Free Legal and PSS Support for Minorities in Ninawa

Donor: Heart Land Alliance (HAI)

The liberation of Ninewa Governorate from ISIS marked the beginning of a complex recovery phase for religious and ethnic minorities. Years of occupation had resulted in widespread destruction of homes and properties, land confiscation, loss of official documentation, and serious violations of fundamental rights. Upon returning to their areas, many families encountered administrative and legal obstacles that prevented them from reclaiming property or formally reestablishing ownership, particularly in the context of damaged public records and limited awareness of official procedures.

In response to these challenges, the Iraqi Institution for Development (IID) implemented a comprehensive legal and psychosocial support program across Mosul District, Hamdaniya, Sinjar, and the sub-districts of Bashiqa and Bartella. The initiative targeted Christian, Yazidi, and Shabak communities, aiming to enable returnees to restore their rights, improve access to justice, and strengthen community stability.

Implemented from February 15, 2017 to May 31, 2018, the program achieved tangible results, including:

- Documentation of property destruction in 270 cases using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, providing reliable evidence to support restitution and legal claims.
- Training of 327 returnees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) on their legal rights and procedures for pursuing claims through relevant institutions.
- Distribution of 5,025 booklets on general legal rights to enhance legal awareness within affected communities.
- Distribution of 2,098 booklets on property rights and restitution procedures.
- Provision of legal consultation and representation in 839 cases before courts and governmental institutions.
- Delivery of psychosocial support services to 54 individuals affected by trauma and conflict-related violations.

Beyond numerical achievements, the program contributed to rebuilding trust between affected communities and public institutions, integrating legal assistance with psychosocial support through a holistic recovery approach. These interventions enabled families to regularize their legal status, reclaim property, and regain a sense of security and belonging.

The initiative reinforced principles of transitional justice, supported the rule of law, and contributed to community stabilization in the post-conflict phase. It demonstrated that documenting rights is not merely an administrative process, but a fundamental step toward accountability, preventing future violations, and building a more just and cohesive society in Ninewa.