In a significant step towards enhancing social and economic stability in Anbar Governorate, the Iraqi TILY Youth Association led the Al-Orouba Camp Initiative in Ramadi in cooperation with governmental and non-governmental organizations and in partnership with the DT Institute. The initiative aimed to address the challenging conditions faced by the camp's displaced persons and to accelerate the process of returning families to their original areas.

The "Al-Orouba Camp Initiative" is a prime example of how community reconciliation and joint action between civil society and the government can find innovative and practical solutions to the issue of displacement in Iraq. Through this initiative, cooperation between different parties was emphasized to enhance social reintegration efforts and facilitate the return of families to their original areas, thus strengthening social and economic stability in the region.

The initiative aimed to improve the legal environment for families residing in the Al-Orouba camp and to enhance the response of civil society and local governments to these families' health, social, and economic conditions. The project also sought to shed light on the challenges faced by displaced persons, especially vulnerable groups such as women and children, and to work on providing a suitable environment for their return to their original areas. The primary goal was to support the efforts of the crisis resolution committee in Ramadi to return 60% of families who do not have security restrictions.

The initiative began with a comprehensive field survey of the reality of displaced persons in the Al-Orouba camp, where accurate data was collected on the number of families, their original areas, the challenges they face, as well as the tribal problems that may hinder their return. The camp's condition was also assessed in terms of public services and housing suitability, which helped in determining the priorities for the procedures required to facilitate the return. Subsequently, a documentary film was produced that highlights the service and health reality in the Al-Orouba camp and reviews the challenges faced by the camp's residents. The film was screened during the "Insan" conference, which called for intensifying efforts to support the return of families, especially women and children, to their original areas.

The project team led hearing and negotiation sessions organized by TILY, divided into six sessions of hearing, negotiation, and agreement for the return of families, with the participation of tribal sheikhs and community leaders from the targeted areas. Agreements were reached to facilitate the necessary procedures for the return of families who do not have security claims against them.

These efforts were followed by the provision of comprehensive legal services to 75 individuals from families in the Al-Orouba camp to facilitate their return to their original areas. These services included assistance in issuing identification documents, in addition to coordinating with the Ministry of Education to readmit students who had been prevented from attending school due to the absence of documents.

Beneficiaries and Local Partners

The initiative benefited 75 families from the Al-Orouba camp, the security forces in Anbar Governorate, and community leaders from tribal sheikhs. Many governmental and non-governmental organizations in the targeted areas, service institutions, and crisis response committees also participated in the project.

Challenges and Achievements

Despite the significant challenges represented by the security and tribal conditions that may hinder families' return, the initiative achieved great success in providing legal and humanitarian support to the beneficiaries. The ongoing mediation efforts also reduced tribal and community tensions, creating a suitable environment for understanding and cooperation among all parties involved.