Iraq Crisis - No Lost Generation - 2015

March 2015 - The humanitarian situation in Iraq continues to deteriorate. The violence between armed groups and government forces has displaced an estimated 2.4 million people from their homes. An estimated 5.2 million people in Iraq have been affected by the conflict and are in need of humanitarian assistance. Basic services including health care and water infrastructure are disrupted resulting in acute humanitarian needs. As fighting and human rights violations persist and international efforts remain to free territory controlled by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) the situation is expected to deteriorate and to cause additional displacement. With DFATD's support the partner is helping to reduce the vulnerability of internally displaced people affected by the civil unrest in Iraq. Project activities include: (1) providing youth friendly spaces; (2) training an estimated 2 500 youth through life skills and resilience courses; training 100 coaches and 100 youth leaders to serve as mentors and instructors in safe spaces; and (3) reaching 8 000 youth through recreational activities and community events and 16 000 community members through awareness campaign and community impact projects.

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) increased access to protective social networks and spaces for 8 000 youth; (2) 2 500 youth develop life skills that are applied in pursuit of personal development goals; (3) improved relations and reduced tensions across host communities; and (4) parents and caregivers have increased understanding and ability to support youth. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or facing acute food insecurity.