mesalla profile 2015 version

Al-Mesalla for Human Resources Development

منظمة المسلـــة لتنميـــــة الموارد البشريــــة

ريَكخراوي مةسةللة بَو ثةرةثيَداني توانا مرَوييةكان

[ORGANIZATION PROFILE]

2015

"Al Mesalla is an Arabic word refer to the Code of Hammurabi (Codex Hammurabi) is a well-preserved ancient law code, created ca. 1790 BC (middle chronology) in ancient Babylon. It was enacted by the sixth Babylonian king, Hammurabi. One nearly complete example of the Code survives today, inscribed on a seven foot, four inch tall basalt stele in the Acadian language in the cuneiform script." (Wikipedia)

@ Al Mesalla for Human Resources Development, May 2015

Al-Mesalla for Human Resources Development

Vision

We are working towards developing a society which enjoy the principles of human

rights, civil society, democracy, equality, good and inclusive governance, and

embraces a non-violent culture.

Mission

Al-Mesalla is a non-governmental, non-religious and non-profit Iraqi organization. Its

headquartersare located in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan region. It aims to:

disseminate and reinforce a culture of human rights; participate in strengthening

principles of democracy, peace building, conflict resolution and non-violent culture;

reinforce the spirit of voluntary work in the Iraqi community.

Strategies

Al-Mesalla uses many strategies to achieve its objectives including:

Raising awareness of the community by organizing workshops, seminars, training programs to empower and develop capacities of individuals and groups;

Conducting human rights awareness campaigns;

Conducting field studies and researches to better inform development policies;

Monitoring human rights issues and reporting on human rights violations.

Empowering and assistingdisplaced persons, refugees and other vulnerable persons to ensure better integration within and participation to the community;

Values

Al-Mesalla works according to the following set of values:

The International Legislation of Human Rights

The participation of community individuals and groups to trigger change using civic and peaceful means

The equality of people without any kind of discrimination on the basis of race, gender, religion, social level, etc.

The use of democratic means to take internal management decisions

Independency in administrative and financial affairs of the organization General objectives

Developing human resources and contributing to the consolidation of democratic development

Spreading a culture of peace-building, conflict resolution and ethics of non-violence

Empowering women and assisting victims of violence, reintegrating themwithin the society

Raising awareness on Human Rights, Civic Rights and public freedoms

Promoting a spirit of volunteerism in the society

Assisting vulnerable persons from the community including poor and deprived people, displaced persons and refugees

A short history of Al-Mesalla

The organization was founded in the aftermath of the fall of the Regime of Saddam

Hussein in 2004. A group of human rights activists representing diverse communities

living in Baghdad set up the organization on the following principles: the non-

governmental organization should be non-political and non-religious.

Al-Mesalla for Human Resources Development was officially registered in Baghdad in

2005. Its mission was set to develop a culture of Human Rights in Iraq, spread

principles of non-violence and promote peace-building.

With the deteriorating security situation in Baghdad, the headquarters of the

organization were moved to Erbil in 2006. It was then officially registered with the

Kurdistan Regional Government and started developing its activities in the North of

Iraq.

Following to an influx of populations coming from the neighboring country of Syria in

2012, Al-Mesalla developed its humanitarian activities across the Kurdistan Region of

Iraq in order to provide a swift response to the basic needs of the refugees. Along

2013 and 2014, the humanitarian program was scaled up in order to provide much

needed services to the massive waves of displaced populations coming from the

governorates of Anbar and Ninewa seeking safety in the Kurdish Region.

Programs of Al-Mesalla

Al-Mesalla currently runs 4 distinct programs:

The Non-Violence and Peace-Building Program

The Women and Gender Program

The Human Rights Program

The Humanitarian Aid Program

Non-Violence and Peace Building Program

Introduction of the program

Following to 2003, violence spread across Iraq at the hand of diverse actors: armed

groups and political parties fueled a cycle of conflict which impacted all communities

and instigated tensions among the diverse components of the society.

