Tag Archive for: Poverty In Iraq

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Tech Hubs and Youth Economic Empowerment in Iraq

Youth Economic Empowerment in IraqYouth in Iraq are no longer looking towards the oil fields for their future; they are looking toward the cloud. In a country where more than 90% of government revenue relies on the fluctuating oil market, a new generation is staging a digital alternative.

Background

The urgency for youth economic empowerment in Iraq is driven by demographics, with roughly 60% of the population under the age of 25. The private work sector finds itself limited in size and scope while trying to accommodate this influx of talent. While the public sector remains the traditional anchor of the economy, it has become a room with no remaining seats; today’s graduates are stepping into a workspace that is already at capacity.

As a result, Iraq records a higher percentage of 13.5% unemployment and lower labor force participation rates of 38% than the regional average. This highlights why digital hubs have become the primary engine for youth economic empowerment in Iraq. As of 2026, in an economy where petroleum still anchors over 90% of the national budget, these hubs are carving out a non-oil economy and growing steadily since last year.

Digital Leap

By providing high-speed internet infrastructure, resources often unavailable in private homes, these centers enable a “digital leap” for a generation entering the job market. Through courses in high-demand fields like AI data labeling and cybersecurity, the internet could connect young Iraqis to the global “gig economy.” This could allow graduates to bypass a stagnant local labor market and earn stable, international-level wages.

This decoupling is a critical lifeline, ensuring the financial future of Iraqi youth is no longer tied to global oil prices. Furthermore, these hubs could help narrow the gender gap; by 2024, targeted outreach has begun to raise the historically low female labor participation rate by offering remote work pathways that respect local cultural contexts.

Silicon Valley of Baghdad

The “Silicon Valley of Baghdad” narrative finds its blueprint in the south, within a specific Public Youth Center.

Souq Al-Shoyukh Community and Climate Hub (SSCH) is Iraq’s very first government-based community innovation center. With the efforts and partnership of UNDP-Iraq, the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Nahr Al-Uloom Foundation, this shared space now harnesses local knowledge into real solutions and ventures.

While most tech hubs cluster in northern cities like Erbil or Mosul, the South has historically lacked opportunities for technical development. Indeed, the SSCH model addresses this gap by creating a government-supported infrastructure that bypasses the short lifespans of private, donor-dependent hubs. By providing reliable electricity and industrial-grade equipment, hubs like this act as a safe space for digital creation and a rescue from existing infrastructure gaps.

Looking Ahead

The expansion of these digital hubs signals a fundamental shift in Iraq’s social contract. By 2026, the success of centers like the SSCH proves that the future of youth economic empowerment lies in a high-tech synergy between public infrastructure and private initiative.

Rather than replacing traditional sectors, these hubs could act as a bridge, equipping a new generation to modernize Iraq’s economy from within.

By connecting local talent to the global digital frontier, Iraq is repositioning its most valuable resource: the intellectual capital of its youth.

– Celine Dib

Celine is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Strait of Hormuz Conflict Could Hinder Poverty Reduction in Iraq

Poverty Reduction in IraqRecent tensions around the Strait of Hormuz –  a channel for an estimated 20% of the world’s oil and liquified natural gas supplies that the Iranian government shut down after U.S.-Israeli airstrikes – has put a strain on Iraq’s already fragile economy, threatening recent progress towards poverty reduction in Iraq. Fortunately, there may be a solution to prevent future threats to Iraq’s economic prosperity.

Recent Progress Towards Poverty Reduction in Iraq

In 2003, the United Nations established its Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) to assist in rebuilding the country following the fall of Saddam Hussein’s regime. Since then, the people of Iraq have seen their fair share of struggle; they faced years of war, political corruption and economic struggle. However, in more recent years, the government of Iraq has made strong efforts to understand and reduce poverty for its people; in 2025, the Iraqi government officially announced the launch of its Multidimensional Poverty Index analytical report, and in the last three years, Iraq’s poverty rate has dropped from 23% to 17.5%.

On top of that, in 2024, Iraq reached a score of 0.712 on the Human Development Index (HDI), which measures life expectancy, education and quality of living for its citizens. By achieving this number, they surpassed the average HDI for Arab nations, a significant sign of progress for the country. After the UN declared its mission successful in 2025, the UNAMI mandate came to an end. Despite recent progress, many of Iraq’s citizens, including children, still face deprivation across education, health care and living standards.

Now, with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the halt of oil production, the challenge Iraq now faces is “the most serious operational threat” it has faced in more than 20 years, according to a senior Iraqi oil ministry official.

The Effects of the Strait’s Closure 

Since the war began in late February, the Iranian government has controlled, restricted and blocked access to the Strait of Hormuz. “Tehran is leveraging the global economy’s inability to tolerate a sustained closure of the waterway,” said Landon Derentz of the Atlantic Council.

