The Returns Working Group (RWG) is an operational and multi- stakeholder platform on returns, which was established in line with Strategic Objective 3 of the 2016 Iraq HRP “to support voluntary, safe and dignified return” of IDPs; so as to monitor and report on conditions in return areas, and determine to what extent durable solutions have been achieved- or progress made- for returnees.

The key objective of the group is to establish coherence of information, data and analysis, strengthen coordination and advocacy, give guidance on activities related to key areas, and enhance complementary action among its partners with the overall goal of supporting and reinforcing the national response to Iraq’s coming reintegration challenge.

The Working Group is chaired by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and co-chaired by Danish Refugee Council (DRC). The stakeholders engaged include UN Agencies (working on humanitarian and recovery portfolios), ICRC, INGOs and National NGOs. In addition, the Ministry of Migration and Displacement (MOMD), donors and multilateral institutions attend the RWG meetings.

The RWG reports to the Humanitarian Coordinator (HC) and feed into discussions of the Inter- Cluster Coordination Group (ICCG) and Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) and ad hoc forums like Governorate Return Committees (GRCs) at governorate level. RWG has established a strong partnership with Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) and REACH for more in depth assessment and analysis of areas of return and no-return; and collaborates with Recovery, Resilience and Reconstruction platform led by UN Habitat and Ministry of Planning for advocacy on priority areas. From the government side, the RWG liaises and coordinates directly with Ministry of Migration and Displacement (MOMD) as well as key ministries working on returns.