Iraq - The IOM Iraq - German Humanitarian Admission Program (HAP) closing ceremony this week in Stuttgart marked the program’s achievements: the movement of over 1,000 of the most vulnerable women and children targeted in the ongoing conflict in Iraq to the State of Baden-Württemberg in Germany.

Many of these most vulnerable individuals were under the control of ISIL and are in need of specialized medical and psychosocial support services. Most were living until recently in camps for internally displaced people in northern Iraq. Upon arrival in Germany, program beneficiaries receive access to free psychosocial and health care, accommodation, language courses and education.

The HAP program is a joint effort of IOM Iraq and the State Ministry of Baden-Württemberg. Since the program began in March 2015, IOM has facilitated 14 charter flights: at the end of January the total number of beneficiaries will total 1,045 - 664 children and 381 adults (709 females and 336 males). The last transfer of the German HAP program is scheduled for late January and will include 156 beneficiaries.

As part of the HAP program, in order to facilitate safe and orderly migration, IOM provides: transportation, health checks, clothing vouchers, initial medical screenings and logistical support. All stages of the movement process are facilitated by IOM medical, operations and psychosocial staff in order to meet beneficiary needs.

To ensure beneficiaries are safe and secure, specialized care and flight arrangements are provided for medical cases. Cultural orientation sessions are also provided, including an introduction to German language, history, local laws and explanation of social service availability.

The women and children have expressed gratitude for the opportunity to move to Germany, though many have also felt apprehensive about the future. The common sentiment is the anticipation of living in a safe and secure environment, and the hope that their lives will improve through the opportunities available in Germany.

One female beneficiary told IOM staff: “When I took my first step off the plane in Germany, I let out a great sigh of relief. It was the first time in so long that I felt safe, like I could breathe again. It feels very peaceful here, and people have been very kind to us. I am learning German. Once I recover I hope to find a job someday where I can help people.”

The program closing ceremony honored the courage of HAP program participants, and the State of Baden-Württemberg and IOM teams for their role in facilitating the program.  In his speech at the closing ceremony, IOM Iraq Chief of Mission Dr. Thomas Lothar Weiss said: “The exemplary cooperation between IOM Iraq and the State Ministry of Baden-Württemberg through the HAP program has enabled the relocation of more than 1,000 survivors of the worst violence committed in the Iraq conflict. This program, geared to the needs of the very most vulnerable, is an example of goal-oriented humanitarian aid, to provide the specialized services that these women and children desperately need. The State Ministry Baden-Württemberg, HAP program staff and volunteers deserve our greatest respect for their inspiring commitment to this life-saving program.”

Minister-President of Baden-Württemberg Winfried Kretschmann said: "This project could not have been successfully implemented without the support of IOM. They are the most efficient and pragmatic organization that worked with staff from the Ministry of State."

The conflict in Iraq has displaced nearly 3.3 million Iraqis since January 2014. In order to assist the most vulnerable, IOM Iraq works in cooperation with the United Nations Humanitarian Country team and humanitarian partners to provide a range of emergency response services: non-food item kits, shelter, livelihoods assistance, primary health care and psychosocial assistance to help displaced persons regain dignity in their lives.

For further information please contact IOM Iraq: Sandra Black, Tel. +964 751 234 2550, Email: sblack@iom.int or Renato Libanora, Tel. +964 750 021 1725, Email: rlibanora@iom.int