The problem for Iraq, a strategic trading partner of the United States, is that it relies on crude oil for nearly 90% of its total income, which they export via the Strait of Hormuz. Following the closure of the checkpoint, Iraq was forced to shut down oil production from its southern fields, halting nearly all of its oil exports.

Now, nearly two months since Iran closed the strait, after much negotiating, several U.S. threats, ultimatums and even a naval blockade, despite a couple of false alarms, the strait remains closed. The difficulty in reopening the waterway proves to be a problem within itself, but even when ship traffic does continue, Iraq’s economy will remain vulnerable to future threats made on the Strait of Hormuz.

‘Build Around it,’ He Says 

While reopening the waterway by force may offer a quick fix to the problem, it has proved to be a difficult and costly task. Derentz, who served as director of energy at the White House during the Trump administration’s first term, suggests that building infrastructures around the channel to bypass it would offer a more long-term solution, ending Iran’s ability to leverage the Strait of Hormuz entirely. 

“Saudi Arabia’s East-West pipeline…has already proven that bypass infrastructure can relieve part of the bottleneck created by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. That model should now be scaled dramatically,” says Derentz. If the government were to ever consider it, this suggestion could very well prove to be effective: the maneuver would permanently weaken Iranian leverage against the global economy, foster economic resilience for Iraq and only cost a fraction of the $200 billion the United States was willing to spend on military operations against Iran.

Final Thoughts 

Lately, Iraq has shown significant progress toward poverty reduction. However, if the country ever wishes to climb out of destitution completely, sustainable economic growth remains crucial. The United States government has recently stated that it is “dedicated to our enduring strategic partnership with the Government of Iraq and the Iraqi people,” with several U.S. companies currently active in Iraq. U.S. resolution to the Strait of Hormuz will not only be a service to its enduring trading partner, but to the entire global economy as well. The Strait of Hormuz conflict may be a speed bump for poverty reduction in Iraq, but it is surely not the end of the road.

– Tommy Bass

Tommy is based in Philadelphia, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pixabay

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Power for the People: Iraq’s Energy Infrastructure Issues

Power for the People: An Analysis of Iraq’s Energy Infrastructure Issues Iraq has struggled to maintain a sufficient power grid for decades. The Gulf War damaged Iraqi infrastructure and wiped out 75% of the electricity supply, according to ScienceDirect. Production faltered again after the ousting of Saddam Hussein during the U.S.-led invasion of 2003. Prior to the war, Iraq’s energy production and infrastructure faced strain from sanctions and ongoing conflict but still nearly met demand. At the time, demand ranged between 3,000 and 6,500 megawatts, while production averaged about 4,400 megawatts, according to The Washington Post. 

Rising Consumption and Dependence on Imports

Over the course of the summer, as temperatures swelled to a scorching 122 degrees Fahrenheit, Iraq’s electricity consumption peaked at about 55,000 megawatts, with the Deputy Minister of Electricity Adel Karim stating that the country is currently only generating up to 28,000 megawatts; 8,000 of which come from the natural gas imported from Iran, according to Al Jazeera. In August 2025, Iraq suffered a nationwide power outage for about a day, with subsequently shorter blackouts taking place almost daily, according to CNBC. 

While Iraq is currently the second largest producer of oil in OPEC and houses the fifth largest oil reserves globally, the nation still relies on imports of gas from Iran. Overall, these imports maintain between one-third to 40% of Iraq’s gas and power supply. 

Declining Supply and Infrastructure Challenges

Back in March of 2024, Reuters reported the two nations had signed a five-year deal which would supply Iraq with up to 50 million cubic meters of gas per day. However, exports never reached this ceiling, instead lingering around an average of 25 million cubic meters—the same rate dispersed prior to the deal, which by late November of 2024, had decreased to 7 million cubic meters. 

Iran had diverted the gas for domestic use, coming to this conclusion on the basis of diminished reserves, which had led to widespread blackouts, compounded by a higher demand for heating. Continuing this spiral, earlier in 2025, Iranian gas exports to Iraq dipped by nearly 40%. While Iraq does harbor massive gas reserves of its own, much of it is lost in oil production due to gas flares.

Furthermore, due to deteriorated infrastructure and energy theft, more than 40% of electricity generated by Iraq’s power plants is lost during transmission. This is on top of the fact that these facilities only have the ability to operate at 60% capacity due to overheating, water shortages and inadequate fuel mixes. 

Political Pressures and Blocked Alternatives

The United States (U.S.) announced that it would terminate a waiver on sanctions that had previously allowed Iraq to purchase Iranian electricity, effectively jeopardizing around 3% of Iraq’s power supply. The U.S. made this decision to increase pressure on Tehran amid ongoing nuclear negotiations, according to Al Jazeera.

