Living conditions were improved for 300 children and young people as the newly refurbished “Ninawa Observation House” in Mosul was officially handed over to the Iraq Ministry of Justice, on 30 October 2024, in Mosul.
The handover ceremony, led by representatives from the Ministry of Justice, European Union, UNODC and UN-Habitat, and attended by many national partners, celebrated the capacity of children and young people to flourish when supported and given the conditions to do so in a safe and healthy environment.
The rise and fall of Da’esh in Iraq has been especially destructive for those children recruited and exploited by the group. A large number are currently deprived of their liberty, as a result of their alleged affiliation or association, and are a cause for special concern.
The “Ninawa Observation House” is a juvenile reformatory housing approximately 300 children and young people including those convicted of terrorism-related offences. Its renovation was made possible through the EU funded project "STRIVE Juvenile: Preventing and Responding to Violence Against Children by Terrorist and Violent Extremist Groups" which is led by UNODC in partnership with the Government of Iraq.
“When we focus on the development of these children as individuals, this in turn enhances the well-being and stability of society as a whole. This approach aligns with our vision of achieving security and stability,” said Mr. Radu Butum, Head of EU Liaison Office.
This refurbishment initiative highlights the parties’ joint commitment to ensuring the effective rehabilitation and reintegration of those deprived of their liberty by providing good living conditions; access to education and marketable vocational skills training; health-care, freedom to practice religion; and regular and safe contact with families and with the wider community.
UNODC joined forces with UN-Habitat in 2023 to improve living conditions at Ninawa.
“Through the work of modernizing spaces for learning, social interaction, and recreation, UN-Habitat is proud to be engaged in a project that provides these young people with better opportunities for social reintegration,” shared Mr. Muslim Qazimi, Head of UN-Habitat in Iraq.
Classrooms were added to create an environment that is conducive to learning. A new gym and multipurpose hall paved the way for physical and recreational activities. Capacity for family visits was increased by 60 per cent, allowing for contact of children and young people with outside world, a key requirement for reintegration.
Dedicated spaces now allow social workers to provide crucial mental health and psychosocial support to children and young people. Renovated washrooms promote good hygiene, while solar panels and new water tanks ensure sustainable and secure supply of electricity and water.
“The renovations we see today are part of UNODC’s continued efforts to support children and youth, ensuring that these reformatories provide not just safe environments, but also a space where children and youth can live with dignity and engage in meaningful rehabilitation and reintegration processes,” said Mr. Ali El-Bereir, Head of UNODC in Iraq.
Mr. Mohamed Radi Bahr, Director General of the Juvenile Care Directorate under the Ministry of Justice, praised UNODC's leading role in the STRIVE Juvenile project, stating that this project “contributed creating an ideal environment that supports the growth of both staff and young people” and that "the developmental programs provided by UNODC were not merely passing initiatives; they were firm steps towards building a brighter future for our coming generations."
The ceremony highlights the concerted efforts of Iraq and its partners to improve rehabilitation and reintegration opportunities for children and young people deprived of their liberty for alleged involvement with terrorist groups and ensure that each juvenile is prepared for playing a constructive role in their communities upon release.
Learn more about STRIVE Juvenile work in Iraq here.
Through the project 'STRIVE Juvenile: Preventing and Responding to Violence against Children by Terrorist and Violent Extremist Groups,' funded by the European Union, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the partner countries, Indonesia, Iraq, and Nigeria, will develop and implement comprehensive national responses.
These responses focus on preventing and countering terrorism and violent extremism affecting children, in full respect of human rights, gender equality, and international law.
Key resources
2023 - 2030 Strategy to End Violence Against Children - OSRSG-VAC UNODC
2023 - 2024 Action Plan to End Violence Against Children
