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Peacebuilding and Reconciliation 

Introduction

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Iraq has been facing a number of wars and armed conflict in the past decades. Peacebuilding and reconciliation are important steps to establish and maintain peace in such a conflict-ridden region.

 

When conflict prevention has been unsuccessful and an armed conflict has flared up, peacebuilding aims at strengthening the region at all levels to ensure sustainable stability and peace. This is a complex and long-term process in which the capacity of the State to carry out its core functions effectively and legitimately needs to be supported by peacebuilding measures.

minorities in Iraq

In Iraq, such measures are, among others, the Pope’s visit to Iraq in 2021 to mend bridges between different faiths; ongoing reforestation measures to mitigate desertification and increase natural water purification; and the political will to implement “Iraq Vision 2030”, to tackle poverty, protect the vulnerable and diversify the State income sources.

 

In the following section, we will present initiatives that are dedicated to involving different stakeholders of Iraqi society, thus ensuring broad acceptance and legitimacy by its people and thus adding stability to the country.

"[Iraq's diversity] was a precious resource on which to draw, not an obstacle to eliminate."

 

Pope Francis, March 2021

 

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