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Iraq

Iraq: IOM monitoring and needs assessments: Tabulation Report - Sep 2008

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Introduction and Methodology of Returnee Monitoring and Needs Assessments

In order to better target assistance and understand the returnee context, IOM, in cooperation with MoDM, has started Returnee Monitoring and Needs Assessments in Baghdad Governorate. In addition, IOM through its IDP Monitoring network expanded the Returnee monitoring to other governorates in Iraq.

These assessments allow IOM, MoDM and other organizations to prioritize areas of operation, plan emergency responses, and design long-term, durable solutions programs to assist returnees in their place of return.

Current Tabulation Report presents detailed tables and statistics on 2,102 interviewed returnee families, from 15 December 2007 to August 2008, all over Iraq. Of these, 1,322 were interviewed in Baghdad and 780 families in other governorates. (See Annex Table 1a)

Based on available information from MoDM's returnee registration, IOM and MoDM monitors' field visits, UNHCR Rapid assessments (snapshot) and other sources, IOM maintains a list of locations with estimated numbers of returnee families. The location list contains the following information: Governorate, District, Subdistrict, Neighbourhood/place, Longitude, Latitude, Number of returnees from within Iraq, Number of returnees from abroad and source of information.

Till September 5, 2008, a total of 398 locations with 21,066* returnee families (estimated 126,396 individuals) were identified. Of them 2,309 families (11%) are returnee from abroad and the other 18,757 (84%) are returnee families from internal displacement in Iraq. (See ANNEX 1).

IOM and MoDM encourage other organisations to provide information on returnee locations in Iraq.

Once locations and numbers of returnees are identified, MoDM and IOM monitors make field visits to conduct interviews with individual returnee families. Monitors complete a Returnee Needs Assessment form. (See ANNEX 2).

The form provides a basis for both quantitative and qualitative analysis. On each topic there are closed (option) questions as well as questions for detailed individual elaboration that will enable better understanding and allow improvement of the template within a few months.

After completing the monitoring assessments in the location, the monitor fills in answers and observations on the questionnaire that is sent to IOM for database entry.

Data analysis and publication:

Periodically (once a month) IOM and MoDM present detailed tabulation report from returnee monitoring. In addition IOM is releasing summary of the findings from returnee monitoring and needs assessments together with other IDP monitoring reports.

Upon request and given available resources IOM and MoDM, prepare specific analysis and mapping for interested users.