East of Mosul was largely taken back in basic safety and construction, using emergency shelter from the so-called Islamic State, and the focus was shifting kits and sealing-off kits, complemented by training in fire to the West, which prompted Shelter partners to pre-position prevention and fire-fighting by CCCM actors. items and prepare camps again, as well as facilitating safe Hiring local labour and residents to install shelter and and voluntary return to the regained areas. The Cluster and its WASH facilities, with training in operation and maintenance partners were also working very closely with the authorities, to to ensure shelters and settlements remain in serviceable ensure gaps were filled and to avoid duplication. condition and to strengthen a sense of ownership. 9 See case study A.35, on accessibility upgrades in camps SHELTER PROJECTS 2015 - 2016 www.shelterprojects.org 141  MENA REGION A.34 / IRAQ Iraq 2015-2016 / CONFLICT conflict CONFLICT CASE STUDY IRAQ 2015-2016 / CONFLICT KEYWORDS: Housing repair / retrofitting, Religious buildings upgrade, Training, Guidelines TURKEY CRISIS Armed conflict in Iraq since January 2014 Approx. 70-80% of the private houses TOTAL HOUSES owned by returnee families were majorly or SYRIAN DAMAGED ARAB partially damaged due to the conflict in the region REPUBLIC IRAN (Source: OCHA). SALAH AL-DIN TOTAL PEOPLE 3.1 million IDPs in Iraq DIYALA (Source: 2017 HRP Advanced Executive Summary). BAGHDAD AFFECTED 1.3 million returnees (Ibid.). BABYLON WASSIT KERBALA Salah al-Din, Baghdad, Najaf, Kerbala, Wassit, PROJECT LOCATIONS JORDAN QADISSIYA Qadissiya, Babylon and Diyala governorates NAJAF BENEFICIARIES 2,278 households (13,028 individuals). SAUDI PROJECT OUTPUTS 300 religious buildings upgraded. ARABIA KUWAIT 400 returnees damaged homes rehabilitated. PROJECT AREAS SHELTER SIZE 21m2 floor space for each family (3.5m2 per person for 6 people per family). MATERIALS COST Religious buildings rehabilitation: USD 840 per household (USD 4,200 per building). PER HOUSEHOLD Damaged house rehabilitation: USD 1,540. PROJECT COST Religious buildings rehabilitation: USD 1,200 per household (Total: USD 6,000 per building). PER HOUSEHOLD Damaged house rehabilitation: USD 2,200. PROJECT SUMMARY The project assisted 2,278 displaced and returnee families to rehabilitate and/or reconstruct damaged and deteriorating shelter structures. Rehabilitation prioritized infrastructure upgrades of religious buildings (Husseinyas) and other critical shelter arrangements, including the damaged houses of returnees. The interventions included the construction of internal wall partitioning, WASH and electrical upgrades, replacing damaged roofing and minor structural repairs. JUN 2014 2015 2016 2017 1 2’ 3’ 2’’ 4’ 3’’ 4’’ 5 6 TI ME LIN E IRAQ CONFLICT IMPLEMENTATION PHASE 1 IMPLEMENTATION PHASE 2 PDM SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT 1 Sep 2015: 3.19 million internally displaced persons and 370,000 returnees in Iraq. STRENGTHS Mid-Sep 2015 and Mid-Mar 2016: On-the-job training conducted for + Protection measures for the most vulnerable. 2 host community and IDPs on rehabilitation works, by the organiza- + Provided work opportunities to IDPs and host community. tion’s engineers and contractor’s skilled workers. + Effective communication with local government and partners. + Completion of works ahead of schedule and high beneficiary satisfaction. 3 Mid-Dec 2015 and Mid-Jun 2016: Upgrade and repair of damaged wa- + Publication of a step-by-step guidelines booklet. ter and sewer pipes and septic tanks completed. WEAKNESSES Mid-Mar 2016 and Mid-Sep 2016: Construction of internal partitions, 4 - Procurement from outside target areas delayed the project. plastering, roof leaks repair, electrical rewiring, repair of damaged - Inaccuracies in cost estimations due to price fluctuations. concrete floor, installation of protection perimeter fencing completed. - Issues in contractor pre-qualification exercise and evaluation process. End-Sep 2016: Awareness sessions on hygiene promotion, electrical - Insufficient capacity-building for staff, in the supervision of shelter- 5 safety and fire protection. Handover to host communities / beneficiaries. related projects. - Project management approach was not always consistent with other 6 Mid-Oct 2016: Post Distribution Monitoring, Quality Control and M&E programmes. Assessment completed. Project close. 142 SHELTER PROJECTS 2015 - 2016 CONFLICT A.34 / Iraq 2015-2016 / conflict MENA REGION © IOM Iraq CONTEXT For more background on the Iraq crisis and shelter responses, see overview A.33. As of September 2015, the organization identified a total of 91,440 displaced families (an estimated 548,640 individuals) © IOM Iraq who lived in critical shelter arrangements, such as schools, re- ligious buildings, informal settlements and unfinished or aban- doned buildings. Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in critical The project conducted upgrades in religious buildings hosting IDPs, including shelter arrangements were extremely vulnerable, with little pro- the addition of partitions between units (here in Kerbala). tection from the harsh weather conditions (below 0°C during the coldest months and above 50°C during the summer). Further- especially for those in critical shelter arrangements. Persons more, IDPs in these shelters generally suffered from inadequate returning to partially damaged homes were to be provided with WASH conditions, health services, as well as educational and shelter and NFI materials, as well as housing, land and property employment opportunities. Multiple displacements were com- rights support. Cash-based, occupant-driven, or owner-driven, mon, causing long-term instability and vulnerability for IDP fam- approaches were encouraged. Sites in the greatest need of ilies. Furthermore, IDPs were increasingly difficult to access, WASH support were also identified and in general responses caught behind front lines, or held at security screening centres. had to be coordinated with relevant clusters. This project was initiated after field assessment reports de- SITUATION DURING THE CRISIS / NEEDS ANALYSIS picted the worsening conditions in critical shelter conditions of Since 2015, IDP families from the districts of Iraq that were re- the Central, Northern and Southern regions of Iraq. In coop- cently liberated by Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and/or Kurdish eration with the government and the Ministry of Displacement Peshmerga, have slowly returned to their area of origin (12,784 and Migration (MoDM), this project provided shelter rehabilita- families as of September 2016). However, many of these return- tion and basic repairs and upgrades to waste water, electrical, ee families have found their homes damaged and in need of ur- structural and ground upkeep, as well as infrastructure main- gent rehabilitation or repair. Therefore, the organization targeted tenance, in line with Cluster objectives. Additionally, the pro- these families in the Central Belt of Iraq with shelter assistance, ject fell under the second line of the humanitarian response to aid in the rehabilitation and/or reconstruction of partially dam- strategy3. aged private homes. According to the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM), more than 16,000 families were living in religious SITES SELECTION buildings called “Husseinyas”, or Shiite prayer halls, primarily Firstly, DTM surveys prioritized three categories: gover- within the central governorates of Kerbala, Najaf, Qadissiya and norate of origin, period of displacement and governorate of Wassit2. Religious buildings were classified as a critical shelter displacement, within each shelter type. The surveys further arrangement, as they failed to provide safe living conditions, categorized shelters into districts, family units and sex and and were not sustainable in the long-term. Furthermore, as the age disaggregated data for the individuals. DTM reports (in- prayer halls are open, the majority of Husseinyas lacked ade- clusive of safety audits) and assessment reports from REACH quate partitions, sanitation facilities, household items and other captured the unsuitable living conditions of IDPs in informal infrastructure to meet the specific shelter needs of a growing settlements and returnees’ damaged houses. Follow-up fo- number of IDP families. Consequently, during the Ashura hol- cus groups by shelter technical field staff with vulnerable iday, when thousands of Shiite Pilgrims travel to these areas, IDPs were also conducted for two rehabilitation work sites. Fi- IDPs were temporarily evicted from the Husseinyas. nally, safety and living environment assessment audits were carried out with rapid shelter assessment forms. A total of 300 SHELTER CLUSTER STRATEGY critical shelters (Husseinyas) and 400 damaged houses were In 2016, the Shelter-NFI Cluster delivered assistance to IDPs assessed and recorded. The criteria used regarding the reha- in varying geographic locations and across all shelter types bilitation needs included WASH plumbing repair and upgrades, and phases of displacement. The minimum assistance con- electrical repairs and upgrades and roof leakage repair. sisted of two components: 1) ensuring sufficient, covered living space, which provides thermal comfort, fresh air and protection Before starting the project, the findings were shared with local from the climate; and 2) providing critical household and shel- authorities and MoDM for endorsement. Focus group dis- ter support items. Thus, it supported the upgrade of substand- cussions were held with district representatives, community and ard housing using durable materials, as well as rental support, religious leaders, and formal Memoranda of Understanding – small scale repairs, and phased assistance to host families, specifying the type of rehabilitation works allowed – were signed with the owners of the Husseinyas. Work plans, quality control, 2 DTM assessments started in mid-2016. 