Empowering for Change in Iraq

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Baghdad, Iraq - 15 June 2023

Under the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) lead – European Union funded - project STRIVE Juvenile: Preventing and Responding to Violence Against Children by Terrorist and Violent Extremist Groups, Terre des Hommes Italy (TDH Italy) conducted a transformative workshop focused on thtreatment of juveniles deprived of their liberty due to alleged association with Daesh. 

The workshop brought together 30social workers and guards from the Nineveh Rehabilitation School, with the aim of equipping them with the skills and knowledge that they need in order to support these juveniles’ effective rehabilitation and reintegrationThe workshop delved into the complexities of violent extremismrehabilitation and reintegration; and strategies for empowering participants to drive positive change. 

Over the course of three days, participants explored the misguided preachings of Daesh and the impact that these can have on young minds. The focus was on understanding how to effectively address juveniles who hold these ideas.  

The workshop aimed to engage the attendees deeply and by encouraging them to explore themselves and any extremist views that they themselves may hold, the facilitator shed light on the distinction between extremist ideologies and the subsequent violent actions that may arise from themThis topic was explored in relation to the conditions, treatment, rehabilitation, and reintegration of juveniles deprived of their liberty due to their association with terrorist and violent extremist groups. 

Guided by seasoned UNODC and TDH experts, the workshop employed engaging and interactive methods to facilitate learning. Participants gained practical insights and hands-on experience by actively engaging in challenging debates, group work, and interactive exercises. 

Equipped with newfound knowledge and skills, participants demonstrated a strong commitment to applying their learning at Nineveh Rehabilitation School, aiming to make a lasting impact on the lives of the Juveniles under their care. These professionals pledged to become catalysts for change within their institutions in recognising and promoting the importance of rehabilitation and reintegration. 

Participants expressed their deep appreciation for this opportunity and commended the value added by the workshop which was successful thanks to the collaboration of UNODC, TDH Italy, and the EU