Baghdad: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Japanese Embassy and the Ministry of Migration and Displacement, organized an event to highlight the partnership with the Government of Japan and its support for efforts to enhance human security, support livelihoods, promote reintegration, and strengthen social cohesion in Sinjar and Baaj districts of Nineveh Governorate.

According to Iraqi News Agency, Ali Abbas Jahakir, Director General of the Branches Affairs Department at the Ministry of Migration and Displacement, spoke during the event, emphasizing the continued support from the Japanese government. Jahakir remarked on Japan’s longstanding support for Iraq across various sectors, expressing satisfaction with the international and governmental focus on these vulnerable areas.

Japanese Ambassador to Iraq, Akira Endo, also addressed the attendees, celebrating the launch of the project aimed at reintegrating returnees and internally displaced persons. Funded through Japan’s supplementary budget for fiscal year 2025, the project intends to enhance human security in Iraq by bridging humanitarian work, development, and peace efforts. The ambassador reiterated Japan’s commitment to the reconstruction and development of Iraq, having contributed over $21 billion since 2003.

The Ambassador highlighted the specific challenges faced by communities in Sinjar and Baaj, particularly for Yazidi survivors and other returnees. He explained that the project would directly engage more than 600 people and indirectly benefit over 29,000, focusing on improving access to services and strengthening social cohesion.

Furthermore, the project aligns with broader regional efforts by Japan and UNDP, emphasizing the integration of humanitarian action, development, and peacebuilding. A strong gender-responsive focus is included to ensure women can access and contribute to the project’s benefits, thus supporting long-term recovery in Iraq.

UNDP Resident Representative, Titon Maitra, underscored the importance of the partnership in achieving human security, reintegration, social cohesion, and sustainable recovery in Iraq. Maitra highlighted the event as an opportunity to reflect on the impact of the bilateral partnership in fostering a stable and productive future for the Iraqi people.