General Highlights
The security situation in the 3 governorates of Erbil, Dahuk and Sulaymaniyah is calm and stable and life is returning to normal for the people of this region. The Iraqi Kurdistan Parliament has announced the end of the emergency status in Northern Iraq, which had been announced prior to the commencement of current conflict.

The majority of the new IDP have now returned to their places of origin. However, on the other hand, only a very small minority of the old caseload of IDP from GOI areas have returned to their places of origin and in the majority of case of those who have returned, only a part of the family has returned. The majority of the old caseload of IDP from GOI areas were displaced in the 80s and the beginning of the 90s and many of these families have now settled into their new life in Erbil or Sulaymaniyah. In addition, the houses and villages of most of these IDP have been damaged and/or they lack essential services such as water, health and educational facilities. Many of these IDP want to return to the places of origin, but to do so they well require extensive support ranging from transportation to proper resettlement and socio-economic rehabilitation assistance. The majority of Arab families, who had been occupying Kurdish houses and villages, have already left these locations. Some Kurdish families have now returned to their lands, on a temporary basis, to take care of their agricultural fields in preparation for the harvest season, which will be here within the next few months.

The movement of people to Kirkuk and Mosul remains normal. The areas previously under GOI control are still restricted for UN movement as per instructions from the local UN security personnel. However, a number of NGOs are operational in these areas. Certain restrictions have also been placed on UN movement within the 3 northern governorates but it is expected that this situation will shortly be resolved.

UNOPS-IDP continues to coordinate and cooperate with NGOs operating in Kirkuk and Mosul. With the support of UNOPS-IDP, the NGO Kurdistan Children Nest (KCN), which is based in Sulaymaniyah, carried out a rapid assessment and evaluation of the major humanitarian needs support in Kirkuk and Tozkhurmatoo district. This rapid assessment showed that the overall condition in the hospitals and the water supply system in Kirkuk are good. There is, however, an urgent need for the provision of a garbage collection service in several quarters inside the city since in many places garbage has been left lying around in the open with the accompanying high risk of contamination. The municipality staff are in need of the necessary resources to carry out this public service. In Tozkhurmatoo, there is a need for the provision of potable water through tankering to at least one out of the eight quarters. In another quarter there is a need for a minor repair of the existing water network that could be performed by the NGO's staff if the required materials are provided. The collection of garbage has been neglected and the municipality is in need of the necessary tools and equipment to provide this service. Around 200 additional destitute families in Kirkuk 150 in Tozkhurmatoo have been identified that are in need of basic relief items. At the same time based on needs uncovered through a prior assessment done by KCN, 40 destitute families have been supported by UNOPS-IDP relief materials in Tozkhurmatoo. A similar number of families will be assisted in Kirkuk tomorrow.

Humanitarian Situation

Erbil and Soran

The project is waiting for the green light from the local authorities to close the Delizian and Ashkawtawan camps, which were established by UNOPS-IDP for new IDP, as there are now no IDP remaining in either camp.

The project has resumed the social and vocational training courses for IDP and other vulnerable groups, which were suspended during the conflict. Other suspended activities such as the construction of a social centre in Choman will also be resumed soon. However, the camp management services such as the provision of potable water and hygiene services to IDP continued throughout the conflict period.

The local authorities have requested the provision of potable water to an additional 160 families in Kasnazan and 400 families in Soran who are occupying new settlements, where there are water projects currently under implementation. The project will assess the situation and then take the necessary actions.

Sulaymaniyah

There is still only one family residing in Bazyan camp. UNOPS-IDP has raised the issue of transferring this family to Takya camp with the mayor of Takya where all the services are available. This request will be forwarded to the appropriate local authorities for approval.

In cooperation with the NGO NPA, UNOPS-IDP will provide 100 tents and assist in the construction of sanitation units for those families who were affected by the conflict with Ansar al-Islam and the US bombardment in Byara until they can be resettled elsewhere.

Dahuk

The provision of potable water and other camp management services is proceeding smoothly. UNOPS-IDP is in the process of resuming activities suspended due to the conflict, such as the renovation of WatSan facilities in IDP camps and hard shelters and the social and vocational training courses for IDP and other vulnerable persons.

The relief items, pre-positioned in Sarsink, will be returned to the main warehouse in Dahuk as there is no longer a need to keep them in that part of the governorate.

Coordination Issues

Erbil and Soran

The project met with the director of the Department of Reconstruction and Development (DRD) to discuss the possibility of extending support to areas located originally in Erbil governorate administration but previously under GOI control. The DRD together with the Department of Rural Water and Warehouses (DRWW) are undertaking an initial assessment for the required services in villages, districts and sub-district centres in these areas.

Sulaymaniyah

UNOPS provided the NGO Norwegian People's Aid with the lists of the relief items already distributed to the beneficiaries in Biyara in order to avoid duplication of assistance should NPA decide to provide more items to the people there.

The project met with the head of Sulaymaniyah municipality to discuss the possibility of extending the provision of municipality services to the Khanaqeen and Jalawla areas.

Dahuk

A meeting was held with the local NGO KRO to discuss possible cooperation in assisting the vulnerable people living in areas previously under GOI control.

Access/Protection Issues

The Iraqi -Turkish boarder is partially opened for private trading, while it also remains open to diplomatic and press missions, and UN trucks.

Issues Requiring Follow-Up

N/A

Any Other Business

N/A

Additional Information

1 Around 62% of the registered IDP that have been displaced from the GOI territories were hosted by relatives.

Out of 24 sites and shelters established for the accommodation of IDP from the GOI areas only 3 sites are remaining hosting a total population of 54 people.

1 KRO - Kurdish Reconstruction Organisation
2 IRCS - Iraqi Red Crescent Society
3 KSC - Kurdistan Save The Children