3 Iraq 2016 HRP, http://bit.ly/1U3LFAI. SHELTER PROJECTS 2015 - 2016 143  MENA REGION © IOM Iraq A.34 / Iraq 2015-2016 / conflict CONFLICT The project repaired damaged homes of returnee families through a variety of works. Here in Salah Al-Din, before (left) and after the upgrades (right). monitoring and evaluation (M&E) reports were also prepared, to ligious leaders, heads of households and adolescent groups. ensure the project’s quality and mitigate delays. Selected IDPs were provided with on-the-job skills training in shelter rehabilitation, such as: WASH plumbing, roofing, PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION concrete work, wall plastering, painting and basic electrical Project implementation began with a selection exercise of wiring. In addition, community groups were briefed on the residential construction contractors, through an open tender planned rehabilitation scope for each family unit, specifically advertised in local newspapers and through social media. The on dignity, privacy and protection. Post implementation mon- organization’s technical staff in each governorate were then itoring indicated more than 95% beneficiary satisfaction. provided basic training in supervising rehabilitation works; the shelter team was involved in direct management and quality RISK MITIGATION COMPONENTS control supervision of the project. IDPs and returnees were se- Protection measures were included in the rehabilitation of lected to take ownership of the project through a participatory Husseinyas, through partitions for privacy and adequate approach, by engaging in the repairs of the Husseinyas and lighting along open corridors and water and sanitation facil- damaged houses. Their involvement contributed to increase ities. Separate toilets and bathroom facilities were installed their skills and provided livelihood opportunities. for women and men, with adequate lighting along corridors, as well as open washing areas. Health and hygiene promo- The 300 Husseinyas and 400 damaged houses were then tion campaigns were conducted to mitigate the risks of vec- randomly inspected once again (after project completion) by tor-borne diseases. Finally, awareness-raising campaigns on senior shelter engineers, to check the technical quality of the electrical and fire safety and prevention were also delivered. interventions, as well as beneficiaries’ satisfaction. Post-distri- bution and assistance monitoring was performed by the M&E MAIN CHALLENGES unit. In addition to infrastructural challenges, several logistical is- COORDINATION sues were encountered, such as the lack of access through military controlled check points into post-conflict liberated The organization worked in close coordination with the MoDM, regions, controlled by separatist Militias. As such, material the Iraqi Government and the Shelter-NFI Cluster, prioritizing deliveries were frequently disrupted or put on hold for long governorates based on the influx of IDP arrivals to informal periods. Further, there was a lack of qualified contractors and unfinished settlements and buildings. Following the com- with proven track records in building construction, especially pletion of the generalized surveys, CCCM Cluster partners across Central Iraq. To rectify this, focus group discussions conducted site focused “Red flag” assessments, which cap- were initiated with the local district mayor, religious leaders, tured “prioritized needs” in rehabilitation, in regards to WASH, and militia leaders. This resulted in the organization’s staff presence of mines, electrical security, lack of food and NFI, receiving special access permits (contractors and suppli- as well as other critical needs. In addition to the above men- ers) for humanitarian projects. Further, the organization’s site tioned tools, shelter partners conducted caseload assessment engineers provided pre-selected contractors with trainings on and focus group discussions in each governorate, using the good construction practices for rehabilitation works. shelter assessment form developed by the organization for this project. WIDER IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT Finally, the organization worked closely with all stakeholders This was the first emergency shelter project focusing on re- and humanitarian