Research Study on the protection of Internally Displacement Persons (IDPs) in areas under the influence of AGDAs in Iraq, Syria and Yemen

I. INTRODUCTION
In situations of armed conflict, Geneva Call, as a neutral, impartial, and independent international humanitarian organization, endeavours to strengthen the respect of humanitarian norms and principles by armed groups and de facto authorities (AGDAs), in order to improve the protection of civilians.
According to the 2024 Global Report on Internal Displacement, in 2023, the number of internally displaced people has reached 15.3 million, the highest number since records began in 2009. Displacement during armed conflicts have been significantly influenced by the involvement of various armed groups especially in cases where humanitarian norms are not respected by these groups. The situation in the region remains complex due to ongoing conflicts in Syria, Yemen, and Iraq: On one hand, the ongoing violence continues to trigger displacements. On the other hand, the return process of displaced populations to their areas of origin remains complicated, including when these are areas under the influence of AGDAs. Therefore, better respect for humanitarian norms can mitigate the causes of displacement and facilitate return processes. . Since 2018, Geneva Call expanded its humanitarian engagement by including displacement as a new thematic priority. In particular, Geneva Call worked in engaging with AGDAs on increasing their knowledge of the applicable legal obligations with regard to the prohibition of forced displacement and the protection of displaced persons, in particular in territories under the influence of AGDAs in Iraq, Syria and Yemen.

II. BACKGROUND
Geneva Call in Iraq has been active since 2024 through its offices in Baghdad and Erbil and liaison offices in Kirkuk and Dohuk. In Iraq, despite the end of the conflict with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), the humanitarian situation in Iraq continues to be characterized by general instability, prolonged internal displacement, a lack of public services, and inadequate shelter and housing. Humanitarian and protection requirements remain significant throughout the nation, despite the discontinuation of the humanitarian cluster system and the transition away from a post-conflict context towards durable solutions, stabilization, and sustainable development. As of August 2023, more than 1.14 million people are still displaced mainly across Dohuk, Ninewa, Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Kirkuk, Salah al-Din, Diyala, and Anbar, with 166,330 people living in camps. Numerous humanitarian challenges persist as a consequence of prolonged violent conflicts, extensive displacement of populations, and structural obstacles such as government and economic dysfunction, as well as unresolved tensions and grievances.

Meanwhile in Syria, Geneva Call has been engaged with the different actors in northern Syria since 2014 through its offices in Amuda, in the North-east (NES) and Afrin, in North-west (NWS) Geneva Call has been promoting the protection of civilians by directly engaging, training and advocating with a wide range of AGDAs in Syria to promote awareness of, and compliance with, humanitarian norms. Given the unique operating challenges in opposition-held areas of Syria, Geneva Call is the only organisation that has sustained access and engagement with many of these armed groups. In the second half of 2023, conflict intensified in both NES and NWS leading to significant displacement. NES currently hosts an estimated 600,000 IDPs while NWS hosts 2.9 million IDPs. In both contexts, IDPs (or Syrian refugees) seeking to return to their original homes face a wide range of issues including continued instability and risk of renewed conflict, lack of essential services, movement restrictions, no access to civil identity documents; obstructions to retaking possession of housing, land and other properties.

In the context of Yemen, Geneva Call has been active there since 2008 and has been working mainly in the southern governates with AGDAs to promote general protection of civilians with a focus on the protection of children, the prohibition of landmines and the prevention of sexual violence as well as humanitarian access. The protracted conflict which drew multiple local, regional and international actors had devastating consequences for Yemen including thousands of casualties, four million displaced, critical infrastructure destroyed, a decimated economy and widespread social unrest. The 2024 Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) highlights a disturbing statistic: 4.5 million people remain displaced, many of whom have experienced multiple displacements over several years. Access to legal documentation for IDPs in Yemen is a significant challenge, impacting their ability to exercise fundamental rights and access services. Challenges vary from, but not limited to, fragmented authorities, insecurity and restricted movement and administrative barriers.

Based on the elements above, Geneva Call is conducting a research paper with primary objective to assess the challenges faces IDPs in terms of freedom of movement, housing, land and properties rights and access to legal documentation especially areas under control of within the designated intervention. In light of above, the research will examine AGDAs existing policies, measures and actions undertaken to ensure addressing these issues. The findings will serve as a foundational reference point against which future programmatic actions, changes and progress can be measured in this thematic area. This comprehensive paper will empower project stakeholders to effectively evaluate the impact of interventions or changes and determine the extent to which project goals have been attained.

III. OBJECTIVE

• To assess the current conditions of conflict-related displacement and its effects on civilian populations in targeted intervention areas influenced by AGDAs and their policies and practices;
• To create an understanding for monitoring and recording changes and enhancements in displacements trends and conditions over time, allowing Geneva Call to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of the intervention.

