IDP Participatory Assessment
February 2016
Sulaymaniyah— KRI
Background and Introduction
The findings summarized in this report reflect information collected by UNHCR together with implementingpartners in a small-scale participatory assessment exercise conducted with IDP women, men, girls and boys in camp and non-camp areas within Sulaymaniyah Governorate. The exercise was conducted through a multi-functional team comprised of all the units within UNHCR and implementing partners working in Sulaymaniyah.
Objective
The participatory assessment exercise was intended to gather accurate information on the specific protection risks faced by women, men, boys and girls and the underlying causes, to understand their capacities, and to hear their proposed solutions. The exercise allows IDPs from different backgrounds, gender, age groups and with specific needs to have a say in decisions impacting their day to day life. Discussions were held to understand their problems, priorities and community based solutions that they would propose to adjust UNHCR’s response in 2017.
Overview
In February 2016, 11focus group discussions were held with IDP women, men, girls and boys (including persons with specific needs) in the following areas: Ashti IDP Camp (4); Chamchamal (2); and Dukan (3).
The discussions focused on the themes of i) Protection; ii) Community Self-Management; iii) Mixed Migration; and iv) Shelter/ NFIs.
Findings
(i)Protection
- Safety & Security; Legal Assistance; Freedom of Movement
Ashti IDP: The participants stated the major issues they face are with regarding to medical assistance (not enough staff in the clinic in the camp and lack of medication), food insecurity and lack of livelihood opportunities. One solution that the participants raised was that some of the camp residents are trained teachers and they could be employed at the Arabic schools in camp and out of camp locations throughout Sulaymaniyah as they understand there is a lack of qualified teachers. One protection issue they shared was that although they are generally able to move freely within Sulaymaniyah Governorate, they are unable to travel to Erbil Governorate, which at times they need to go to, for example, for medical assistance.
Chamchamal: Although some individual incidents were reported (including one participant who stated that a man visited her house after she received cash assistance from Qandil), participants stated they generally feel safe and secure in the area of displacement. All participants stated they trust the Asaish and the police in their area. Some individuals residing in the Barez Company Housing, however, reported that they do not feel secure in their environment. Although most IDPs stated they have good relations with the host community, some participants highlighted some tensions amongst IDP youth and host community youth.
IDPs highlighted the issue of freedom of movement as identity documents are confiscated by the Asayish and they need to obtain formal approval before they are permitted to leave Chamchamal and enter other districts. IDPs reported they leave their Asayish Codes with the Asayish when they leave Chamchamal and obtain it again when they return. Individuals who need to leave for medical reasons are only permitted to leave if they are issued a formal letter from a hospital in Chamchamal.
IDPs reported instances of hospital administration refusing to issue “proof of births” to hospitals. They also stated there have been some issues with obtaining death certificates in some instances.
IDPs also shared that they have been advised from individuals who have returned to Salahadin (Tikrit) that the security situation is unstable and that they are under continuous threat of being robbed (if wealthy) as well as being accused that they support(ed) ISIS.
Dukan: The IDPs stated that in general, they feel safe in their place of displacement and highlighted that the host community has been particularly welcoming—indeed, there have been seven inter-marriages between IDPs and host community.
The IDPs reported that they all have an Asiash code and that a Kurdish sponsor is not required in Dukan. The Asaish confiscate their identity documents but are lenient about returning them when IDPs need to travel. They also mentioned that the Asaish stated they want to return their identity documents for good but for this they are awaiting instructions from the General Directorate of Asaish in Sulaymaniyah Governorate. They highlighted the fact that travel to Erbil, however, remains difficult, even with permission from the Asaish.
The IDPs stated that they understand the security situation remains unsafe in Ramadi, their place of origin, and thus, they do not plan to return there. They stated however, that they would like to return back as soon as they are able.
- Child Protection/ Education
Ashti IDP Camp: Most participants stated that child labour is not an issue as there is no source of employment. Further both Arab and Yezidi participants stated that they did not believe child marriage to be an issue.
IDPs highlighted overcrowded classes in camp schools isa major concern as 40 – 45 students are in one classroom. Further, participants stated that the classroom is not equipped to handle suchcapacity—e.g., multiple students are sharing one chair. IDPs stated that teachers do not have needed expertise in some areas, for example, there are no history or geography teachers. IDPs reported that students are unable to afford buying books and that the school is unable to provide books for them. Finally, Yezidi students stated they are forced to sit through Islamic religion classes which they cannot accept.
