The Government of New Zealand has contributed an additional US$1 million to UNDP’s Funding Facility for Stabilization (FFS), which finances fast-track initiatives in areas liberated from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL). This brings the New Zealand’s total contribution to FFS to $2 million to date.
Based on priorities identified by the Government of Iraq and local authorities, FFS helps quickly repair public infrastructure, provides grants to small businesses, boosts the capacity of local government, promotes civil engagement, and provides short-term employment through public works schemes.
UNDP Resident Representative for Iraq, Ms. Lise Grande, said: “The scale of destruction in western Mosul is the worst in the country. The electricity, water and sewage systems all need to be rehabilitated. Many schools and hospitals are either damaged or completely destroyed. Tens of thosuands of people need jobs. With so much to do, we are very grateful to New Zealand for stepping forward with this contribution at this key point in time.”
The Chargé d’Affaires for the New Zealand Embassy in Iraq, Ms. Anna Reid, said: “New Zealand congratulates the Iraqi people, the Iraqi Security Forces and the International Coalition on their ongoing success in defeating ISIL. Restoring core services and infrastructure is crucial to ensuring that people displaced by the conflict are able to return to their homes and communities. This further contribution to the Funding Facility for Stabilization, alongside our support to building capacity in the Iraqi Security Forces, demonstrates New Zealand’s commitment to support stability in Iraq.”
Established in June 2015, FFS is working in newly liberated areas in Anbar, Salah al-Din, Ninewah, Diyala and Kirkuk Governorates. More than 1,200 projects are completed or being implemented across 23 locations. Since the start of the crisis, over 2.2 million people have returned to their homes.
Original source: UNDP.
Posted on 25 October 2017