partners, in referencing each partner’s site habilitation in the region, after the start of the conflict. Ongo- assessment caseload, in order to avoid duplication. Assess- ing lessons learned from this project, particularly in light of ments were shared with Shelter-NFI and WASH partners in the increasing displacement of communities, were utilized coordination meetings, as well as with contractors. in the fast-track procurement and contractor selection pro- cesses, to expedite responses in these emergency environ- ENGAGEMENT OF AFFECTED PEOPLE ments. A booklet on rehabilitation works was also produced, Shelter staff conducted initial focus group discussions with dis- as an outcome of this project. placed persons, as recommended by representatives from re- 144 SHELTER PROJECTS 2015 - 2016  Lack of Protection and Privacy Protection and privacy provided through internal The family room partition was covered with plastic plywood partitions with doors and locksets. CONFLICT canvas, tarpaulin, and blankets, making women and A.34 / Iraq 2015-2016 / conflict MENA REGION children highly vulnerable. STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES AND LESSONS LEARNED Safe Construction : Step by Step Rehabilitation Step one: Step two: Step three: Step four: Start floor layout with Install Metal Framing Install and secure 75 mm Align plywood wall in string adjustment for wall along marked floor line. plywood along the metal line with straight edge framing. Secure metal frames in frames along wall corners. Tools and materials floor with cross bracing Use rivets in each Install plywood door in required : support. plywood sheet ( 4’ x 8’ / each family bedroom measuring tape, string, Secure bottom plate by 10.1 cm x 20.3 cm ) in with privacy lock for chalking and straight rivet into floor. between metal studs and protection. edge (long wood pole) Secure each vertical secure the plywood wall to Plywood wall partitionis for marking. frame wall. each corner of wall. ready for occupancy. Use plumb rule/ plumb Align metal frame with Provide door and ventila- Install doors with hinges, bob to ensure that plumb rule and string. tion openings in each parti- align and test. corners are plumb and tion family room. square. The organization produced a step-by-step booklet for rehabilitations and upgrades, as an outcome of this project. STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES 13 + Emphasis on protection measures for the most vulnera- - Lack of local building materials and sourcing of items ble (women, girls, sick and disabled persons). outside conflict zones delayed the project, also due to in- consistencies at military checkpoints on import regulations. + IDP heads of households, as well as adolescent male and female members of the family, were provided work oppor- - The organization’s estimates did not match contracted tunities through: basic skills training in masonry, electrical projects costs, due to an escalation in building materials and wiring, concreting, plastering and roof repairs. transportation costs across different regions in Iraq. Consider- + The programme developed effective communication with ation of this cost variations would have expedited the project. the local government and partner agencies. - Issues in contractor pre-qualification exercises and eval- + Field staff received training in project planning and budg- uation processes resulted in the hiring of contractors who eting, timeline management and quality controls, before un- were not familiar with international humanitarian standards. dertaking programme responsibilities. - Insufficient capacity-building for shelter staff in project + Rehabilitation projects were completed ahead of schedule management, specifically in the supervision of shelter-relat- and with high beneficiary satisfaction. ed projects. Due to the lack of experienced local contrac- tors, staff was recruited from other regions. This also caused + Publication of a booklet with step by step guidelines on some tensions with local municipalities and residents. Rehabilitating, Repairing and Upgrading of Critical Shelter and Damaged Houses (see snippet above). - The technical project management approach was not always consistent with other programmes, including other shelter and livelihoods initiatives of the organization. LEARNINGS Repair of broken and dysfunctional plumbing was mostly missing in the scope of works (sanitation piping, septic tanks, waste water drainages and water supply pipes). The lessons learned workshop revealed major gaps and WASH repair and upgrades were included in subsequent rehabilitation works. A database of pre-qualified contractors was developed to expedite hiring of competent contractors for various projects (including civil infrastructure, building