In 2015, violence in Iraq is present at diverse levels and has social, economic, cultural

and political roots.

The Iraqi Civil Society community has often played a negative role in taking part to

conflict as it didn't understand its role in applying the concept of neutrality and

mitigating tensions.

Al-Mesalla is promoting an alternative to violence by promoting non-violence and

peaceful co-existence. It looks at enhancing the protection of the diverse

communities by calling against sectarianism, against war and building the capacity of

diverse actors in conflict resolution, peace-building and non-violence.

Objectives of the program

Raising awareness of Iraqi citizens on Non-Violence principles

Addressing the causes of violence within the Iraqi Community

Encouraging networking among national Non-Violence activists

Supporting the individuals and groups affected by violence and conflict and

facilitating their reintegration within the society

Program Activities

In 2005, Al-Mesalla launched a series of training workshops of non-governmental

organizations from diverse parts of Iraq on peace-building and non-violence. In 2007,

the program led to the creation of the "La Onf" Network (Iraqi Non-Violence

Network) gathering NGOs, trade unions and other Iraqi figures and activists. The "La

Onf" network has been dedicated to raising awareness and conducting advocacy on

preventing violence and studying alternatives to violence in order to put an end to

conflicts in Iraq.

From 2007 to 2013, the network, headed by Al-Mesalla, organized on a yearly basis

the week of non-violence starting on September 21st with the celebration of the

International Day of Peace and ending on October 2nd with the Non-Violence Day.

Across Iraq, diverse events were held to promote non-violence and peace-building.

Three years in a row, from 2011 to 2013, Al-Mesalla organized in this period of time

the Marathon of Erbil promoting peace values.

In parallel to the non-violence network, 8 Peace Libraries were set up with partners

in the governorates of Erbil, Sulaymania, Ninewa, Salahedin, Baghdad, Wassit, Basra,

Babil and Kerbala. Monthly meetings were organized locally to engage dialogue on

diverse issues among the community and develop skills of community members in

conflict resolution and peace-building. Diverse resources on peace and conflict were

made available to the community including a series of material including books and

films that were translated to Arabic to raise understanding on international

experiences. A cartoon on the life of Ghandi was developed while Ashti ("Peace")

magazine sharing news and thoughts related to the promotion of peace was

distributed through the channel of the peace libraries.

Since 2012, Al-Mesalla raised concerns about the growing number of killings on the

basis of identity, with violence targeting members of minority groups in particular. It

launched a study and published a report on issues faced by minority groups in

Northern Iraq. It furthered engaged in enhancing protection of minority groups in

Northern Iraq by launching initiatives looking at enhancing the legal framework

providing protection to minority groups in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq as well as

raising awareness and promoting dialogue among young people from diverse

ethnicand religious groups. Al-Mesalla is currently engaged in lobbying the Kurdish

Parliament to ensure that the Draft Constitution and the Law "Protecting Diversity in

the Kurdistan Region" matches with international standards and provides adequate

provisions and mechanisms to safeguard the rights of minority groups.

Since 2013, following an acute political crisis that emerged due to an increased

marginalization of the Sunni community, violence and conflict resurfaced in the

governorates of Anbar and Ninewa that led to massive waves of displacement of

populations and impacted minority groups in particular. Al-Mesalla is currently

providing legal support to displaced minorities which have sought refuge in Kurdistan

and works at rehabilitating the damaged social fabric by engaging young people from

diverse communities in promoting dialogue and reconciliation.

