Preventing Violent Extremism and Strengthening Social Cohesion in Nineveh

Donar: KAS

The Iraqi Institution for Development (IID) implemented a specialized project on preventing violent extremism and strengthening social stability in Nineveh Governorate during the period from 15 June 2021 to 30 November 2021, in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS). This project was designed in response to the security and social challenges facing the governorate following years of ISIS control, which left deep impacts on the social fabric and contributed to the spread of negative practices such as community conflicts, electronic extortion, and weak conflict resolution mechanisms.

The project focused on building the capacities of local actors, including security forces, activists, media representatives, and civil society organizations, to enhance their role in addressing social conflicts and reducing drivers of extremism and violence. It was based on a contextual needs assessment that identified key challenges, including limited technological skills among some security actors in addressing modern crimes, as well as insufficient experience in mediation and conflict resolution between individuals and communities.

The project adopted a comprehensive approach combining training, capacity building, and community awareness. A specialized Training of Trainers (TOT) workshop was conducted in Erbil, Kurdistan Region, with the participation of 25 participants from Nineveh Governorate. The training focused on strengthening skills in conflict resolution, enhancing the use of modern technology, and equipping participants to transfer knowledge within their communities. This contributed to preparing local actors capable of effectively intervening in social conflicts and addressing underlying causes of extremism.

In addition, the project included a series of community awareness activities, through which lectures and sessions were conducted on the risks of electronic extortion and prevention methods. These activities particularly targeted women and girls, reaching approximately 500 beneficiaries, and significantly contributed to increasing awareness and strengthening their ability to protect themselves and respond to such challenges.

To strengthen institutional collaboration, the project worked on building relationships between security and community actors and supported the establishment of a community-based committee specialized in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. This contributed to improving coordination among stakeholders and promoting a more integrated response to community challenges.

The project achieved several important results, including enhancing participants’ skills in mediation and conflict resolution, enabling them to address disputes through peaceful approaches. It also contributed to raising community awareness about the risks of electronic extortion and supported the development of sustainable local coordination mechanisms.

The results further indicated a high level of participant satisfaction with the training programs, with approximately 80% expressing direct benefit from the activities. In addition, local working groups were formed to apply and disseminate the knowledge gained within their communities.

This project represents a successful model of collaboration between civil society organizations and international partners in addressing the root causes of violent extremism through capacity building and strengthening social cohesion. It highlights the importance of investing in people and empowering local actors as a key pathway toward sustainable peace and stability.

Through this initiative, the Iraqi Institution for Development (IID) reaffirms its continued commitment to designing and implementing impactful programs that contribute to building more stable and cohesive communities, while strengthening the role of youth, women, and local institutions in addressing security and social challenges and promoting a future based on peace and coexistence.