On September 19th, the U.S. shot down a proposed trade deal between Iraq and Turkmenistan. The agreement would have allowed Iraq to diversify its gas supply by importing 5 billion cubic meters of gas from Turkmenistan; however, the fuel would have to be routed through Iran and the process facilitated by the state-owned National Iranian Gas Company. Through this deal, Iran would have been granted 23% of the daily volume passing through its borders. Therefore, the U.S. saw fit to scuttle the arrangement as nuclear talks with Iran continue, according to Reuters. 

Improving Infrastructure

According to Al-Jazeera, Iraq is currently constructing, seeking approval or negotiating for a series of industrial-scale solar power plants which, combined, will generate up to 12.5 gigawatts, potentially supplying 20% of the nation’s demand. 

The first of which, housed in Karbala, could produce up to 300 megawatts. Another plant under construction in Babil province is set to produce 225 megawatts, and soon to break ground, estimates suggest that a site in the Basra province could generate one gigawatt. In addition, the French oil conglomerate TotalEnergies, in conjunction with several other corporations, has enacted the second phase of development at the Ratawi oilfield.

ENKA, a Turkish construction company, has been commissioned to build the oil and gas processing complex, which could result in a daily output of 210,000 barrels of oil as well as 163 million standard cubic feet of gas.  

Hyundai Engineering and Construction plans to complete a seawater treatment facility that will allow Iraq to reduce its reliance on freshwater for processing.

The Chinese firm Petroleum Engineering and Construction Corp. will also build a separate gas processing plant expected to produce up to 600 million standard cubic feet per day. The entire multi-faceted project will cost the French oil giant a total of $27 billion.

Looking Ahead

While certain deals that would have alleviated dependency and demand may have faltered due to political pressure, Iraq’s dedication to improving its energy infrastructure remains.

– Owen Armentrout

Owen is based in Detroit, MI, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Little-Known Facts About Child Poverty in Iraq

Child Poverty in IraqAccording to Humanium, around 3.5 million children are affected by poverty in Iraq. Child poverty in Iraq has caused several problems, as it denies children their most basic human rights. These children face multidimensional poverty as they are deprived of education, health care and safety. Here are little-known facts about child poverty in Iraq.

Health

According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), one in five children in Iraq suffers from stunted growth due to chronic malnutrition, a serious issue with long-term impacts. Malnourishment not only threatens children’s survival and physical development but also poses lasting risks to their cognitive abilities and academic performance.

Postnatal breastfeeding practices are extremely low and stand at 19.6%, with most infants receiving additional milk and other liquids shortly after birth. Continuation of breastfeeding is poor, with only 22.7% of mothers reporting offering breast milk until the child reaches 24 months. In Iraq’s previous state of insecurity and population displacement, good child-feeding practices are in even more jeopardy.

Education

Education in Iraq is free and mandatory until the age of 12. However, inadequate facilities and overcrowded classrooms hinder children from receiving a quality education. Additionally, children with disabilities and those who are displaced often lack access to schooling altogether.

Ongoing instability in the country has further undermined the right to education, with several primary and secondary schools forced to shut down and more than 20 schools reportedly demolished. Furthermore, out-of-school children are more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, including child labor, recruitment by armed actors and early marriage.

Technology

In partnership with the Government of Iraq (GoI) and UNICEF’s Office of Innovation, UNICEF Iraq is exploring innovative approaches to measure poverty beyond traditional methods. This includes analyzing alternative data sources such as mobile phone data and satellite imagery and incorporating high-frequency surveys.

The goal is to determine whether call detail records (CDRs) and satellite images can effectively predict poverty levels. Once a reliable model is developed, it can be used to monitor and update child poverty estimates across Iraq regularly.

COVID-19

A global consensus emerged recognizing the devastating socioeconomic impact of the COVID-19 crisis and Iraq was no exception. The country experienced widespread job losses and rising prices, which led to increasing poverty levels. In addition, disruptions to essential services further deepened household deprivation and vulnerability.

Children and adolescents, who accounted for more than half of Iraq’s population, were particularly affected. They bear the brunt of growing poverty, service interruptions and heightened family stress caused by the pandemic.

In response to the pandemic outbreak in Iraq, the World Bank approved more than $33 million to support the country’s effort in ” preventing, detecting and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.” Additionally, the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) launched new programs to support Iraq’s vulnerable population, especially women and children.

Conclusion

Child poverty in Iraq remains a significant and complex challenge, exacerbated by economic instability and disruptions to essential services. While efforts are being made to address these issues, such as innovative data collection methods and initiatives to improve education and health care, the road to meaningful progress is long. Nonetheless, step by step and in collaboration with international organizations such as the World Bank and WFP, Iraq can effectively tackle its child poverty challenge.