and electrical works). Extra capacity-building was needed. A project-management training and a lessons learned workshop were con- ducted on planning, quality control and construction management, during a retreat with shelter staff. SHELTER PROJECTS 2015 - 2016 www.shelterprojects.org 145  MENA REGION A.35 / IRAQ iraq 2014-2015 / REFUGEE refugee CRISIS crisis CONFLICT CASE STUDY IRAQ 2014-2015 / REFUGEE CRISIS KEYWORDS: Accessibility, Disabilities, Planned and managed camps, Materials distribution Syrian conflict, Refugees in Iraq. TURKEY CRISIS 2011-ongoing DOHUK 239,000 Syrian refugees in Iraq (as of 2016) ERBIL TOTAL PEOPLE 3.1 million IDPs in Iraq (as of 2016) SYRIAN ARAB AFFECTED 213,000 Syrian refugees (January 2014) REPUBLIC IRAN 85,000 IDPs in Iraq (January 2014) Domiz refugee camp, Dohuk Governorate (Project A). PROJECT LOCATIONS Kawergosk, Qushtapa, Darashakran, and Ba- sirma refugee camps, Erbil Governorate (Project B) 901 households (including 1,047 individuals JORDAN PROJECT with disabilities). 362 HH in Domiz camp, 157 HH in BENEFICIARIES Darashakran camp, 112 HH in Basirma camp, 147 HH in Kawergosk camp, and 123 HH in Qushtapa camp PROJECT OUTPUTS 901 shelters upgraded SAUDI ARABIA KUWAIT MATERIALS COST USD 350 (average for Project A), PROJECT AREAS PER HOUSEHOLD USD 500 (average for Project B). PROJECT COST PER HOUSEHOLD USD 640 (Project A), USD 900 (Project B). Estimated. PROJECT SUMMARY The programme was carried out in five refugee camps in Iraq in two separate projects, focusing on shelter-related issues spe- cific to persons with disabilities. The projects upgraded existing shelters and plots and adapted global accessibility standards to the camp context and cultural norms of the Middle East. The programme sought to adopt a holistic approach, through focusing not only on the individuals with disabilities, but also on the needs of the caregivers. 2011 2014 SYRIA IRAQ 2015 NOV 2015 1’ 2’ 1A 2A 3A 4A 5A 6A 1B 2B 3B 4B 5B 6B 3’ T IM EL I N E SYRIAN AND IRAQI CONFLICTS PLANNING (A) IMPLEMENTATION (A) PLANNING (B) IMPLEMENTATION (B) JAN APR JUN OCT JAN JUN JUL OCT Project A: Feb 2014, Project B: Aug 2014: Development of social and 5 A: Late May 2014, B: Jan 2015: Works initiated in camps. 1 technical assessments and prioritization scoring. 6 A: Jun 2014, B: Jan 2015: Rolling handover of shelters. 2 A: Winter 2014, B: Sep 2014: Initial household level technical assess- ments completed, allowing the creation of a materials database. 1’ Mar 2013: First refugee camp established in KRI for Syrian refugees. 3 A: Early May 2014, B: Dec 2014: Framework Agreements established. Jan 2014: 213,223 Syrian refugees in Iraq. 95,587 individuals (26,924 2’ households) live in camps. Conflict begins between the Iraqi forces 4 A: May 2014, B: Dec 2014: Recruitment of skilled and unskilled labour. and the Islamic State in Iraq and Levant. 85,000 people displaced. 3’ Oct 2015: 245,585 Syrian refugees in Iraq. 94,628 live in camps. 3.21 million IDPs in Iraq. STRENGTHS WEAKNESSES + Tailored interventions for persons with disabilities. - Tendency for staff to adopt standardized approaches. + Addressed a gap in accessibility and quality of life in camps. - Fencing off household plots further isolated some households. + Provided income to assisted households. - Quality of work carried out by paid labourers varied greatly. + Challenged teams to think “outside the box”. - Difficulty in finding balance between the specific needs and the more + Pushed the issue of accessibility and upgrades to the forefront of general household needs. discussions. - Poor communication about targeting and project objectives. 146 SHELTER PROJECTS 2015 - 2016 CONFLICT A.35 / iraq 2014-2015 / refugee crisis MENA REGION ©NRC Iraq Camps were established to accommodate Syrian refugees in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Over time, residents and organizations upgraded the shelters DISABILITY TYPE - ERBIL CAMPS (%) in the camps. However, many gaps remained in terms of accessibility and mo- bility throughout the sites. This project tried to address some of these issues. 