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Expression of Interest for Strengthening Child Protection and Well-being, Adolescent Participation, and Leadership Skills Development Project Background UNICEF, the United Nations agency dedicated to upholding the rights and well-being of every child, works in Iraq to support the Government and local partners in accelerating the realization of childrens rights. This involves improving access to essential services, strengthening systems, promoting resilience among communities, and providing social protection for the most vulnerable, particularly returnees and displaced populations. The NES return from Al Hol camp to Iraq started in May 2021 up to February 2026, there are 33 groups of Iraqi citizens have been repatriated from Al Hol camp in NES to Iraq in addition to 2 groups from Ruj camp to Iraq as well. That includes a total of (21,519) people of which (12,479) children (6,439 boys, 6,040 girls) and (6,749) are women, besides (577) UASC, from northeast Syria to Iraq. The most recent convoy in Feb 2026 included (55) families (193) individuals (106 female, 87 male), (49 girls, 56 boys) to Al-Amal center. The Al-Amal Center currently hosts (4,937 individuals), with women and children making up 89% of this population. Returners face multiple reintegration challenges in their areas of origin, including limited access to livelihoods, civil documentation, and social services. Many families remain vulnerable and disconnected from essential support, especially those dispersing to new areas. In response, UNICEF has implemented a reintegration program focused on comprehensive child protection services, psychosocial support, legal aid, parenting programs, and support for adolescents and young people. UNICEF also supports government institutions, particularly MOLSA and MOY, to enhance service delivery and protection systems for children. This includes both capacity building of government frontline workers and direct support in return areas. The aim is to transition from UNICEF provided services to government owned services with a transition plan. Efforts also include a robust civil documentation initiative in collaboration with other agencies and government partners. These actions align with UNICEFs commitment to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those related to child well-being, protection, and equitable access to services. Additionally, children displaced in urban settings often face discrimination due to perceived affiliation with ISIS, further contributing to dropout rates and deepening their marginalization. In the returnee areasNinewa (including Sinjar, Mosul, and Baaj), Salah Al-Din (Tikrit and Shirqat), and Anbar (Fallujah)the living conditions for internally displaced people (IDPs), especially East Ninawa camps and those in informal settlements and remote locations, remain extremely challenging amid a decline in humanitarian aid. In alignment with UNICEF Iraqs commitment to adolescent and young people empowerment, the Programme will implement an integrated package of interventions that combine structured skills development, and meaningful engagement. All adolescents and young people accessing Maharati Programme activities will enroll in online life skills courses through the Learning Passport platform, enabling them to build foundational and transferable competencies. Complementing digital learning, the Programme will prioritize youth-led initiatives, supporting adolescents and young people to design and implement engagement and advocacy activities that create safe and inclusive spaces for both girls and boys to express their needs particularly around meaningful recreational opportunities. To further support rehabilitation and smooth reintegration, the Programme will deliver small-scale, demand-driven micro-credential training for boys and girls, including computer skills, barbering and beauty services, and handicrafts. This integrated approach ensures that adolescents and young people are equipped with practical skills, empowered to actively participate in their communities, and supported in their transition toward social and economic inclusion. 6 Expected Results Through this partnership, UNICEF aims to: Enhance protection outcomes for returnees and displaced children and adolescents Facilitate reintegration of vulnerable families into their communities Support systemic reforms and build government capacity for service delivery Ensure timely access to civil documentation for returnee children Promote resilience, well-being, and social cohesion among youth Supporting young people programming through providing training and positive engagement. Indicative Budget -2.00000 Tender Link : http://www.iraq-businessnews.com/tenders/
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