– Dania Kerim

Dania is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Iraq’s Reconstruction and Development: Markets for UK Firms

Iraq’s Reconstruction and DevelopmentBeginning in 1980, Iraq endured years of conflict, including the Iraqi-Iranian War, the Kuwait Invasion, the U.S.-led military invasion and ethnopolitical violence. After the U.S.-led invasion, Iraq’s annual gross domestic product (GDP) growth dropped from -8.2% in 2002 to -36.7% in 2003 when the invasion began.

Poverty became a major concern and as of 2024, 17.6% of the population still lives below the poverty line, a decline from 21.5% in 2022. The government is taking steps toward Iraq’s reconstruction and development in light of these challenges. In January 2025, Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani met with prominent U.K. business leaders to showcase the steps Iraq is taking to improve the investment climate.

Iraq’s Reconstruction and Development Efforts

During the Iraqi-Iranian War, Iraq accumulated significant debt. After the war, Iraq invaded Kuwait, which made the United Nations (U.N.) place severe sanctions on Iraq. The sanctions banned all imports and exports with Iraq, which rendered Iraq unable to obtain building materials from abroad to begin reconstruction.

In the following years, the U.S.-led invasion and ethnopolitical violence further deteriorated the remaining infrastructure, strained the economy and displaced countless Iraqis, pushing many into poverty. After the 2003 invasion, very little was done to support Iraq’s reconstruction and development. It was after the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) was defeated in 2017 that the prime minister announced that the rebuilding effort would require $88 billion.

The destruction covered around 80% of some cities and significant funding was required to remove the war remnants, including unexploded bombs, land mines and IEDs that had remained after the conflict.

The National Development Plan

However, in 2018, Iraq released its National Development Plan, which included a reconstruction and development framework for 2018-2030. The plan comprises 19 pillars that will target areas like education, employment, industry, social protection, health and more. The plan highlights many areas that can improve the quality of life for its citizens and promote economic growth.

Some of these include clearing “explosive hazards,” rebuilding damaged housing and buildings, upgrading electricity infrastructure and strengthening transportation and logistics services to encourage private sector recovery and expansion. It also involves initiating labor force surveys to identify the workforce’s needs, enhancing local inclusive governance and planning community needs, including those of displaced persons, youth and women.

Iraq-UK Partnerships and Investment Opportunities

In January 2025, Iraq’s Prime minister met with U.K. business leaders to explain the country’s plan to attract foreign investment and improve the Iraqi business environment. The two countries signed a Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), including a range of export agreements and a trade deal of more than $12 billion. This agreement built upon a history of economic collaboration between Iraq and the U.K.

In 2024 alone, the U.K. participated in $1.5 billion worth of projects in Iraq. One notable initiative was a partnership with Vodafone, a multinational telecommunications company based in the U.K. In late 2024, Iraq authorized Vodafone to launch the country’s first 5G network, marking a significant step in the nation’s technological advancement. Beyond telecommunications, U.K. firms have expanding prospects in the construction, petrochemicals and energy sectors. In Iraq, building material accounts for around 30% of imports. Additionally, natural gas projects are progressing in nearly every oil field in the country, providing opportunities for U.K. firms.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister of Iraq also explained that “Reforms have been carried out in the taxation and customs systems, company registration processes and all approvals related to investment opportunities.” Alongside these reforms, Iraq will provide sovereign guarantees to the private sector, utilize “global intermediary banks” to conduct all financial transactions and allocate $100 billion to the investment budget. These reforms and financial commitments create an environment where U.K. firms can significantly contribute to Iraq’s economic growth and poverty reduction.

Conclusion

Iraq’s efforts to attract foreign investment, particularly through its U.K. partnership, are key to stimulating economic development and reducing poverty. U.K. firms can help those living under the poverty line in Iraq by contributing to construction, energy and petrochemical-based projects. Improved roads, ports, electricity and overall economic conditions can provide Iraqis with increased access to new markets domestically and internationally. The World Bank highlights that trade and investment can stimulate developing economies, increase higher-quality job opportunities and raise productivity.

With 60% of Iraq’s population falling within the working-age bracket (15-64), the country presents U.K. firms with a substantial labor force. Beyond economic benefits, this also creates an opportunity to address social challenges. Expanding employment prospects can help prevent youth from being pushed into violence, terrorism and poverty due to a lack of quality job opportunities, fostering greater stability in the region.

