Refugees from Al-Hol camp, Iraq, transition from camp life to managing a thriving marketplace
In the heart of Al-Baghdadi, Anbar, a small store named "Salaam" shines as a beacon of hope for its owners, Salima and her sister Saliha. The journey that led them to this point is one marked by displacement, hardship, and resilience.
Originally from Iraq, Salima and Saliha were forced to flee their homes in 2014 due to the brutal occupation of ISIL. Their lives took a turn when they ended up at the Al-Hol camp in Northeast Syria, a site that became a major displacement camp for families affiliated with ISIS.
Established during the Gulf War to provide temporary shelter to Syrians affected by conflict, Al-Hol soon became a home for tens of thousands of displaced persons, primarily women and children, most of whom were either survivors, victims, or coerced participants of ISIS. The camp has faced severe criticism for its poor living conditions and pervasive violence.
Salima and Saliha spent years at the camp, enduring sleepless nights, midnight raids, and extreme weather conditions. However, they found a glimmer of hope through the EU-funded Reintegration through Integrated Support and Empowerment (RISE) program. This program provided them with business management training, enhancing their skills in marketing, understanding customer needs, and analyzing community demands.
After the training, they received a cash grant to purchase essential equipment for their store. With their son and brother assisting in the daily operation, they opened "Salaam" in August 2023.
While Iraq has endured decades of conflict, instability, and destruction, the aftermath of ISIL's brutal occupation continues to pose significant challenges. As of August 31, 2023, 1.1 million people remain displaced across Iraq.
The repatriation and reintegration of displaced persons, like Salima and Saliha, are underway but remain fraught with complexities. Iraq has been proactive in repatriating its citizens, having returned over 15,000 displaced persons from Al-Hol and other camps since 2021. These repatriation efforts involve psychological and social reintegration support at rehabilitation centers such as the Jadaa camp near Mosul.
However, local opposition in Iraq, especially in Nineveh Province, remains a significant hurdle. The fear of security threats due to the return of ISIS-affiliated families looms large, making the process of reintegration a delicate balancing act.
Despite the challenges, Salima, at 42, manages most of the work, ensuring the store stays open and hope stays alive. Her sister, Saliha, now 58, faces health issues that make movement difficult. But their resilience shines through, as they continue to rebuild their lives one day at a time.
Salima and Saliha, despite their past struggles in the health-and-wellness sector post their displacement, have managed to excel in the science of entrepreneurship. Their store, "Salaam," specialized in health-and-wellness products, catering specifically to women's health needs, stands as a testament to their strength and resilience in Al-Baghdadi, Anbar.
