For people returning to their communities after years of displacement and adversity, reintegration is about more than finding a home. It can also mean rebuilding relationships, restoring a sense of belonging and addressing the psychological and social challenges that may accompany return.

In Iraq, mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) is increasingly recognized as an important part of this process and as a key component of building resilient communities and strengthening social cohesion.

Through its Social Cohesion Programme, UNDP Iraq is working with government institutions and local partners to strengthen MHPSS capacities across Ninewa, Kirkuk, Anbar, Salah al-Din and Diyala.

Building capacity from within

Between 26 July and 20 August 2026, UNDP supported a 10-day Training of Trainers (ToT) bringing together MHPSS practitioners from the Ministry of Health (MoH) and social workers from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MoLSA) across the five governorates.

Representatives from partner organizations, including the International Institute for Democracy and Human Rights (IID), Human Relief Foundation (HRF) and World Vision International (WVI), alongside central-level representatives from MoH and MoLSA, also participated.

Delivered in two five-day waves, the training combined technical knowledge with practical skills that participants could take back to their governorates and share with colleagues working closer to communities.

The objective was not simply to train individuals, but to build a sustainable system of knowledge and support within government institutions.