Projects

Name of project Description Duration Funder

Supporting the role of Laonf Group

Disseminating culture of non-violence among activists and organizations throughout all Iraqi provinces by education, raising awareness, and training www.laonf.net

2 years 2009 - 2011

NOVA

Capacity building for Laonf

Capacity-building training for the NGOs and individuals of Laonf Group

1 year 2010 - 2011

Toscana Region, Italy

Non-Violence Education

Publications and training on non-violence means and experiences of non-violence

2 years 2009 - 2011

CCFD

Consolidation of Nonviolent Actors in Iraq

- Training of youth groups in Baghdad -Study on dialogue and needs assessment through Multi-Stakeholder Strategic Planning Sessions with key actors - Coordination of actors with conference in Basra - Advocacy campaigns

2 years 2011-2012

NOVA

Sport for peace

Organizing the Peace Marathon in Erbil

2011-2013 UNAMI – IKNN

Ashti magazine – Al Salam

Publish 5 issues of the magazine spreading the culture of peace in Mosul and Erbil

6 months 2012

IRD

http://www.laonf.net/

We are all citizens (Kulluna Muwatunun)

- Training of young change agents on dialogue and advocacy – Ambassadors and citizen platforms - Awareness and advocacy campaigns to promote minority rights, tolerance and freedom of belief - Conducting advocacy to watch over and improve the legal framework providing protection to minorities in KRG

4 years 2012 – 2016

PAX

Youth across ethnicities: a new social alliance to empower youth of minorities in North Iraq and KRG

Enabling cooperation among civil

society, local authorities and institutions

in areas of North Iraq and KRG to offer

social and educational services to

children and youth of minorities

3 years 2014 – 2016

ARCI -UPP

Path to Justice Providing legal services for IDPs and enhance the protection of IDPs through law and legal issues

1 year 2014 - 2015

Heartland Alliance

Preserving the Future: Strengthening Iraqi Religious and Ethnic Minority Communities in Iraq

Legal defense for ethnic/religious minorities charged with crimes such as forced prostitution or other forms of trafficking for which coercion is a defense Legal assistance (mediation, court representation, legal counseling) for gender-based violence victims

1 year and a half 2015 - 2016

Heartland Alliance

Women & Gender Program


In recent years, reports from NGOs and the Government highlighted an increase of

cases of violence against women in Iraq, especially in the Kurdistan Region.

Violations against women are committed by the family as well as the society and the

authorities. Cultural understanding of women's rights is lacking and has led to

violence, harassment and murder of women.


Educating women and the society about women'srights

Empowering women and providing social, economic and legal services for women especially those who have faced violence

Facilitating the re-integration of victims of violence in the society

Encouraging networking and coordination among organizations working for women

Program Activities

The infamous murder of Duaa Khalil, an Iraqi Kurd young woman who was stoned to

death in an honor killing in 2007, marked the launch of the Women and Gender

Program of Al-Mesalla.

Al-Mesalla launched vocational trainings to empower women victims of violence in

diverse villages of Erbil in 2007 and developed legal and social services in 2008 for

women living in shelters and prisons.

Two women spaces were opened in Shaqlawa and Khabat in 2010 where psycho-

social support, health and legal advice was provided, vocational trainings and other

awareness opportunities were organized for vulnerable women.

Al-Mesalla focused on building the capacity of local authorities in charge of women

issues including the Directorate of violence against women, Ministry of Labor and

Social Affairs, the governmental shelters and other NGOs addressing women issues

through trainings programs organized in 2010 and 2013.

Following to the influx of Syrian refugees in 2012 and displaced communities in 2013

and 2014, Al-Mesalla opened 12 additional women spaces in diverse locations,

within camps and outside camps. Social, awareness and recreational activities along

vocational trainings are offered to women in the following locations: Baserma,

Darashakran, Kawergosk, Baharka, Kuchtapa, Shaqlawa, Khabat, Kasnazan, Ozan,

Zeitoun, Ashti and Bahraman.