It was highlighted that students do not have a place to study in the camp such as a library. To that end, the IDP youth stated there is no Youth Friendly Space in the camp and they requested an area with computers and other facilities where they can spend their time in a productive manner.
Chamchamal: Participants shared that there are two elementary and two secondary schools for IDPs in Chamchamal, but only one elementary school for IDPs in Shorsh. Female participants report that there are around fifty students in one class in the elementary school in Shorsh and the learning environment is ineffective.
IDPs stated that child labor is not widespread as there are few job opportunities. The participants shared that the children who do work, however, work as daily laborers or in small shops, and children generally work long hours (e.g. up to 12 hours a day) with very little pay.
Dukans: Participants stated most children are in school as there are two primary schools and two secondary schools specific to Arab IDPs. However, they highlighted the issue that there are not enough teachers for each specialty and most instructors are covering two topics, including ones they do not have expertise in.
Some children are working in small chops cleaning or making tea for very meager wages.
The participants stated that their marrying off their daughters at a young age is a part of their culture and is not an output of their displacement.
(ii) Community Self-Management
Chamchamal: Participants stated that although community representatives are present, many practice favoritism. Indeed, with regards to selection of households for assistance, some participants argued that it is better if organizations visited IDP houses directly without having to go through representatives or the Asayish, while other participants opposed the idea stating that the Asayish lists ensure some degree of equality.
(iii) Mixed Migration
Ashti IDP Camp:Participants stated that they know of some families who have travelled to Germany or the Netherlands due to lack of sources of income in the KRI. They shared that the main source of information for smuggling is Facebook. They also know of some who have drowned at sea but they know some individuals who are still focused on travelling mainly due to the lack of livelihood opportunities as well as lack of access to education for children.
Chamchamal: IDPs stated that they know of very few families that have left for Europe as most cannot afford it.
Dukans: Participants stated they do not want to risk the hazards of illegal travel and are planning to return to their places of origin.
(iv)Shelter/NFIs
Ashti IDP Camp: Participants stated that they are facing issues as they are not allocated separate tents to accommodate large family sizes. Some IDPs stated they are facing difficulties as they have two wives and the entire family is living together which causes undue strain on an already trying situation. Further some stated that their newly married children are living together in the same tents and lack of privacy is a serious concern. The participants further highlighted that they do not feel safe in their tents as they are highly flammable and they all rely on kerosene heaters in the winter.
Chamchamal: Participants complained that rents are high—averaging 300,000-400,000 IQDs(minimum of 200,000 IQDs). IDPS reported that in some instances they are being asked for more rent than the host community. IDPs reported that most of the houses they live in are not in good condition and multiple families are living in the same house (i.e., 3-5 families to one shelter). They also reported lack of electricity and water. In particular, participants shared that IDPs living in unfinished buildings in the Anfal Quarter are living in extremely challenging circumstances.
IDPs reported that they have only received kerosene, some clothes and other NFIs (such as mattresses), mostly from the Qatar Red Crescent. The participants claimed that those who have connections receive assistance as most assistance is distributed through Asayish list (except for Qandil). As for food distributions from the federal government, participants reported they only received flour and no other items.
Dukans: Participants stated that high rents are a serious concern.
Community capacities and proposed solutions:
Continue to advocate for the return of all confiscated identity documents for IDPs and promote freedom of movement for IDPs, including across governorates. Advocate for less burdensome procedures for individuals who are required to travel for medical assistance.
Ensure that the practice of denial of proof of births is no longer an issue in Chamchamal and to assess the new issue reported with respect to denial of issuance of death certificates.
Employ IDP teachers in Arabic Schools and advocate that teachers with the correct expertise are hired. Request a review of the teacher/ student ratio in Ashti IDP Camp as well as in Shorsh.
Increase cash assistance targets for IDP out of camp, in particular areas highlighted such as Anfal Quarter in Chamchhamal where individuals are reportedly living in particularly challenging circumstances.
Promote that assistance provided partners is not based solely on the Asayish lists which reportedly leads to favoritism.
Awareness raising campaigns for child labour and child marriage.
Creation of Youth Friendly Space within Ashti IDP Camp.
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