CFAs: Strengthening Religious Minorities’ Rights Through Community-Led Protection Services (Iraq)

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is seeking a civil society organization (CSO) partner to deliver community-led protection services in Iraq under a project supporting the rights of religious minorities. Funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and administered by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, the initiative focuses on post-conflict recovery, community resilience, and strengthening localized protection systems.

Overview of the Opportunity

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is inviting collaboration with a qualified civil society organization to implement community-based protection activities in Iraq.

The project supports the rights of religious minorities and contributes to Iraq’s transition from a humanitarian response framework toward long-term development and stability.

Funding for the initiative is provided by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and administered through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).

Project Context and Rationale

Iraq continues to face major development challenges following years of conflict, particularly due to the impact of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

Prolonged violence has affected economic, social, cultural, educational, and security systems, leaving communities vulnerable to renewed instability.

As Iraq moves beyond emergency humanitarian assistance, strengthening civil society engagement has become essential for addressing protection gaps, supporting sustainable recovery, and preventing the recurrence of conflict.

Key Objectives of the Project

The collaboration aims to strengthen community resilience and protection systems by:

• Supporting conflict-affected religious minority communities

• Enhancing self-reliance and social cohesion

• Transitioning from humanitarian aid to development-oriented approaches

• Strengthening localized protection responses through empowered CSOs

• Preventing exploitation, violence, and abuse at the community level

Scope of Community-Led Protection Activities

The selected civil society organization will support activities that include:

Community Empowerment and Participation

• Establishing community protection committees

• Creating peer support networks

• Engaging community members in the design, implementation, and evaluation of protection initiatives

• Promoting inclusive participation of women, youth, and vulnerable groups

Rights Awareness and Information Access

• Providing communities with information on:

  • Legal rights

  • Entitlements

  • Available protection and support services

• Supporting informed decision-making at the local level

Referral and Support Mechanisms

• Establishing and strengthening referral pathways

• Connecting vulnerable individuals and groups to:

  • Protection services

  • Psycho-social support

  • Legal assistance

  • Other relevant services

• Coordinating with local authorities and service providers

Budget and Financial Requirements

• Total budget: 27,510,000 Iraqi Dinar (IQD)

• Equivalent value: Approximately USD 21,000 (based on UN exchange rates)

All budget estimates and financial submissions must be prepared and presented in Iraqi Dinar (IQD).

Applicants should ensure realistic budgeting aligned with community-based implementation and accountability standards.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants include:

• Registered civil society organizations (CSOs) operating in Iraq

• Organizations with demonstrated experience in:

  • Community-based protection

  • Human rights

  • Minority rights

  • Post-conflict recovery

  • Social cohesion and resilience programming

• CSOs with the capacity to engage local communities and authorities

• Organizations able to manage funds and reporting in IQD

Why This Partnership Matters

This initiative is critical to Iraq’s recovery because it:

• Strengthens local ownership of protection mechanisms

• Builds long-term resilience in conflict-affected communities

• Empowers civil society as a driver of sustainable peace

• Reduces dependency on external humanitarian assistance

• Supports inclusive recovery for religious minorities and vulnerable populations

Community-led approaches help ensure that protection solutions are relevant, trusted, and sustainable.

IOM’s Experience and Role in Iraq

IOM has been supporting internally displaced persons and affected communities in Iraq since 2003 through a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach.

Key areas of IOM’s engagement include:

• Protection and human rights

• Mental health and psycho-social support

• Health services

• Livelihoods and economic recovery

• Camp coordination and management

• Shelter and infrastructure rehabilitation

• Migration policy development

• Collaboration with national and local stakeholders

These efforts aim to empower communities while strengthening institutional capacity at all levels.

How the Collaboration Works

1. IOM selects a qualified civil society organization through a partnership process

2. The CSO implements community-based protection activities at the local level

3. Communities actively participate in identifying risks and solutions

4. Referral mechanisms link vulnerable individuals to services

5. Activities are monitored and adapted based on community feedback

6. Protection outcomes contribute to longer-term development and stability

Common Challenges and Practical Tips

Common Challenges

• Limited community trust due to prolonged conflict

• Weak referral systems in remote areas

• Protection risks linked to social tensions and exclusion

Practical Tips for Applicants

• Demonstrate strong community engagement strategies

• Highlight experience working with religious minorities

• Emphasize participatory and inclusive approaches

• Clearly explain referral and coordination mechanisms

• Ensure budget clarity and compliance with IQD requirements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is leading this project?

The project is led by the International Organization for Migration and funded by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, with administration by AICS.

2. What is the main focus of the activities?

The focus is on community-led protection services supporting religious minorities and conflict-affected populations in Iraq.

3. Are only humanitarian activities supported?

No. The project emphasizes the transition from humanitarian assistance to development-oriented and resilience-focused approaches.

4. What type of organizations can apply?

Registered civil society organizations with relevant experience in protection, human rights, and community-based programming in Iraq.

5. What is the total budget available?

The total budget is 27,510,000 IQD, equivalent to approximately USD 21,000.

6. In which currency should budgets be submitted?

All financial submissions must be prepared and presented in Iraqi Dinar (IQD).

7. Why are community-based approaches emphasized?

Community-based protection strengthens local ownership, improves sustainability, and reduces the risk of future conflict.

Conclusion

This IOM partnership opportunity represents a strategic investment in community resilience, civil society empowerment, and sustainable protection systems in Iraq. By supporting community-led solutions for religious minorities and vulnerable populations, the initiative contributes to long-term recovery, social cohesion, and the prevention of renewed instability in a post-conflict context.