Iraq: From the Fences of Al-Hol to Running a Market
Forced to flee their home in 2014, Salima and Saliha spent years in displacement before rebuilding their lives in Al-Baghdadi, Anbar. With training, financial support, and psychosocial care, they restarted their small shop, regaining stability and hope.
Salima opened her shop with joy in her heart, giving it all her care and attention. But in 2014, ISIL forced Salima, her sister Saliha, and more than one million other individuals to flee their homes, leaving everything they had built. The sisters spent years in the harsh confines of the Al-Hol camp, struggling to survive each day.
“Living in Al-Hol was an indescribable nightmare. Looking back, it feels like a fever dream,” said Salima.
Al-Hol was unkind. The sisters, alongside other refugees, endured countless sleepless nights, midnight raids, and extreme conditions with little to no access to basic resources like water, food, or any means to earn a living. Winters were unforgivingly cold, and summers were unbearably hot. “We were always scared,” said Salima with a low voice, recalling all those days, when they shriveled from fear.
About Al-Hol
Al-Hol camp, located in Al-Hasakeh Governorate in Northeast Syria, was initially established during the Gulf War to provide temporary shelter to Syrians affected by the conflict. It was reopened during anti-ISIL operations when refugees sought refuge in Syria.
As ISIL lost control in Iraq and Syria, particularly in towns like Baghouz and Raqqa in 2019, the camp’s population surged from 9,800 to 73,000, including those with actual or suspected ISIL affiliations. Most residents are internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Iraq and Syria, many of whom have experienced multiple cycles of displacement.
By 2021, Al-Hol was considered one of the world’s most dangerous camps. Its residents, especially women and children, faced dire humanitarian challenges, including family separation, limited access to aid, restrictions on movement, and lack of basic services like education and civil documentation.
Returning to what remains of home
After seven years in hostile environments, Salima and Saliha finally returned home. As they crossed Mosul and made their way back to Anbar, the sight of the Euphrates river and palm trees offered a moment of relief. This feeling vanished when they opened the door of what was once their home.
The house stood empty, abandoned, and stripped bare. “Not even a teaspoon remained,” said Salima.
Between then and now
Iraq has endured decades of conflict, instability, and destruction. Ranked amongst one of the least peaceful countries globally, it continues to struggle with the aftermath of ISIL’s brutal occupation. The scars of war remain deep.
As of August 31, 2023, 1.1 million people remain displaced across the country, with unemployment in Ninewa ranked as the biggest threat to safety by communities.
Many returnees, including those from Al-Hol, face immense challenges. The loss of homes, livelihoods, and family members weighs heavily on them. For displaced women and children, particularly widows and those perceived to have ISIL ties, reintegration is an uphill battle––the threat of exploitation and violence adds another layer of difficulty. Deep-rooted ethno-religious tensions, land disputes, insecurity, and intertribal conflicts further complicate their return. Socioeconomic reintegration is a crucial step for different communities to regain a sense of normalcy.
…Life goes on
Soon, Salima and Saliha found the courage to start over. Brick by brick, they rebuilt their lives. Today, they run a small store in the heart of Al-Baghdadi, Anbar. Salima’s son and brother stand by their side, helping them with the daily tasks, managing the shop in the evenings, buying stock, and handling responsibilities when the sisters need to rest.
Saliha, now 58, battles health issues that make movement difficult, and at 42, Salima shoulders the weight of their new life, managing most of the work, ensuring that the store stays open, and that hope stays alive.
To support in rebuilding their lives, Salima and Saliha were supported through business management training within the EU-funded Reintegration through Integrated Support and Empowerment (RISE) program, through the partnership of Welthungerhilfe (WHH), AGO and UNDP, which enhanced their skills in marketing, understanding customer needs, and analyzing community demands.
The sisters received a cash grant after the training and were able to provide essential equipment for their store, such as freezers, shelves, fridges, and more goods to stock their market. Alongside this, Salima and Saliha participated in mental health and psychosocial support sessions, gaining peace of mind through group activities and connecting with other women in their community.
“We learned to cope with our pain and fears,” said Salima. To which she added, “With time and care, we began to feel lighter, more open, and we could finally share the burdens we carry with each other and others. We are now re-established in Al-Baghdadi,” as she and Saliha continue to live in their newly found peace and prosperity.