Al-Mesalla has also been addressing the trafficking that women are subjected to by offering legal services in the governorates of Dohuk and Erbil

Projects


Enhancing local protection of women and girls at-risk of gender based violence in KRG

Ensuring enhanced local mechanisms for prevention and response to gender-based violence

2 years 2010 - 2012

IRC

Gender-based violence prevention, mediation and legal services in Iraq

Provision of direct legal, medical and social services to qualifying female detainees and women seeking assistance in family law matters

1 year 2009 - 2010

Heartland Alliance

Literacy and Life Skills Program

Community center for 200 women in Sofaya village, Khabat district, Erbil

8 months 2011– 2012

UNESCO

Quick Impact Program Targeting IDPs and Refugee Communities in KRG

Literacy courses for 150 women from Mosul living in Khabat and Kalak districts

3 months 2012

UNESCO

Awareness raising campaign on combatting violence against women

Campaign of 16 days of media and cultural activities about the law of domestic violence

2 months 2012

UNWOMEN

Training for service providers and directorates related to violence against women in KRG

Training 40 of representatives of NGOs that provide service to the survivors from violence and 40 of service providers in the directorate of violence against women in Erbil and Sulaymaniya

3 months 2012

UNFPA

Capacity-building for service providers in shelter and women reformatories and improve the referral system in Erbil

Capacity-building for service providers in the Shelters and women reformatories and to improve the system of referral in Erbil

1 year and 3 months 2012-2013

IRC

GBV protection of Syrian refugees and IDPs women in camps and non-camp

Managing 6 women spaces in camps and non-camp for Syrian refugees and 2 women spaces for IDPs, refugees and host community outside camps, providing psychosocial support, case management, referral and recreational activities, awareness raising about GBV and health.

Since 2013 until now

UNFPA

Legal support for IDPs women and girls on GBV cases.

Providing legal support and legal counseling for women and girls in Baharka camp for Iraqi IDPs, concerning GBV cases.

Since 2014 until now

UNDP

Women health center for refugees and IDPs women

Providing health services for IDPs and refugees women in Erbil city, Shaqlawa and Kasnazan

1 year 2015 - 2016

UPP

Human Rights Program


As dialogue on Human Rights was forbidden for a very long period of time under the

Rule of the Former Regime, the culture of Human Rights remain new in Iraq. Serious

violations against Human Rights continue to occur every day in Iraq at the hand of

communities and authorities likewise. Legislations in Iraq remain poorly compliant

with international Human Rights frameworks while the ignorance of Human Rights

principles prevent the development of a healthy democracy.

Al-Mesalla is dedicated to building the capacity of diverse actors in understanding

and promoting Human Rights and is closely monitoring issues ranging from social,

political, economic and environmental rights.


Spreading a Human Rights Culture among the Civil Society and Local Authorities

Contribute to the promotion of Human Rights through engaging in monitoring and reporting on violations, with a special focus on economic and social rights

Conducting advocacy campaigns to advance Human Rights in Iraq

Program Activities

In 2006, severe violations of rights of prisoners were committed in Iraq as numerous

persons were imprisoned without fair reasons and trials at the time of the civil

sectarian war. Al-Mesalla led the creation of the Justice Network for Prisoners (JNP)

which was the outcome of a series of trainings provided to NGOs working with

prisoners. Al-Mesalla supervised the work of 3 legal defense units operating in

Bashiqa, Hawija and Khaniqin in 2009.

Al-Mesalla conducted general Human Rights training for NGOs and activists in

several governorates of Iraq during the period of 2006 to 2008 and looked at

developing political rights and participation of young people in elections in 2008 in

Kurdistan.

Al-Mesalla focused on monitoring diverse kinds of rights through issuing series of

reports looking at workers' rights, consumers' rights, women's' rights, disabled

persons' rights, minorities' rights. It concentrated efforts on economic rights linked

to the activity of the extractive industry (oil and gas). As a member of the

transparency coalition, Al-Mesalla issued researches on matters of transparency,

environmental impact of companies, law of oil and gas in Iraq and built the capacity

of journalists to better report on economic rights. Advocacy was conducted to

approve the project law linked to the generation fund. Since 2012, Al-Mesalla has

organized a conference on natural resources on a yearly basis bringing together

NGOs, Government, companies and citizens to discuss better management of natural

resources.

Al-Mesalla worked extensively on the Law of NGOs in KRG as it led capacity building

of local NGOs and enabled the project Law to be approved by the Parliament in

2003. It participated in forming a compact between local authorities and NGOs

which has been officially recognized by the Parliament in 2014.

