Backgrounder - Minister of Foreign Affairs announces support to help stabilize Iraq and region

The initiatives announced today by the Government of Canada through the Peace and Stabilization Operations Program (PSOPs) and through the Counter-Terrorism Capacity Building Training Program (CTCBP) amount to nearly $12 million.

Support to the Funding Facility for Stabilization in Iraq
Implementing partner: United Nations Development Programme
Funding announced: $5,000,000
Program: PSOPs
Time frame: 2018 to 2019

The project will help support much needed stabilization interventions in key areas of Ninewah and Anbar following military clearing operations. Through this support, the Government of Iraq will hire local people to rebuild critical infrastructure such as power stations, water facilities, bridges, roads and hospitals. Part of this funding will be used to promote social cohesion by bringing people together to address existing grievances.

Community Policing in Liberated Areas of Iraq
Implementing partner: International Organization for Migration
Funding announced: $3,094,934
Program: PSOPs
Time frame: 2017 to 2019

This project aims to increase the ability of local police and civil society to work together to address security issues in the areas of Ninewah and Anbar through the use of community policing practices. Project activities include training local police and civil society on community policing, establishing community police forums, rehabilitating community police stations and assessing the specific security needs of local women and youth in targeted areas.

Women’s Peace & Humanitarian Fund - Iraq Expansion
Implementing partner: UN Women
Funding announced: $1,300,000
Program: PSOPs
Time frame: 2017 to 2019

The primary goal of this project is to promote peace and gender equality in Iraq by providing support to local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) whose mandate is to empower women. This project will support the ability of local NGOs to enhance women’s representation and leadership in formal and informal reconciliation processes, to promote women’s involvement in economic recovery of their communities, and to enhance women’s participation in decision-making processes and responses related to conflict prevention.

Explosive Hazard Clearance in Mosul District
Implementing partner: Swiss Foundation for Mine Action
Funding announced: $1,482,149
Program: PSOPs
Time frame: 2017 to 2019

This funding will support the clearance of improvised explosive devices and other explosive hazards in the Mosul district. This project will also provide training to local Iraqi demining specialists.

Training and capacity building of law enforcement officials on human rights, the rule of law and the prevention of terrorism
Implementing partner: United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism in Iraq, Jordan and Tunisia
Funding announced: $737,393
Program: CTCBP
Time frame: 2017 to 2019

This project aims to increase the operational effectiveness of counter-terrorism units of the various law enforcement and security institutions of Tunisia, Jordan and Iraq by strengthening their compliance with international human rights standards and the rule of law through the provision of long-term and sustainable national training programs.