– Haley Parilla

Haley is based in Cape Coral, FL, USA and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pexels

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Poverty in Iraqi-Kurdistan

Poverty in Iraqi-KurdistanMost of Kurdistan’s poverty is concentrated in the rural and border areas, where a large segment of the population lacks access to basic services, education, health care and employment. Iraq is an oil-wealthy country. However, the wealth tends to be concentrated in certain areas and has not trickled down to Kurdistan. In comparison to Iraq’s majority Arab population, poverty rates among Kurds tend to be a bit lower in central and southern Iraq, where the majority of Arabs in the country live. Yet, these areas have still not fully recovered from two major wars, ongoing terrorism and persistent government corruption.

Systematic Oppression

The systematic oppression of Kurds has been a longstanding issue in Iraq, with policies such as the Anfal campaign further exacerbating this. The Anfal campaign was implemented between 1986-1989 and sought to dismantle Kurdish groups seeking self-governance and displace Kurds from their villages, particularly in the oil-rich area of Kirkuk. Former president Saddam Hussein Arabized many Kurdish regions in this area, leading to mass displacement, loss of land and the economic network that was created by the native population.

The Halabja massacre in 1988, an extension of the Anfal campaign, was a chemical attack undertaken by the military that resulted in the death of up to 5,000 Kurds and led to the destruction of farmland, mass displacement and the depreciating health of citizens, inhibiting them from working which increased poverty among this population. The former government also moved the Kurdish population from their native lands to collective towns (also referred to as mujamma’at), which restricted their movement and were far away from the country’s economic hubs, putting them in economic isolation. These areas were systematically neglected in terms of development, while other regions in Iraq benefited from infrastructural improvements and oil wealth.

Current Tensions and Poverty in Iraqi-Kurdistan

While the Kurdish region in Iraq has a level of autonomy, meaning that they have more rights to their local resources, they are still heavily reliant on the central government for its oil revenue. The oil is often withheld due to political disagreements between Baghdad and The Kurdish Regional Government. This has led to delayed salaries and cuts in funding for public services and infrastructural investments, exacerbating poverty in the region. Additionally, decades of underinvestment in Kurdistan prior to Saddam Hussein’s government and during his reign have led to a lack of proper infrastructure, with roads, health care and education in rural areas remaining inadequate. This limits economic opportunities for those living in these areas compared to more urban areas of Kurdistan and wealthier majority Arab areas of southern Iraq.

The Kurdish Regional Government remains deeply divided, with two rival factions, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), being in charge of different areas of the region. Tensions between these two parties have caused a delay in economic reform due to their lack of cooperation and prioritizing their interests rather than regional ones, which also weakens their ability to negotiate on a national level with the central government. Their rivalry has also caused revenue-sharing issues, particularly oil, which has fostered further instability. Both parties are also guilty of corruption and economic mismanagement and keep a large segment of the wealth for themselves and the elite class.

Organizations Reducing Poverty in Iraqi-Kurdistan

Despite the current circumstances, both international and local organizations, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and Kurdistan Save the Children (KSC), are fighting against poverty by distributing humanitarian aid to vulnerable communities in rural areas and displaced people. The UNDP Iraq has supported the Kurdistan Regional Government to develop a Public-Private Partnership Framework, which encourages the private sector to work with the public sector to deliver services such as health care, roads, electricity and water.

Additionally, the NRC supports displaced people in Iraqi Kurdistan by facilitating access to essentials such as education, shelter and food. The NRC has assisted 31,085 people through its education program, provided shelter for 141,613 individuals and supported 16,212 people through its food program. Local organizations, such as the KSC, focus on the well-being of children by providing access to education, health care and mental health services.

The Future

The future of the region remains uncertain, as tensions between the two rival factions of the KRG are likely to persist, along with ongoing disagreements over the distribution of oil revenue. These issues will continue to contribute to the already high levels of poverty in Iraqi Kurdistan. The region’s future depends on the PUK and the KDP finding ways to resolve their tensions and improve their relations with the central government in Baghdad. Additionally, there is a pressing need for both parties to diversify the economy and lessen their reliance on oil.

– Floria Persis

Floria is based in London, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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What You Need to Know about Child Marriage in Iraqi Kurdistan

Child Marriage in Iraqi KurdistanChild marriage remains a significant issue in the Iraqi Kurdistan region. It occurs in regions where poverty is prevalent, such as India, Africa and the Middle East. Campaigns and legislative frameworks have been implemented to combat the issue.

Prevalence

Data from Iraq’s Central Bureau of Statistics showed that 5% of Iraqi girls were married before the age of 15, while approximately 22% of Iraqi girls married before they turned 18. Child marriage contracts in the Kurdistan region are often concluded informally outside the courts. The marriages are not formally registered, leading to the underreporting of actual rates. There are international legal instruments and local laws that set a minimum age for marriage and require registration. However, enforcement of these laws is often weak. This allows informal marriages to occur without legal repercussions.

Key Drivers of Child Marriage

Several factors contribute to child marriage in Iraqi Kurdistan.

