Introduction:

To foster stability and peace in conflict-affected areas of Iraq, the Iraqi Al-Tadhamun League for Youth implemented a project entitled "Supporting Peace and Consolidating Stability in Iraq" in partnership with the DT Institute. The project commenced on June 15, 2021, in various districts of Anbar Governorate, including Ramadi, Ameriyat al-Fallujah, Baghdadi, al-Qaim, and al-Khalidiya. It aimed to promote community tolerance, reduce retaliatory violence, and achieve stability through effective conflict resolution mechanisms and community justice.

Project Objectives:

Increase Condemnation of Violence: Raise public awareness against retaliatory actions and foster community rejection of violence.

Achieve Justice: Enhance the perception among vulnerable groups that their concerns about revenge attacks are addressed transparently and fairly through the work of Crisis Response Committees formed in different areas.

Prevent Retaliatory Acts: Reduce violence and conflict by implementing community-based strategies focused on prevention and collaboration among various stakeholders.

Community Integration: Promote integration between returning families and host communities through participatory community initiatives aimed at finding joint solutions to issues related to the return of families.

Activities Implemented:

Since the project's inception, several activities have significantly contributed to achieving its objectives:

Formation of Local Committees: Active community members in Ramadi, Ameriyat al-Fallujah, al-Khalidiya, Baghdadi, and al-Qaim formed committees tasked with identifying local crises and proposing practical solutions by promoting best practices that helped reduce retaliatory conflicts.

Conflict Resolution and Tension Mitigation: The committees addressed crises in their respective areas, employing effective strategies to resolve conflicts and mitigate retaliatory violence.

Awareness-Raising Media Campaign: Media messages promoting tolerance, community integration, and the importance of peaceful and just conflict resolution were disseminated. The impact of the messages and slogans used in the campaign on the local community was assessed.

Effective Community Participation: Workshops and community meetings were held to encourage dialogue between returning families and host communities, contributing to increased cooperation and mutual trust.

The project engaged fifty-three members from various target areas, including thirty-four men and nineteen women, who participated in activities aimed at promoting community stability. These activities empowered individuals to take practical steps towards fostering peaceful coexistence and reducing tensions in their communities.

Local Partnerships:

The project successfully collaborated with several local partners, including:

Security institutions, such as the army and police.

Representatives of local administrations in the districts.

Tribal sheikhs.

Civil society activists.

Academics who contributed to knowledge transfer and guided activities in line with the local context.

Project Outcomes:

The project achieved significant positive outcomes, including:

Reduction of violence and retaliation in the targeted areas.

Increased trust between different communities, both among returning families and host communities.

Strengthened joint efforts between civil society, local authorities, and international partners in achieving sustainable peace.

Conclusion:

With the project's conclusion in November 2023, initial results demonstrated significant success in promoting peace and stability in Anbar. Despite ongoing challenges, the efforts undertaken through this project contributed to providing a safer environment and achieving community justice. The Iraqi Al-Tadhamun League for Youth remain committed to supporting conflict-affected communities and providing innovative solutions that contribute to building a better future for Iraq.