IDPs in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI): Intractable Return and Absence of Social Integration Policy

Abstract

This paper examines the protracted nature of displacement in the Iraqi context and places emphasis on the need for a social integration policy to bridge the deep cleavages of Iraqi society. Methodologically, the paper utilizes qualitative data by conducting focus-group discussions with IDPs and semi-structured individual interviews in KRI. In terms of return possibilities, while return in many ways is perceived to be not practical and to involve future risks, research findings show that a community-based distinction needs to be made between IDPs from minority backgrounds and IDPs who belong to demographic majorities in the homeland locations. A second distinction is a geographic and political one as findings indicate that IDPs who take refuge in KRI, though remain largely dissatisfied with displacement conditions, are willing to stay in KRI longer in the hope of further security and reconstruction process in the violence-affected areas. With respect to social integration policy, the paper outlines institutional, political and cultural explanations for a virtually absolute absence of social integration policy on national and regional levels. The paper suggests that the proposed social integration policy can capitalize practical implications of Social Contact Theory (SCT) in enhancing the integration of IDPs in the host communities.

Screening Children for Autism Spectrum Disorders in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Experiences from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

“…The autonomous Kurdistan Region of Iraq includes the majority of Kurdish citizens in the north of Iraq with borders with Turkey, Syria, and Iran. The estimated population is 5.1 million in nearly 1 million households [26], but this region has accommodated 1.2 million Iraqi refugee and 225,000 from Syria who have been displaced because of the unrest in the area [27]. Based on available data, it is estimated that 35% of the population are younger than 15 years with 61% aged 16 to 65 years.…”

IOM’s Engagement with the UN Guiding Principles on Internal Displacement

“…174 Khedir identifies this as being in part a consequence of an 'ominously pervasive' preference for return among authorities and host communities, 175 but also 'an obvious lack of a policy concept and tradition of social integration in Iraq'. 176 Khedir notes fear of demographic change (and the associated impact this might have on election constituencies), security concerns, and the perceived economic burden of displacement on host locations all as reasons for such a strong focus on return. 177 IDPs' durable solutions intentions have shifted markedly over time.…”

“…176 Khedir notes fear of demographic change (and the associated impact this might have on election constituencies), security concerns, and the perceived economic burden of displacement on host locations all as reasons for such a strong focus on return. 177 IDPs' durable solutions intentions have shifted markedly over time. According to IOM data, the number of IOM-assessed IDPs expressing a desire to integrate locally increased from 25% in 2006, to 37% in 2010, and then 44% in 2011.…”

The Challenges of Establishing Healthcare Services in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: The Case of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq—Report from the Field

“…Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI) is an autonomous area that includes most of the Kurdish population in the northern part of Iraq, with borders with Iran, Syria, and Turkey. It is estimated that the population comprises 5.1 million in nearly 1 million households [ 27 ]. This area has accommodated groups of displaced Iraqis (1.2 million) and Syrian refugees (225,000) [ 28 ].…”