  1. Conflict and Displacement: Conflict and displacement exacerbate vulnerabilities, leading families to marry off daughters to reduce economic burdens.
  2. Cultural and Social Norms: Traditional beliefs and social pressures can impact this. Some communities may view early marriage as ensuring their daughter’s future and protecting her family’s honor.
  3. Gender inequalities: Deep-rooted gender inequality and gender biases subordinate the status of women and girls in societies that perpetuate the practices.

Risks of Child Marriage

Young girls who marry as children face numerous risks. They are vulnerable to health issues as a consequence of rape, early pregnancy and premature childbirth. Psychologically, they may suffer from social isolation enforced by their families and domestic violence. Despite legal measures, violence and rape remain prevalent in child marriages due to inadequate official responses.

In Iraq, although rape is criminalized, charges can be dropped if the victim marries the perpetrator. Moreover, since spousal rape is not criminalized, domestic violence is seldom reported, with families often resolving issues privately.

Legal Contexts

“The Personal Status Law and Amendments 1987 sets the legal age for marriage at 18”. However, judges can permit girls as young as 15 to marry under certain circumstances, for example, parental consent if the marriage is deemed as being in the best interests of the girl. This contributes to the prevalence of child marriage in the region. Proposed bill changes to Iraq’s Personal Status Law recently alarmed women and children’s rights campaigners.

The proposed amendments would allow Muslim citizens to choose between secular and religious laws for family matters, potentially legalizing child marriage for girls as young as 9. Furthermore, these amendments would undermine existing protections for women regarding divorce and inheritance. These changes could institutionalize sectarianism in family law and empower religious authorities, raising significant concerns among women and children’s rights advocates. On July 28, 2024, a group of activists, including campaigners from the Organization of Women’s Freedom in Iraq (OWFI), gathered in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square in opposition to the bill.

Actions Taken

In 2016, an Inter-Ministerial committee in Kurdistan adopted a plan to change societal attitudes toward child marriage. The plan included launching a campaign called “Ensuring My Future.” The campaign emphasized the direct link between empowering young boys and girls and reducing child marriage rates. It also challenged the misconception that child marriage secures a girl’s future. The plan targets young girls, adolescent girls and parents by showcasing success stories of women in various professional fields to inspire girls to pursue education and careers. Additionally, religious and health arguments are used to persuade families to abandon the practice of marrying their daughters at a young age.

A Child Marriage Task Force was established in Kurdistan in 2016. The task force has representation from child protection and gender-based violence working groups to coordinate responses and provide guidance. It focuses on prevention strategies, policy recommendations, awareness raising, and improving data collection to address the issue in the region effectively.

There is also an increased collaboration between international organizations, local nongovernmental organizations and government bodies to address child marriage. Initiatives like the Global Programme to End Child Marriage, implemented by the United Nations Population Fund and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), are working to create sustainable change by addressing the root causes of child marriage and supporting affected girls.

These include a comprehensive approach that empowers girls with education and life skills. Furthermore, it engages communities to challenge harmful norms, strengthens support systems and services, advocates for protective policies, and emphasizes data collection. UNICEF has reported that the collaborative efforts of various organizations fighting against child marriage, including Girls Not Brides, have successfully averted 25 million arranged child marriages.

Final Remark

Progress has been made to eradicate child marriage in Iraqi Kurdistan. However, continued efforts are needed to empower girls and shift societal norms to ensure a future where every child can enjoy their right to a safe and fulfilling childhood.

– Hannah Ravariere

Hannah is based in London, UK and focuses on Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Promising Future of Desert Agriculture

Desert AgricultureDesertification occurs when land near desert and arid regions becomes barren and dry due to human activities or adverse weather conditions. In the past 20 years, thousands of acres of fertile farmland and grazing land have been lost to desertification. Several internationally funded projects have been initiated to combat this issue, the most famous being the Great Green Wall.

Developed in 2007, the Great Green Wall project aims to halt the expansion of the Sahel and stretch from Senegal to Djibouti. While the international community initially lauded the project as a great example of environmental restoration, the World Agroforestry Center has critiqued the plan. It is a tree-planting-centric model that scientists argue is ineffective in attempting to recover desert land. Instead, the areas along the project’s route that have seen success have seen little from the original initiative and instead have found new life in the hands of local farmers and communities.

Through indigenous communities, the land’s revitalization has begun to take shape. In Niger, farmers are using the Faidherbia albida tree, along with native low-brush plants, to assist with soil nutrients. The Great Green Wall is considered one of the most well-known plans to combat desertification. However, other plans are currently in action; some are taking inspiration and others are developing more applicable solutions to desert agriculture.