60 SITUATION IN THE CAMPS The first camp constructed to host Syrian refugees in the 40 Kurdish Region of Iraq was established in March 2013 in Dohuk Governorate, with a camp population of approximate- ly 55,000. In 2014, four additional camps for refugees were established in neighbouring Erbil Governorate, with a total 20 population of 27,700. In the winter of 2014-2015, 13 camps were established for IDPs escaping conflict in Southern and Central Iraq. In early phases, households were principally provided with Sensory Cognitive Chronic Physical Other (211) (133) Illness (99) (438) (45) tents as an emergency shelter solution, along with the re- quired basic camp infrastructure. In the later-established camps, there was a greater variety of shelter types, ranging from pre-fab shelters to tents on concrete platforms. Con- SHELTER SECTOR STRATEGY currently, an increasing number of camp residents engaged In camp settings, the shelter strategy principally focused on in incremental upgrades, using construction materials from four points: land allocation for new camps; expansion of ex- local markets. Local authorities initially restricted the use isting camps; provision of emergency shelter for new arriv- of “permanent” construction materials (e.g., concrete and als; and shelter improvements for refugees in camps prior to blocks), though later opened up to their utilization in a con- the influx. The strategy highlighted the general needs of dif- trolled manner. In early 2015, the vast majority of shelter ferent vulnerable groups, but there was no specific technical coverings in the camps were still constructed with soft ma- guidance on shelter construction or upgrading for persons terials. This was even more prevalent amongst households with disabilities. with individuals with disabilities, as they were less likely to have access to resources to improve their shelters. PROJECT GOALS Prior to implementation, the organization worked with UN This project aimed at improving accessibility in shelters, shel- agencies, local authorities and the refugee community rep- ter plots and surroundings in camps, as well as the quality resentatives, to assess the number of households in need, of life for individuals with disabilities, through different types the most common types of disabilities, and the current levels of upgrades, such as floors, walls, openings and coverings, of support from other humanitarian actors. Many of the fami- and including access to nearby water and sanitation facili- lies with persons with disabilities reported that the organiza- ties. It also intended to provide a starting point for incremen- tion’s field staff were the first humanitarians to engage tally improving accessibility across the camps. with them directly, or that they had received no prior assis- tance addressing their specific needs. When the organiza- BENEFICIARY SELECTION tion was funded for the Erbil project, two other organizations The organization targeted refugee populations in camps in also received funding to provide assistance to persons with Dohuk and Erbil governorates. Domiz camp was initially se- disabilities. All three organizations worked together in lected, following a multisectoral needs assessment carried the identification and provision of assistance. Approxi- out by another organization, which identified gaps in specific mately 9% of households in the camps of Erbil were found service provision for households with persons with disabilities. to have at least one individual with disabilities. Although The camps in Erbil were later identified as having similar gaps. the types of disability were varied, the most prevalent were IDP camps were not targeted under these projects, though the physical, sensory and cognitive and, in 30% of the cases, organization had other projects and funding streams which multiple conditions. targeted the shelter needs of IDPs. SHELTER PROJECTS 2015 - 2016 147  MENA REGION ©NRC Iraq A.35 / iraq 2014-2015 / refugee crisis CONFLICT The project worked on a variety of upgrades focused on improving the accessibility and Quality of Life of individuals with disabilities. From left to right: Shaded area and fencing around prefab shelter. Concrete slab improving wheelchair access. Fold out support railing. Shaded entrance and support posts for better access. Potential individual beneficiaries and households were iden- Time required to elicit information from persons with tified in close coordination with protection agencies, camp special needs and their caregivers; management and other actors providing services within the Dealing with requests to replace mobility items that were camps. Following the initial pre-identification process, social outside the project scope and expertise of field staff; and technical assessments were carried out at the household In Erbil, targeted assistance led to significant pressure level and were scored based on weighted vulnerability (both from households who did not meet the selection criteria. socio-economic and technical, as well as severity of disability and mobility or quality of life issues). This scoring phase deter- COORDINATION mined which households were to be assisted, in which order, and played a role in defining the unit costs. The organization closely coordinated with other actors imple- menting shelter and WASH activities in the targeted camps, PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION to ensure