United Nations: Strategic partnership with Iraq to enhance community cohesion

Baghdad - INA

The Director of the Community Cohesion Program Team of the United Nations Development Program, Judy Wakahio, confirmed today, Friday, that the program is a key partner of the Iraqi government in enhancing and supporting stability and community cohesion.

Wakahio said, in a statement to the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The United Nations Development Program works closely with the National Committee for Preventing Violent Extremism, to support the implementation of the national strategy to combat extremism."

She added, "The program focuses on developing government action plans that are implemented at the governorate level, through local leaders, tribal leaders, and religious leaders, in addition to women and youth, to contribute to reducing violent extremism."

She pointed out that "the program supports these plans based on a comprehensive approach that brings together the government and society to achieve sustainable success in combating extremism, noting the work to analyze the need for a legal framework specific to preventing violent extremism."

Regarding reintegration, Wakahio confirmed that “UNDP led the reintegration of Iraqi returnees from northeastern Syria over the past year, providing support to 4,300 returnees, in addition to supporting local community members.” She added that “the assistance included livelihood support, housing rehabilitation, and psychological and mental care, in addition to strengthening the role of local leaders, tribal leaders, religious leaders, and members of peace committees in achieving reconciliation and enhancing community cohesion, to ensure community acceptance of returnees.”