Mongolia

As of 2017, more than 70% of Mongolian land is considered to be desertified to some degree. Significant drought periods have exacerbated the spread of desertification in Mongolia’s Dornod and Khentii grasslands. While Mongolia has always been classified as arid and semi-arid, the large-scale grasslands have allowed a long-standing animal husbandry tradition to dominate the Mongolian economy.

The Mongolian Great Green Wall plan was launched in 2008 to combat this. However, like its African counterpart, it was largely unsuccessful and primarily abandoned in favor of other preventative methods. One indigenous solution to desert agriculture has been to change animal grazing timelines to ensure proper recovery time and prevent overgrazing. Between an increase in protective land policies and the nomadic communities remaking animal grazing patterns, there is a high possibility that the increased desertification along the Steppe can be reduced and managed with proper collaboration between local communities and government agencies.

Iraq

In the last three decades, the country has seen an increase in desertification due to deforestation during regional conflicts, water scarcity and the removal of brush cover, which has exacerbated the desertification in Iraq. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) reports that as of 2019, 2.89 million hectares of land in Iraq are classified as degraded. This degradation, primarily affecting the agricultural sector, is caused by water salinity from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers and the lack of alternative irrigation sources. As a result, many farmers have abandoned their lands and migrated to densely populated urban areas for employment.

There are currently no active UNCCD projects in Iraq. However, a comprehensive analysis was produced in 2022, which gave several strategic suggestions to boost vegetation cover and revitalize local agricultural lands by planting lichen and other microorganisms to strengthen top soils, provide necessary nutrients and improve desert agriculture. The UNCCD recommends spearheading projects by local communities and generational farmers to ensure the land is cared for by those who understand the human-land balance more intimately than government bodies.

– Jamie Sackett

Jamie is based in Hutto, TX, USA and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Rwanga Foundation in Kurdistan: Support and Development

The Rwanga Foundation in KurdistanThe Rwanga Foundation is a nongovernmental organization (NGO) founded in 2013 by philanthropist Idris Nechirvan in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. Nechirvan began the charity with the aim of providing every child access to quality education. Since then, the foundation has expanded its reach and helped more than three million people.

History of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq

The Kurdistan region is no stranger to instability and the 2010s were a particularly challenging decade, marked by political turmoil, economic crisis and threats to security. In February 2014, the then-Prime Minister of Iraq blocked 17% of the federal budget constitutionally allocated to Kurdistan. This triggered a crippling financial crisis in the region as many Kurds rely on employment from the Kurdistan Regional Government for their livelihoods.

In June of that year, the Islamic State (ISIS) captured Mosul, Iraq. This led to an influx of Iraqi refugees into the Kurdistan region. In August, ISIS attacked Kurstian and implemented a genocidal campaign against the Yazidi people, prompting the United States (U.S.) to intervene. Liberation from ISIS was eventually achieved in October 2016.

In 2017, the independence referendum, where an overwhelming 93% of Kurds voted in favor, was met with severe repercussions from Iraq. The Iraqi army retook Kirkuk and closed Kurdistan’s airspace and borders, leading to the displacement of more than 100,000 Kurds. Despite these challenges, the decade ended with improved relations with Iraq and although the region has yet to recover fully, Kurdistan has remained resilient in the face of significant adversity.

The Rwanga Foundation’s Mission and Vision

The Rwanga Foundation is dedicated to improving Kurdish youth’s quality of life and providing avenues for educational growth in all sectors. The foundation emphasizes creating a culture and passion for learning by enhancing education standards in Kurdistan through services, capacity-building and policy design. The foundation’s vision is a world where quality education is accessible to everyone.

How It Operates

The Rwanga Foundation operates through four main sectors:

  1. Education: Rwanga aims to transform the culture of education into a continuous journey of learning. It works to develop platforms such as e-learning systems using the latest technology, allowing young people to discover their talents, fulfill their potential and improve their quality of life.
  2. Youth: Rwanga recognizes the power of youth and actively engages them within society to empower them to become the aspiring leaders of the future.
  3. Vulnerable groups: Rwanga believes in the transformative nature of education and hopes to extend the avenues of education and skill discovery to those living in poverty. The foundation believes education is a sustainable and lasting solution to the cycle of poverty.
  4. Environment: The foundation is committed to designing new strategies and solutions to safeguard the environment.