complementarity and higher impact. At the house- hold level, the organization focused its efforts on the plot and Both skilled and unskilled workers from the camp pop- the shelter itself, while another organization aimed to address ulation were employed to implement the projects. The aim the WASH specific needs. Assessment forms were har- was to include one unskilled labourer from each beneficiary monized, initial planning was done collaboratively, and household as a means to provide a source of income. Each project managers met regularly to discuss project imple- project was implemented by a separate team of six to ten mentation. Technical teams jointly carried out the technical individuals, supervised by a project coordinator. Area based assessments during implementation, to ensure that all inputs teams worked in pairs, with technical staff focusing on tech- were considered when designing the interventions for each nical assessments, design solutions and construction mon- plot. Additionally, a multisectoral Technical Working Group itoring, while household assessments, outreach and moni- was formed to develop guidelines for accessibility and quality toring were covered by non-technical shelter officers or of life upgrades in the camp settings of Iraq. Though the final assistants. Materials were delivered to each household and product was never completed, the working group served as a works were carried out by labourers at household plots. coordination and communication forum, to address some of Though the construction time was generally brief, the overall the challenges encountered during implementation. implementation required multiple visits: an initial social and technical assessment, the development of a bill of quantities MAIN CHALLENGES (sometimes this was carried out more than once due to the There are a number of guidelines at the global level for the movement or modification of the household structure), regu- construction of shelter in emergencies for people with disabili- lar supervision of works and follow-up monitoring visits. ties2. Although the guidance highlights the need to tailor inter- ventions to each individual’s needs, it includes little regarding SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT how this tailoring can be done practically, and at the same Detailed social and technical assessments were carried out at time how such projects can be scaled up, or streamlined, giv- the household level, focusing on the needs and capacities of en the time and budget constraints often faced by humanitari- the household member(s) with disabilities and technical shelter an organizations in the field. conditions, as well as general household information. Social Commonly found challenges included: and technical field staff worked closely with the individual with disabilities and their primary caregivers, to identify Attaching handles to soft tent or plastic sheeting walls and prioritize specific upgrades to improve mobility and and working with non-standard self-built shelters, expan- quality of life. The teams continued to engage the households sions and plots; to ensure that upgrades would be used as intended and met Support for people (or their caregivers) sitting down and the needs of both the individuals and their caregivers. Vis- standing up from the floor; its were done jointly with a partner organization carrying out Extending supports to the outdoor of the shelters; WASH upgrades, in order to ensure complementarity of the Improving accessibility to latrines on public pathways, in interventions. between tents in close proximity; Commonly experienced engagement challenges included: Improving access points (particularly for tents) for per- Eliciting the priorities of the individual beneficiaries when their sons with disabilities and their carers; disability prevented them from communicating effectively; Customization versus standardization; Balancing the expectations and wishes of the families Redesigning solutions to adapt to new locations, when with the issues related specifically to the persons with households moved; disabilities; 2 See, for instance, All Under One Roof, IFRC 2015 (http://bit.ly/2iDTTCT), and Observing the shelter and plot to recognize usage pat- Guidelines for Creating Barrier-free Emergency Shelters, Handicap International terns, in addition to listening to expressed needs; 2009 (http://bit.ly/2iuB30o). 