The “Building Peace and Stability in Iraq (BPSI) – Phase IV” programme is situated within a complex transitional phase in Iraq, where emergency humanitarian response is gradually giving way to durable solutions led by national institutions and local actors. Despite progress, the context remains marked by large numbers of internally displaced persons and returnees, as well as structural barriers to reintegration—such as limited access to essential services, unresolved housing, land and property issues, and gaps in civil documentation. These challenges are compounded by fragile social dynamics, including stigma and discrimination, and by environmental pressures related to the climate crisis. In this setting, the project operates across 13 high-severity locations in the governorates of Ninewa, Salah al-Din, Kirkuk and Anbar.
The overall objective of the initiative is to enable the safe return and sustainable reintegration of conflict-affected populations by strengthening locally led peacebuilding processes, expanding access to justice, and reinforcing the institutional capacity of civil society and public authorities. Three specific objectives guide the intervention: promoting social cohesion and conflict reduction through inclusive community dialogue; ensuring access to rights and justice for individuals involved in return and reintegration processes; and strengthening the capacities of local and institutional actors to support policies and practices aligned with durable solutions.
The project’s main activities are structured around three pillars. First, it supports inclusive dialogue platforms—such as Peace Committees and Natural Resource Management Committees—which facilitate conflict resolution and strengthen social cohesion among communities. Second, it provides legal services, including legal awareness, counselling, and representation, to support individuals in accessing civil documentation, housing, land and property rights, and family law. Third, it invests in the capacity building of civil society organizations and institutions through training, technical support, and evidence-based advocacy, including engagement on the implementation of key national legal frameworks.
The project is expected to reach over 11,000 individuals through targeted services, including legal awareness sessions, counselling, and legal representation, as well as climate advocacy initiatives, training of trainers, and institutional support for public officials. Expected outcomes include improved access to rights and essential services, enhanced community capacity to manage conflicts non-violently, and a stronger role for civil society and institutions in promoting inclusive and sustainable solutions.
The intervention adopts a human rights-based approach that emphasizes participation and self-determination, recognizing and strengthening the leadership of local organizations and communities. Through a “partnership-first” model, Iraqi NGOs play a central role in implementation, fostering locally rooted, participatory, and sustainable processes. The project is implemented in collaboration with eight local and international partners and is supported by UKaid through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), contributing to pathways for peaceful coexistence and long-term reintegration in Iraq.
