UN-Habitat, Japan Expand Efforts to Support Returnees

Iraq Business

02-04-2025

By John Lee.
The Government of Japan and UN-Habitat have expanded their joint efforts to support returnees and vulnerable communities in Northern Iraq, in coordination with the Government of Iraq. A new Japanese contribution to the Japan Village Project in Mosul will provide 24 additional social housing units, increasing the total capacity to 500 returnees in Ninewa Governorate.
The initiative continues to improve living conditions in Rajm Hadeed Neighbourhood, with support from Toyota Iraq, Sardar Group, and other public-private partners. Their contributions include water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, a library, public toilets, and a solar-powered sports court. Additionally, awareness programs will prepare 1,000 returnees for climate change impacts.
The vocational training component is also expanding, with 100 unemployed youth receiving training in construction and green economy industries. This initiative enhances employment prospects while contributing to the housing complex and public infrastructure. Full statement from UN-Habitat:
UN-Habitat and the Government of Japan Expand Efforts to Support Returnees in Northern Iraq
UN-Habitat and the Government of Japan are pleased to announce the expansion of their collaborative efforts to support returnees and the most vulnerable people in Northern Iraq in close coordination with the Government of Iraq. With a new contribution from the Government of Japan to the Japan Village Project in Mosul, an additional 24 families will receive social housing units, increasing the village's capacity to accommodate a total of 500 returnees in Ninewa Governorate. The initiative will continue to enhance the living conditions in the Rajm Hadeed Neighbourhood and its surroundings, thanks to the ongoing collaboration with Japanese and local private entities, such as TOYOTA Iraq and Sardar Group, under the Public-Private Partnerships.
These entities are contributing to the complex by improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities, and establishing community resources such as a library, public toilets and a multi-purpose sports court illuminated by solar panel streetlights. Furthermore, new awareness-raising activities will be conducted to better prepare 1,000 returnees for the effects of climate change in the region.
The vocational training component will also be expanded to replicate the successful initiative of providing training in construction and green economy industries to another 100 unemployed youth. Trainees will be granted work opportunities to apply their newly acquired skills while contributing to the construction of the housing complex and urban public infrastructure. This approach enhances their job prospects, enables them to support their families, and allows them to be part of community improvements.
One of the first 100 beneficiaries of the Japan Village Project's vocational training is Samer Hassan Muhsen, a 40-year-old father of five and Mosuli returnee. Originally holding a computer diploma, Samer embraced the carpentry training programme and is now contributing to rebuilding the city and supporting the return of other families. He shares, "The training was an exciting opportunity to acquire new skills while contributing to a project that benefits my family and my community. With the skills and experience I have gained, I feel confident about opening my own business in the future and offering training to young people seeking new opportunities."
Since the Japanese Fiscal Year of 2004, the Government of Japan has been one of the biggest partners in UN-Habitat's Iraq Programme, supporting critical initiatives to rebuild communities and strengthen resilience. The Japan Village is the second Social Housing Complex following the successful completion of Bab Sinjar Housing Complex built in Mosul as a result of this longstanding cooperation. Upon its completion, the project will have benefited over 3,000 returnees, providing them with access to adequate housing and improved living conditions, thus helping them close the displacement chapter of their lives.
"The Government of Japan will continuously support the efforts of the Government of Iraq in rebuilding communities and improving the lives of returnees in Iraq. The Japan Village Project, in partnership with UN-Habitat combined with great support by Japanese companies, exemplifies resilience and sustainable development, combining housing, public services, economic growth, and well-being." emphasized His Excellency Mr. Akira Endo, the Ambassador of Japan to Iraq.
Muslim Qazimi, Head of UN-Habitat Iraq, highlighted the broader impact of this collaboration: "The expansion of the Japan Village Project, which will now extend its benefits to returnees from Mosul, represents a broader understanding and embracing of UN-Habitat's mandate, beyond just our efforts. By promoting "Housing at the Centre" approach, we are making urban development a catalyst for opportunities. It is impressive to observe how this project is attracting interest from multiple levels of partners, both public and private, who share our committed to provide a better urban future for returnees in Iraq."
The Japan Village Project is indeed serving as a hub for attracting stakeholders interested in cooperation. The ongoing public-private partnerships showcase a shared commitment to addressing the urgent housing needs of displaced families while supporting the government of Iraq and local authorities in launching a comprehensive approach to community-oriented sustainable urban development. By aligning economic empowerment, environmentally conscious practices, and well-being concepts at its core, the project contributes to a safer, more stable, and sustainable urban future for all involved.
(Source: UN-Habitat)