Government Initiated
Diyala suffered disproportionate damage due to sectarian violence and from Al Qaeda insurgents, between 2006 and 2007, which led to the displacement of more than 260,000 individuals. In 2008, following the improved security situation, large numbers of individuals began returning comprising the second highest number in Iraq (after Baghdad). The Governorate of Diyala recorded the second highest number of refugee and IDP returns with close to 139,070 Iraqis returning since July 2008 to December 2010.
The Governorate of Diyala is of geo-political importance and its cultural and ethnic composition mirrors that of the Iraqi State with a predominant Sunni Arab population and a minority Shiite Arab. Kurds represent an estimated 5 % of the population. Consolidation of peace in Diyala will give strong indications of the larger peace process. A coordinated approach led by the Government with international support will also establish a solid precedent for return and reintegration programmes in other Governorates.