Attachments
This report was written by ACTED’s AME Unit to provide a snapshot of humanitarian needs and conditions in neighborhoods around Mosul. Data was collected via Key Informant and Observational tools on Feb 7th.
Highlights
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Due to a lack of access to cash, and employment, purchasing power is extremely limited in Al-Akha and as a result access too food, NFIs and medical supplies is restricted.
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Food was deemed the top priority by informants. With shops and markets available within the neighborhood offering staple items and other consumables, the lack of available cash is the greatest hindrance to food security.
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Access to medical care and services is nonexistent, with many residents in need of assistance for illnesses, injuries and wounds sustained during the fighting as well as during displacement. In addition psychosocial support is greatly needed for both adults and children throughout the neighborhood due to severe traumas sustained.
Situation Overview
The city of Mosul in northern Iraq has been under ISIS control since June 2014, this period has been characterized by repression and human rights abuses. As the last remaining ISIS stronghold in Iraq, the battle to retake Mosul began in October 2016 and Iraqi Security Forces and their allies have now successfully regained control of the section of the city east of the Tigris River. While military operations to regain control of the western portion of the city continue, humanitarian space in the eastern part of Mosul city is now opening up and there is access to provide humanitarian relief. With much of the city’s inhabitants having remained in the city during the battle or now returning, the provision of key services is vital to maintaining living standards, preventing the outbreak of disease and assisting on the path to recovery.
With active conflict only 4km to the west, informants noted that there still is a fear of a resurgence of armed conflict within the neighborhood, however the neighborhood has been reported to be decontaminated from UXOs and IEDs.
Local Leadership: Within Al-Akha’, it was reported that the local leadership was set up by the local community, with Mukhtars appointed by the community themselves. In addition to the Mukhtar, Religious leaders within this neighborhood play a role within local leadership. This local leadership structure was noted to be functional, representative and trusted.