The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) in collaboration with UNHCR has completed a shelter construction project in Qushtapa Camp, one of the permanent sites in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq that is hosting more than 4,500 Syrian refugees.
The completion of 240 tent slabs and 60 kitchens ended the initial phase of DRC's shelter project on 15th April, 2014.Improving refugees' shelters in Qushtapa Camp was an immediate intervention to reduce the effects of the extremely hot summers in Iraq; and also helping to insulate the shelters from the cold, rain and muddy conditions brought in during the winter period. In the long run, the joint DRC and UNHCR project reinforces the goal of promoting a better quality of life for the Syrian refugees while ensuring a sustainable environment for the surrounding host population.
"Working in close cooperation with the UNHCR, engaging the participation of local authorities, and utilizing local resources, DRC ensured a strong commitment to the principles of inclusion and respect of all stakeholders," says Ben Nixon - DRC's Head of Emergency.
In the next phase of the shelter project planned for 2014, DRC again supported by UNHCR, will construct an additional 500 housing units and 125 kitchen structures, incorporating the lesson learnt from the first phase. DRC anticipates the continuation of the smooth partnership experienced with UNHCR, and looks forward to strengthening the collaboration it has built with the Local Government, humanitarian stakeholders and the broader community.