148 SHELTER PROJECTS 2015 - 2016 CONFLICT ©NRC Iraq A.35 / iraq 2014-2015 / refugee crisis MENA REGION Works also included mobility upgrades within plots or across the camps. From left to right: Concrete pathway and railing leading from shelter to shared/communal latrine. Concrete slab improving wheelchair access. Handrails, concrete stairway and pathway around or between shelter plots. Rapid evolution of camps and varying and inconsistent REMARKS AND WIDER IMPACTS rules for shelter upgrading; In their geographical areas of implementation, the projects Households uninstalling materials and repurposing them were unique, as they targeted the specific shelter-related for things other than accessibility. needs for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers, through tailored upgrades. Although these interventions MATERIALS reached a relatively small number of households, niche pro- Materials were sourced from local vendors, through flexible jects such as this enable to fill gaps created when carrying framework agreements that allowed the organization to pro- out larger scale standardized interventions (such as the con- cure most items based on need. Materials were then distrib- struction of plots/shelter/WASH facilities). Of course, there uted to each household according to site-specific BoQs, de- were other vulnerabilities, within the camps, that fell outside veloped by the technical staff. While this approach allowed the scope of this project and have been addressed in follow- for rapid delivery, it also had the unintended consequence of ing projects, by the same and other organizations. pushing the team to work within existing material resources. Finally, these camp-based projects served as a basis for ad- This, at times, hampered creativity in identifying unique solu- ditional programming, which addressed these same issues tions to the specific needs of the individuals with disabilities. for households residing out of camps. STRENGTHS, WEAKNESSES AND LESSONS LEARNED WEAKNESSES STRENGTHS - Tendency for staff to adopt standardized (rather than tailored) approaches led to inconsistent outcomes, principal- + Tailored interventions were implemented, based on com- ly due to time constraints and the feeling to be bound to the prehensive consultations, to address specific and self-identi- originally developed material lists. fied needs of persons with disabilities and their caregivers. + The project addressed a significant gap in accessibili- - Fencing off household plots was a frequent request, to ty and quality of life at the household level, existing since the keep children with cognitive disabilities from wondering off and establishment of the camps. potentially endangering themselves and others, but it also po- tentially further isolated such persons from the community. + Short-term income was provided to assisted house- holds, and additional short-term employment opportunities - The quality of work carried out by paid labourers varied to camp residents. greatly; supervising a large number of sites spread over nu- merous camps posed significant challenges for the team. + Teams were challenged to think “outside the box” and develop innovative solutions to address the specific needs of - The difficulty in finding a balance between the specific the individuals assisted. needs of individuals with disabilities and the more general needs of the household as a whole. + The issue of Accessibility and Quality of Life upgrades was pushed to the forefront of discussions within coordina- - Poor communication about targeting and project objec- tion meetings and amongst shelter partners. tives with the camp community at large. As the project was the first in camps using targeted coverage, the communication could have been improved, in order to reduce requests for as- LEARNINGS sistance by households that were not within selected groups. Keep the needs of persons with special needs at the forefront of shelter interventions, from the onset of an emergency. Standardized items and materials, available through framework agreements, can impair the development of customized solutions to address specific needs, which could instead use items procured outside these agreements. The lack of consistent leadership in the Technical Working Group focusing on Shelter and WASH Accessibility, led to the final intended product not coming to fruition. Foster and encourage the lateral thinking and observation skills of team members, in order to identify creative solutions for individual needs. Provide additional support to staff that are consistently interacting with individuals and households in dire condi- tions, including early training on engagement with persons with special needs. SHELTER PROJECTS 2015 - 2016 www.shelterprojects.org 149  MENA REGION A.36 / IRAQ iraq 2015-2016 / CONFLICT conflict CONFLICT CASE STUDY IRAQ 2015-2016 / CONFLICT KEYWORDS: Prefab shelters, Site planning, Infrastructure, Capacity-building, Protection, Gender, Advocacy TURKEY CRISIS Conflict, January 2014-ongoing. DOHUK 11 million people in need. TOTAL PEOPLE AFFECTED 3.1 million IDPs. SYRIAN 1.2 million return