The recently concluded Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) needs assessment in the West Ninewa region of Iraq, encompassing the districts of Baaj, Sinjar, and subdistricts of Qairawan and Sinuni, sheds light on the intricate challenges and necessities faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) and returnees within this volatile geographical terrain. This assessment, conducted against a backdrop of historical displacement and conflict, delves into the multifaceted repercussions of geopolitical upheavals and internal strife, resulting in the mass displacement of communities across various provinces.
Of significant concern is the grievous plight of the Yazidi community in Sinjar and adjacent areas of West Ninewa, including Sinuni, who endured unprecedented persecution and displacement following barbaric assaults by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) in 2014. Targeted specifically by ISIL, the Yazidis faced mass atrocities, including killings, abductions, and forced conversions, prompting thousands of families to flee Sinjar and its environs, seeking sanctuary in neighboring regions and makeshift camps.
Data from the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Data Tracking Matrix (DTM) reveal that from 2014 to 2023, over 1 million IDPs sought refuge in Dohuk, with the majority originating from West Ninewa. Additionally, a smaller cohort dispersed to Erbil and Sulaymaniyah governorates. Notably, many displaced Yazidis initially sought refuge on Sinjar Mountain before migrating to these governorates. The displacement of the Yazidi community amplifies the narrative of internal displacement in West Ninewa, underscoring the exigency for tailored interventions to address the distinctive challenges faced by diverse communities ravaged by ISIL’s atrocities. A nuanced understanding of the Yazidi displaced populations’ experiences in Sinjar and Sinuni is pivotal for formulating effective strategies for their reintegration into a post-conflict society.
The imperative to conduct an MHPSS needs assessment in the West Ninewa region arises from the profound impacts of displacement and conflict on the populace’s well-being. Previous studies have elucidated the profound psychological distress and trauma inflicted by targeted attacks and protracted displacement, necessitating tailored interventions to address both visible and latent scars of conflict.
The assessment endeavors to unravel the mental health and psychosocial needs of displaced and returnee populations, crucial for designing interventions that mitigate the enduring effects of conflict. It aims to discern not only immediate needs but also the underlying social and cultural determinants shaping well-being, laying the groundwork for culturally sensitive MHPSS programs that nurture resilience and facilitate long-term recovery.
The objectives of this assessment encompass a comprehensive understanding of the prevailing conditions confronting displaced and returnee populations in West Ninewa, spanning mental health, psychosocial well-being, education, employment, livelihoods, healthcare, and safety. By focusing on specific districts, the assessment endeavors to capture the nuanced experiences and requirements of diverse communities, facilitating targeted interventions tailored to their distinct needs.
The scope and methodology of the needs assessment were meticulously crafted to evaluate the needs and challenges of IDPs, returnees, and host communities in West Ninewa, with a particular focus on Baaj, Qairawan, Sinjar, and Sinuni. Employing a mixed-method approach integrating quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, the assessment ensured a comprehensive analysis of the complex interplay of factors affecting the mental health and psychosocial well-being of vulnerable populations. Through structured surveys, in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews, the assessment captured diverse perspectives, enabling a nuanced understanding of challenges shaped by sociocultural, ethnic, and religious identities.