IV. SCOPE
This study is to be conducted in three geographical locations in each country: Sinjar, Iraq; Hasakah Syria & Ma’rib in Yemen, making the sampling of:

• All types of persons, including women, children, youth, and elderly as well as persons with disabilities.
• Family members and caregivers of persons with disabilities.
• Marginalized people in the community, where they are considered the most vulnerable in the community.
• Displaced people, whether displaced for once or multiple times.
• Tribal Leaders, community and religious leaders, local civil society organizations – and women’s organizations.
• Different AGDAs in the study areas.
• Protection clusters and working groups, local NGOs and INGOs
• Local authorities in the targeted areas

V. METHODOLOGY
If possible, the research should adopt a comprehensive and participatory approach, taking into account the opinions of various targeted actors and comparing their views and perceptions regarding displacement issues in the target areas. The preference is for the study to embrace a mixed-method approach, and the consultant is expected to apply a conflict sensitivity and do no harm lens throughout the data collection process to mitigate potential negative impacts on conflict dynamics. The proposed data collection methods include, but are not limited to:

• Desk Review of Existing Literature and Relevant Secondary Data: conduct a thorough review of pertinent literature and secondary data sources to gather existing knowledge, insights, and statistics related to displacement risks and challenges in the target areas.
• Contextual Analysis: undertake a contextual analysis to attain a deeper understanding of conflict dynamics, historical context, and the stakeholders involved.
• Key Informant Interviews: engage with project target groups and stakeholders, including AGDAs, civilian populations, CSOs and community leaders, as well as individuals with in-depth knowledge and awareness of the displacement situation and conflict dynamics.
• Survey of Civilian Population (when possible and appropriate): conduct surveys among the civilian populations in the target areas to gather insights into their experiences and perceptions of conflict-induced displacement and its effects on them.

Geneva Call welcomes additional recommendations regarding data collection methods from interested applicants. The comprehensive methodology, including the selection of sampling techniques, data collection protocols, and the identification of target groups, will be developed by the consultant as part of their role.

VI. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS
The consultant/firm will be in contact with Geneva Call partners and beneficiaries and will be required to sign and apply/adhere to the following Geneva Call policies:

• Code of conduct.
• Child protection policy.
• Anti-corruption policy.
• Policy on Harassment and Sexual Violence; and
• Confidentiality agreement.

In addition, the consultant is required to strictly apply the following ethical principles:

• Conflict Sensitivity;
• Do no harm principle; and
• Gender sensitivity.

VII. TIMELINE

• Call for proposals: 06.08.2024
• Screening and shortlisting of applicants: 02.09.2024
• Interviews with shortlisted applicants: 12-13.09.2024
• Inception Report submission: 30.09.2024
• Data collection: 01.10.2024
• Final report submission: 21.10.2024

VIII. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The lead Consultant is responsible in managing his/her team and they are expected to closely communicate any changes with Geneva Call team.

IX. DELIVERABLES
The research is expected to start no later than 30.09.2024. The deadline for the submission of the final report is 21.10.2024.
Expected deliverables include:

1. Inception report, at minimum, explaining the detailed methodology, instruments to be used for data collection and analysis, identifying risks and mitigation plan, work plan, etc. This document will be used as an initial point of agreement and understanding between the Consultant and Geneva Call.
2. Final research report should encompass the following elements:
   • Executive Summary
   • Table of Content
   • Introduction
   • Limitations
   • Methodology
   • Key findings
   • Recommendations
   • Conclusion
   The final report should not exceed 30 pages, excluding annexes.

X. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
The following qualifications are required for this consultancy, with a specific focus on addressing displacement in armed conflict:

• Demonstrated experience and competence in research and evaluation in the field of protection of Human Rights, IHL/IHRL, or humanitarian affairs, with a particular emphasis on forced displacement issues in conflict settings.
• Strong conceptual and analytical skills, especially in the context of assessing and mitigating forced displacement and associated protection risks during armed conflicts.
• Knowledge and practical know-how of international humanitarian norms, including those related to assistance and protection of vulnerable populations in conflict zones.
• Research/assessments/evaluation experience in Iraq, Syria and Yemen, with a specific focus on the impact of armed conflict on displacement, protection of vulnerable populations and access in conflict zones.
• Research experience with vulnerable populations, including children and marginalized groups, will be preferred, as this is crucial for assessing the protection needs of the most at-risk individuals and communities.
• Previous work on Protection, Rule of Law, Child Protection (CP), and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) programming in conflict-affected areas will be preferred, as these areas of expertise are closely related to addressing displacement in such contexts.