The Rwanga Foundation’s Latest Projects

  1. Message From Children Project: The project is an annual competition coordinated with the Kurdistan Parliament and the Ministry of Education. It encourages primary school students to express themselves through art. The best paintings are displayed in the Kurdistan Region Parliament building. This year’s subject is “How do you see yourself in 2045?”
  2. Empowering Sustainable Livelihoods 2023-2026: This project is a collaborative initiative funded by the Department of Migration, Stabilization and Fragility at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. It hopes to facilitate the sustainable long-term reintegration of Iraqi returnees into their communities by enabling a supportive environment. The project aims to strengthen the capabilities of governmental bodies and NGOs, thereby improving access to economic opportunities. Additional aims include assisting returning business owners and informing returnees about their rights and opportunities.
  3. Parcel of Smile: During the holy month of Ramadan, the Rwanga Foundation distributed 7,000 baskets containing essential food items. The baskets included rice, food oil, tomato paste, sugar, tea, lentils and white beans, and were distributed across the Kurdistan region.
  4. Planting 1000 Trees in Erbil: Sponsored by the Oval Company, the Rwanga Foundation planted 1,000 trees in May 2024 to increase the natural and urban forests in the region.
  5. You Are Not Alone Project: Since 2022, in cooperation with the General Directorate of Welfare and Social Development in Erbil, the project, which ran from February to August 2022, established a rehabilitation system for the Erbil orphanage. Using technology and human resources, Rwanga developed a strong management system for all orphanages across Iraq. This has empowered the children with psychological, educational and intellectual skills to achieve a bright and stable future.

Final Remark

More than a decade after its formation, the Rwanga Foundation has significantly improved the quality of life in the Kurdish region of Iraq. The continuous efforts of the Rwanga Foundation paint a hopeful future for Kurdistan, strengthening the region’s already resilient people.

– Fatima Naqavi

Fatima is based in London, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Pxhere

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The Sanctuary Scholarship and Poverty Alleviation in Iraq

Sanctuary ScholarshipThe Sanctuary Scholarship program at the University of Exeter is actively contributing to poverty alleviation, particularly for individuals from Iraq seeking asylum or refugee status. This initiative, geared towards eliminating financial barriers to education, not only facilitates access to top-tier academic opportunities but also empowers recipients to play a crucial role in addressing poverty-related challenges in their home country.

Empowering Through Education

The Sanctuary Scholarship program at the University of Exeter is pivotal in empowering individuals facing asylum or refugee challenges and addressing persistent issues in Iraqi education. Despite advancements, numerous challenges persist, including limited access to basic education and high dropout rates, particularly among children from the poorest quintile, constituting 38% of all school dropouts. The program covers a broad range of academic disciplines, encompassing full-time undergraduate and doctoral programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. This comprehensive approach enables scholars from Iraq to pursue their academic passions, contributing to vital fields essential for their home country’s holistic development.

The initiative tackles these issues by providing valuable educational opportunities, contributing to poverty alleviation and empowering individuals to shape a brighter future for Iraq. The program equips recipients with essential knowledge and skills for meaningful contributions to Iraq’s socioeconomic development by imparting education. The significant disparity in global rankings between the University of Exeter (143rd) and Iraq’s leading university, the University of Technology Iraq (801-1000th), underscores the impactful role of international educational support in addressing educational disparities and fostering positive change.

Addressing Financial Barriers

The Sanctuary Scholarship significantly aids in poverty alleviation by addressing financial barriers hindering access to higher education, particularly evident in Iraq’s declining gross national income per capita, reducing from $5,940 in 2012 to $5,270 by 2022. Recipients, including those from Iraq, benefit from a full tuition fee waiver for undergraduate and doctoral programs. Additionally, living cost grants and supplementary bursaries ease the financial burden of pursuing a degree, enabling scholars to concentrate on their studies without the strain of economic constraints.

Building Future Leaders

The Sanctuary Scholarship program at the University of Exeter catalyzes developing future leaders in Iraq through strategic investments in education. With unemployment in Iraq nearly doubling from 7.96% in 2012 to 15.55% in 2022, the program plays a crucial role in addressing this challenge. Iraqi scholars benefiting from the initiative gain exposure to a global learning environment, engaging with diverse perspectives, innovative research and valuable networking opportunities. This international exposure equips them with essential skills to drive positive change and tackle the multifaceted challenges of poverty upon their return to Iraq.

Simultaneously, Iraq’s middle class has dwindled from 61% in 2007 to 30% in 2020, accompanied by rising poverty levels, impacting the country’s stability, fueling extremism and heightening ethnic and sectarian tensions. The Sanctuary Scholarship program actively counters these trends by fostering international collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds. This collaborative environment is a unique platform for Iraqi scholars to build global connections, leveraging them for collaborative efforts in poverty alleviation and sustainable development in Iraq.

Conclusion

The Sanctuary Scholarship at the University of Exeter stands as a beacon of hope for individuals from Iraq seeking refuge. This program empowers scholars to become agents of change in the fight against poverty by dismantling financial barriers and providing a world-class education. As recipients return to Iraq armed with knowledge, skills and a global perspective, the impact of the Sanctuary Scholarship resonates not only within the individual lives it transforms but also in the broader context of contributing to a more prosperous and equitable future for Iraq.

– Madeleine Norris
Photo: Flickr