In 2013 and 2014, Al-Mesalla conducted capacity building of NGOs on the topic of

freedom of expression and is currently advocating for a law to protect freedom of

expression in Iraq.

Recently, Al-Mesalla has engaged in the protection of children's' rights through

setting up a child friendly space in Baserma Camp providing education and

awareness to Syrian children.

Projects


Legal Advocacy Center in Haweeja, Bashiqa and Khanaqin

Providing free legal consultancy for the detainees in Haweeja, Bashiqa and Khanaqin

1 year and a half 2009 – 2010

UPP

Empowering Iraqi Civil Society organizations

Build the capacity of Human Rights NGOs and activists to better protect, promote, and advocate for human rights and rule of law in Iraq


UNOPS

National Reconciliation through constitutional review and National Dialogue

to make oil and gas a tool for gathering Iraqis together, to make peace and live in coexistence

6 months 2010

UNOPS

Monitoring minority and labor rights

Monitoring minorities and labor rights in 6 Iraqi provinces

1 year and a half 2011 - 2012

NPA

Monitoring of disability and consumer rights

Monitoring disability rights in 6 Iraqi provinces in cooperation with DCO


NPA

Advocacy campaign to apply the law of retirement and social insurance in Kurdistan region

Campaign to apply amend the law of retirement and social insurance in 3 province in Kurdistan region in cooperation with DCO

6 months 2012

NPA

Campaign in order to pass the law of oil and gas in Iraq

6 months 2012

NPA

Capacity-building for journalists in the field of natural resources

3 months 2012

NPA

Civil society consultations - compact between authorities and Civil society in KRG

8 months 2012 - 2013

UNOPS

HumanitarianAid Program


Following to 2006 and the burst of sectarian tensions, waves of displacement

occurred across Iraq and many families sought safety in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

In 2012, the Kurdistan Region witnessed a large influx of Syrian Refugees seeking

refuge and economic opportunities and several camps were opened across the

governorates of Dohuk, Erbil and Sulaymania.

In the course of 2013 and 2014, additional movements of population were witnessed

as displacement from Iraq occurred following to revolts in Anbar, attacks of

extremist groups and military operations across Ninewa, Salahedin and Diyala. It is

estimated that KRG currently hosts more than 1.2 million displaced persons.

Al-Mesalla looks at providing basic needs and health services to both refugee and

displaced communities to enhance their living conditions and facilitate their access

to work.


Ensuring that basic needs of refugee and displaced communities are met

Facilitating access of refugee and displaced communities to sustainable livelihoods

Ensuring peaceful integration of refugee and displaced communities within the host community

Program Activities

In 2012, Al-Mesalla opened 12 women spaces where social, awareness and

recreational activities are organized benefiting Syrian Refugees and Iraqi displaced

communities. (See the Women and Gender Program). A legal center was opened in

Baharka camp to provide services to women, in particular to those victims of

violence.

In Erbil and Shaqlawa, women from the displaced communities have access to

vocational trainings including hairdressing and sewing where besides learning skills,

they produce dresses which are further distributed within the camps run by the

United Nations. These women spaces continue to run as of today.

Al-Mesalla engaged in distribution of basic needs including clothes, food,

winterization items, kitchen sets, hygienic and school kits to displaced families in

Dohuk and Erbil districts in 2014

It was able to provide income generation opportunities to young displaced persons

through offering small grants to open micro-projects.

Finally, Al-Mesalla launched 3 health centers focusing on reproductive health in

Shaqlawa, Rojan and Kasnazan benefiting the displaced population.

