Strengthening the State-Citizen Relationship through improved Dialogue, Citizen Participation and Basic Services in Anbar

Over the last two decades, Iraq has witnessed a complex multitude of crises. Three distinct violent conflicts, the US-led invasion in 2003, the 2007 insurrection and finally the intense warfare related to the emergence (2014) and liberation (2017) from the so-called Islamic State (IS) have destroyed not only physical infrastructure necessary for education and training but undermined opportunities for livelihoods throughout the country and have harmed social cohesion as a whole. The governorate of Anbar is one of the areas most affected by destruction and displacement. While Anbar"s rural areas have a rich history of agricultural production, the urban centres have been known for their excellence in skilled crafts and trades, especially in the construction sector. However, the recent wars have negatively affected the framework conditions for business and disrupted the market, resulting in a standstill for companies and industries in these sectors, which undermines the opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship in these crafts. The resulting unemployment affects women and youth, with approximately 43 percent neither in work nor in education or training. Moreover, the destruction has impacted private houses, roads, electricity networks, water pipes, schools and hospitals. Reconstruction of private and public infrastructure remains stalled, which puts additional strains on the social cohesion in the communities and further undermines the trust in local administrations. The resulting poor living conditions remain a hindrance to finding sustainable and durable solutions for the return of displaced people as well as host communities. BMZ has commissioned GIZ with implementing the German contribution to the "Assisting Reconstruction and Improving Living Conditions in Anbar" (ARILA) project, which is implemented in cooperation with the Iraqi Ministry of Planning. ARILA aims to improve the conditions for improved livelihoods in the three eastern Anbari districts of Heet, Ramadi and Fallujah and assist their post-conflict transition towards sustainable economic development and to support lasting structural change. The commission is funded via BMZ"s funding line for Transitional Development Assistance (TDA) that bridges the humanitarian response with long-term technical cooperation efforts. The ARILA project contains three interlinked components: restoration and rehabilitation of basic services, strengthening of citizen-state relationships and improving livelihood opportunities. The project coordinates closely with the local authorities and administrations in Anbar, especially with the Governor"s Office, municipalities, and line directorates, such as the Directorate of Water, Directorate of Electricity and Directorate of Youth and Sports. The project will combine reconstruction and rehabilitation of key basic service infrastructure with capacity building for the administrations on participatory decision making and by advising on sustainable delivery of public services and maintenance concepts. The role of women"s opportunities for participation will be particularly supported.