BACK TO LIFE IRAQ

Our BACK TO LIFE project in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq supports internally displaced women and girls – survivors of war, destruction, and genocide – in rebuilding independent and self-determined lives. Operating in two camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs), our BACK TO LIFE Women’s Empowerment Centers have provided women of all faiths with a safe space to process traumatic experiences and develop new skills. 

Currently, BACK TO LIFE provides Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) through individual and group sessions for camp residents. Since June 2026, following requests from the camp community, our services have also included group therapy sessions for men to support them in addressing psychological distress and traumatic experiences.

Physical activity can make an important contribution to psychosocial well-being. For this reason, BACK TO LIFE offers yoga classes led by an external trainer. These shared activities not only promote physical well-being but also create opportunities for connection and exchange.

To support women on their path towards greater economic independence, BACK TO LIFE offers practical skill training sessions. These include creative textile courses (such as sewing and embroidery) as well as gardening courses led by specialized trainers. The training sessions are offered to displaced women living in IDP camps as well as women from the surrounding host communities.

In cooperation with the University of Duhok, the gardening activities place a particular focus on climate-adapted cultivation methods as well as the use and processing of diverse, locally available crops. The training sessions provide participants with the knowledge and skills for sustainable agriculture and strengthen their ability to apply resilient farming techniques. This helps them adapt to changing and increasingly unpredictable climate conditions while building sustainable sources of income and livelihoods in the long term.

In addition, BACK TO LIFE supports Yazidi survivors in applying for reparations and exercising their rights under the Yazidi Survivors Law (YSL). We provide guidance throughout the application process and raise awareness about the rights and entitlements of survivors of the 2014 genocide against the Yazidis, committed by the so-called “Islamic State” (IS). This includes roundtable discussions bringing together survivors, civil society organizations, and government representatives. Since June 2026, workshops have been conducted for civil society organizations and government institutions, alongside separate workshops for survivors.

To strengthen Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) in the region, we conducted capacity-building workshops for local civil society organizations and supported them in further developing their MHPSS services. In addition, we worked with the Directorate General of Health Duhok to improve access to psychosocial support services. Together, we established a dedicated MHPSS section on the Directorate General of Health Duhok’s website, providing an overview of available psychosocial support services and making them easier to access. We also trained staff members to independently manage and update the platform, helping ensure that this information remains available in the long term.

By promoting psychological resilience as well as physical and mental health, supporting economic independence, and accompanying women and girls in accessing their rights under the Yazidi Survivors Law (YSL), BACK TO LIFE supports internally displaced women and girls in gaining greater self-determination. Through this work, the project contributes to a more resilient society, supports the stabilization of the region, and contributes to intercultural and multi-ethnic reconciliation processes in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. At the same time, our capacity-building measures strengthen local professionals and institutions and help ensure continued access to essential psychosocial support services.

The images displayed are from earlier project phases.