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Transition Initiatives
USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives (OTI) supports the transition to a participatory,
stable, and democratic country. OTI provides quick-dispensing,
high-impact grants. OTI’s fast-paced assistance meets critical needs—providing
short-term employment, restoring basic government and community services,
increasing Iraqi access to information and communication, and encouraging
protection of human rights.
This Week's Highlights:
Workshop held on terrorism in Iraq |
- With the support of a $2,500 grant from the Iraq Transition Initiative (ITI) ,
one university in southern Iraq recently conducted 16 lectures on democracy
and human rights for different sectors of Iraqi society. The lectures highlighted
principles of basic human rights, democracy, federalism, elections, and
women’s participation in public debate and institutions.
- ITI has been working with community leaders in south central Iraq to identify
issues and build consensus for solving problems. Two projects generated
through this process have recently been completed. In the first project, a community
of 6,200 people decided that the rehabilitation of a local road and the
community water supply network was essential for their health and safety.
With a $196,000 grant from ITI, the community repaired two kilometers of
road that connects the area to major highways. Under the second project, they
improved the water supply system with an ITI grant for $73,275. These projects
and others like them are helping local governments learn to respond to
citizens’ needs and build trust in the democratic process.
- A village in northern Iraq recently rehabilitated and equipped the mayor’s office
with the assistance of a $55,000 grant from ITI. This project will help the
local government meet the needs of the people and enhance good governance
practices in a rural area of northern Iraq.
- An farmer support organization in a northern governorate recently provided
furniture and equipment to its local and district offices with the assistance of a
$60,000 grant from ITI. Through this grant, ten offices have received basic
office equipment and furniture that will build the capacity of the organization
and help it to meet the needs of its clients.
- A sports association in a northern Iraqi village has furnished and equipped its
sports club and stadium with the assistance of an ITI grant for $42,100. The
facilities are used for recreation by local individuals and teams, and to host
competitions with teams from around the country. The grant has provided
sports equipment and uniforms, as well as office equipment and furniture to
enhance the facility. This project is revitalizing an important part of the community’s
infrastructure and demonstrating the Interim Government’s commitment
to meeting the needs of citizens throughout the country.
Major Accomplishments to Date:
Artwork from a USAID funded exhibition in
southern Iraq |
- Awarded more than 1,600
small grants totaling more
than $121.6 million for quick
impact activities that support
good governance, civil society,
conflict management
and mitigation, human rights
and transitional justice.
- Supporting initiatives
crucial to the democratic
transition, including
civic education, civil
society and media development,
increased
women’s participation,
conflict mitigation and
transitional justice.
Groups targeted
for assistance include
women’s and youth
groups, professional
associations and human
rights organizations.
- Met critical needs
during and immediately
after the conflict by
providing short-term
employment, restoring
basic government and
community services,
increasing Iraqi access
to information and communication
and encouraging
protection of
human rights.
- Funded over 60
grants totaling $3 million
that focus on
women’s issues, including
supporting the establishment
of 14
women’s centers in
Iraq. Rehabilitated over
264 Iraqi national ministries,
schools, clinics
and other municipal
buildings. Supporting 65
Iraqi groups in documenting
human rights
abuses of the Ba’athist
regime and promoting
peace, tolerance, and
reconciliation.
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