Projects


Income generation for IDP youth in Erbil

Providing 120 young persons with small grants to generate sustainable livelihoods in Shaqlawa and Khabat

2014 - 2015 UNDP

Emergency distribution in Dohuk district

Clothes, food, winterization items, stoves distribution to 500 families in 6 remote areas in Battel District

2014 - 2015 PIN

Emergency distribution in Dohuk and Erbil districts

Food, kitchen, sleeping, hygienic and school kits distribution to 370 families

2014 UPP

Emergency distribution in Sulaymania district

Distribution of 22000 solar lamps to IDPs in Sulaymania and Garmian

2014 UNOPS

Economic empowerment of IDP women in Erbil

Providing vocational trainings (hairdressinf and sezing) to 400 women in Erbil and Shaqlawa

2014 - 2015 UN Women

Distribution of women clothes to camps

Distribution of 5000 dishdashas produced as part of vocational trainings funded by UN Women in IDP and Syrian Refugee camps

2014 - 2015 UNFPA

Strengthening humanitarian response for Syrian refugees and Iraqi IDPs

Running 3 health centers with a focus on reproductive health

2014 - 2015 UPP

Donors and Memberships

Donors

Al-Mesalla has collaborated with the following organizations and agencies:

Un Ponte Per (UPP) Nova Archi CCFD PAX Norwegian People's Aid (NPA) People in Need (PIN) International Relief for

Development (IRD)

International Rescue Committee (IRC)

UNAMI UNESCO UN-Women UNFPA UNDP UNOPS

Memberships

1- World Social Forum 2- Non-Violence Network of Arab countries (Regional Network) 3- Iraqi Non-Violence Group (National network) 4- Non-Government organization Council in Kurdistan Region (local network) 5- NCCI

Prizes

- Peace Prize, Memorial of Joseph Vidal Liecha, 2007, Spain, was given to Al Mesalla for its efforts to disseminate the culture of Non-Violence in Iraq.

- Urbanization prize, Kurdistan Region Government, 2008. - The award of Sergio Vieira de Mello in Switzerland in 2011

Capacity and Structure of the Organization

Registration

Al-Mesalla was founded in 2004, registered in the Federal Government of Iraq, in the

Non-Governmental Organizations Office, according to the certificate number:

IZ45035. It is also registered in the Kurdistan Region in the Non-Governmental

Organization's Office, according to the certificate number of 13ع.

Employees

Al-Mesalla currently employs 137 persons in order to implement its programs.

80% of employees are women.

Structure

Constituent Body

Board of Directors

Advisors Committee

Supporting Management

Group

Board of Auditors

As per the bylaws, Al-Mesalla is made of the following bodies:

The Constituent body

The Board of directors

The Advisors committee

The Supporting management group

The Board of auditors

The Constituent body has the decision making authority for all issues concerning the

organization including promoting programs and plans for the organization, modifying

the statutes, deciding and discussing the organization’s financial/final reports,

appointing the general director and the board of directors, delegating legal

representatives of the organization, convening meetings with the executive body.

The Constituent body meet every year or any time there is an emergency.

The Board of directors is appointed by the Constituent body and the number of its

members can change according to the needs. The Board of directors has the

executive authority of the organization and includes: the General Manager of the

Board, the Responsible for finance, the Responsible for administration, the Project

team (one or more people). The Board of directors meet every 3 months. Decisions

are taken by vote of the absolute majority (half +1) of the members. The Board

implements programs and activities of the organization and is responsible for the

activities within the meetings of the general assembly. It submits monthly reports to

the Constituent body and participates in the meetings it convenes.

The Advisors committee is a group of people qualified in the fields which concern the

organization’s activities. The advisors must have faith in the organization aims and

be ready to cooperate with it on a voluntary basis.

The Supporting Management Group is a group of volunteers who believe in the aims

of the organization and are ready to help in the implementation of the activities

according to their capabilities and the need. In return, the organization will help in

developing and improving their skills and competencies.

Contact the Organization

Website

http://www.www.almesalla.org

http://www.www.almesalla.net

Email

[email protected]

Address

St 100 meter, Zanko district, opposite to 92 Soccer field, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.

Contact Person

PeshkawtAdham

Mobile: 00964 (0) 750 575 4512, 00964 (0) 7701320772

Email: [email protected]

http://www.www.almesalla.org/

http://www.www.almesalla.net/

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

mesalla profile 2015 version

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