BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
The project responds to the needs of IDPs and returnees in Kerbala/Najaf, Babylon, Thi Qar and Erbil Governorates by assisting ministries and other authorities in providing comprehensive temporary shelter assistance through the construction of a model accommodation of 400 low-cost units.This entails a multi-pronged, participatory approach including discussion of different shelter options and capacity building for all those involved.
The project aims to:

• Enhance the living standard of 800 IDP/ returnee families and integrate them with their host communities by supplying adequate and affordable shelter of contextually appropriate duration.
• Develop a coordination mechanism among relevant ministries for addressing IDP and returnee shelter needs.
• Address capacity gaps of the authorities in responding to IDP and returnee shelter needs.

ACTIVITIES
The main activities include:

• Construct housing to accommodate 800 IDP and returnee households on allocated land using low-cost, labour-intensive and self-help approaches.
• Provide technical assistance to concerned authorities to address shelter needs of IDPS/ returnee households.
• Use lessons learned to generate a replicable strategy for IDP and returnee shelter solutions.
• Train the concerned authorities to increase their capacity vis-à-vis IDP shelter strategies and shelter management.

RESULTS
The main results achieved have been:

• Design of shelter units for IDPs and returnees underway.
• Consultations with Hilla and Najaf Governors on land allocation concluded in Amman.
• Criteria for the selection of vulnerable families revised and discussed with project partners.
• Local consultant recruited to develop the shelter strategy and manuals.