Stabilizing Iraq top priority for Netherlands with new €15m contribution

November 5, 2019

"The Netherlands is proud to be the fund’s third-largest donor, and we welcome the decision of the Iraqi government to share in the costs by providing a contribution to the Fund,” said H.E. Matthias Wolters, the Netherlands Ambassador to Iraq. Photo: UNDP Iraq/2019.

Baghdad, 5 November 2019 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Iraq welcomes a EUR 15 million (USD 16.7m) contribution from Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to UNDP’s Funding Facility for Stabilization (FFS), which finances fast-track initiatives to stabilize areas liberated from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

This new commitment, signed today, brings the Netherlands’ total contribution to FFS to EUR 72 million (USD 80 million).

“Through the generosity of donors like the Netherlands, UNDP in partnership with the Government of Iraq has been able to complete more than 2,200 critical stabilization projects across the liberated areas of Iraq,” says UNDP Resident Representative in Iraq, Ms. Zena Ali Ahmad.

“We are extremely grateful for this funding which will help us cement a lasting victory against ISIL. It’s not the time to scale back support. Communities who suffered at the hands of ISIL need stability, now more than ever.  Through this contribution, the Netherlands has prioritised the wellbeing and prosperity of Iraqi communities and I applaud them for their commitment and leadership,” adds Ms. Ali Ahmad.

“With our previous funding to the Stabilization Facility, schools, hospitals and police stations were reopened. This provides Iraqi citizens with the basic requirements to pick up their lives again; and it allows displaced communities to return,” says H.E. Matthias Wolters, the Netherlands Ambassador to Iraq.

“FFS has played a vital role in rehabilitating key infrastructure in the wake of the defeat of ISIS. While a lot has been done in the initial aftermath of the conflict, the needs remain high. That is why we have decided to provide this new contribution. The Netherlands is proud to be the fund’s third-largest donor, and we welcome the decision of the Iraqi government to share in the costs by providing a contribution to the Fund,” added Ambassador Wolters.

At the request of the Government of Iraq, UNDP established the Funding Facility for Stabilization (FFS) in June 2015 to facilitate the return of displaced Iraqis, lay the groundwork for reconstruction and recovery, and safeguard against the resurgence of violence and extremism.

The Facility currently has completed over 2,200 projects in 31 liberated cities and districts, helping local authorities to quickly rehabilitate essential infrastructure across Anbar, Diyala, Kirkuk, Ninewa and Salah Al-Din.

Since the start of the most recent conflict in 2014, 4.3 million displaced Iraqis have returned to their homes. The impact of FFS has been significant in supporting people upon their return home; 1.7 million people have better access to healthcare; 3.2 million people now have a reliable water supply; and another 1 million have improved electricity services.  Since the Facility’s inception, FFS has mobilized more than USD 1 billion from 28 donors to fund stabilization efforts in Iraq.

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For further information, please contact:

Fay Daoud, UNDP Communications Specialist