International report: Ways to strengthen social protection programs for those affected in Iraq

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[size=52]International report: Ways to strengthen social protection programs for those affected in Iraq[/size]

[size=45]Translated by / Hamed Ahmed[/size]
[size=45]A survey report in which six international organizations concerned with humanitarian and social care participated addressed the issue of implementing social protection programs for affected segments of the country’s population that address poverty and the need for assistance, including women, children, and the disabled from displaced and returning families, and identified the obstacles and challenges that stand in the way of many families and individuals in obtaining benefits. These programs and ways to overcome them.[/size]
[size=45]The report, which was jointly prepared by Action Against Hunger (ACF), People in Need (PIN), Sorouh Foundation for Sustainable Development (SSDF), Women Empowerment Organization (WEO), Youth Welfare Organization (YAO), and Aid Gateway (AGO), stated that Iraq, over a long period Over time, there have been many wars and battles that have greatly affected the social and economic situation of the people of the country. The last battle that the country experienced was the war against ISIS, which caused a large-scale displacement wave that culminated in the displacement of more than 6 million people in 2015, but so far 5 million people have returned.[/size]
[size=45]Due to the war that extended from 2014 to 2017, there was a large campaign of humanitarian aid, and according to the humanitarian response plan drawn up for the year 2022, estimates indicate that there are still 2.5 million people, including 1.1 million children, in need of humanitarian assistance. Families and individuals displaced outside the displacement camps, and families who recently returned to their areas, are still, due to those battles, struggling to continue their daily lives. These groups need ongoing support to help them meet the challenges they face in rebuilding their lives and livelihoods.[/size]
[size=45]The international report indicates that although the war phase has ended and the country is now experiencing stability and moving to the sustainable development phase, there are still fears of humanitarian crises for many population groups. According to the International Organization for Migration, Iraq faces three simultaneous challenges: the crisis of chronic displacement and the resulting humanitarian challenges, the crisis of political challenges and instability resulting from regional tensions that include natural resources, and there are also sleeper cells of ISIS militants and armed groups that are still active in Iraq. .[/size]
[size=45]The report states that the impact of the Corona epidemic was significant on the economic and living aspects of the country, as the poverty rate increased to 25% and the unemployment rate increased to 14.9%. In addition to these humanitarian challenges, Iraq has been classified by the United Nations as the fifth most vulnerable country in the world to the effects of climate change. The effects of this aspect are now clear.[/size]
[size=45]The report indicated that while the Iraqi economy is now showing signs of improvement, major challenges still need to be addressed. According to the International Monetary Fund and World Bank information, the high unemployment rate and the dominance of the public sector in the labor market are two aspects that need to be addressed in order to support private sector growth. In addition, the dependence of Iraq's budget on the rate of oil prices and the increase in inflation rates are indicators that the market in Iraq may not be as stable and prosperous as desired. On the other hand, the Iraqi government is working in cooperation with international partners such as the United Nations and the World Bank to implement reforms and attract investments to ensure stability and long-term growth for the national economy.[/size]
[size=45]The report states that both the Baghdad Central Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government have made a significant contribution to supporting family income in Iraq, and in general, the income of the non-labor force constitutes 31% of the total income of Iraqi families. In its report for the third quarter of 2022, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs revealed that there are 1.5 million families in Iraq who have benefited from social assistance programs. This number represents 17.2% of the country's population, taking into account the general food support system, which provides a monthly food basket for all the people, which contributes to improving the social and living situation and eliminating poverty.[/size]
[size=45]The Iraqi government is working in cooperation with international organizations, including UNICEF, the World Food Program, and the European Union, to reform the social protection program and improve means of responding to social economic shocks. The initiative aims to expand the field of social protection and strengthen government capabilities in Baghdad and Erbil to address gaps in social security and assistance.[/size]
[size=45]In April 2022, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs signed a memorandum of understanding with the United Nations Development Program to promote sustainable economic development and provide job opportunities in Iraq. This partnership aims to support and support small projects and create an ecosystem that encourages entry into the market with small commercial projects, with financial support in the form of loans aimed at reducing the unemployment rate and encouraging small projects in the private sector.[/size]
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