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Iraq Photo Gallery
USAID Promotes Local Governance Projects
October 2003

Mokhtars from Abu Ghrayek, 1 of 15 subdistricts of the Babel Governate, listen to Dr. Jim Mayfield (not shown) as he describes the basics of democracy and the selection process that will allow for delegates to select 20 members from their communities to a new district council. USAID is working to promote ongoing  local governence projects throughout Iraq.
Mokhtars from Abu Ghrayek, 1 of 15 subdistricts of the Babel Governate, listen to Dr. Jim Mayfield as he describes the basics of democracy and specifically the selection process that will allow for delegates to select 20 members from their communities to a new district council. Part of the one hour presentation encouraged them to consider both women and
Mokhtars from Abu Ghrayek, 1 of 15 subdistricts of the Babel Governate, make notes while listening to Dr. Jim Mayfield (not shown) as he describes the basics of democracy and the selection process that will allow for delegates to select 20 members from their communities to a new district council. USAID is working to promote ongoing  local governence projects throughout Iraq.
Mokhtars from Abu Ghrayek, 1 of 15 subdistricts of the Babel Governate, listen to Dr. Jim Mayfield as he describes the basics of democracy and specifically the selection process that will allow for delegates to select 20 members from their communities to a new district council. Mayfied holds up a voting card from the former regime which allowed no choice on the ballot. USAID is working to promote ongoing  local governence projects throughout Iraq.
Mokhtars from Abu Ghrayek, 1 of 15 subdistricts of the Babel Governate, listen to Dr. Jim Mayfield (not shown) as he describes the basics of democracy and the selection process that will allow for delegates to select 20 members from their communities to a new district council. Donna Kerner, CPA South Central Team leader for USAID/OTI takes notes. USAID is working to promote ongoing  local governence projects throughout Iraq.
An unidentified Mokhtar from Abu Ghrayek, 1 of 15 subdistricts of the Babel Governate, listens to Dr. Jim Mayfield (not shown) of RTI as he describes the basics of democracy and the selection process that will allow for delegates to select 20 members from their communities to a new district council. USAID is working to promote ongoing  local governence projects throughout Iraq.
An unidentified Mokhtar from Abu Ghrayek, 1 of 15 subdistricts of the Babel Governate, listens to Dr. Jim Mayfield (not shown) of RTI as he describes the basics of democracy and the selection process that will allow for delegates to select 20 members from their communities to a new district council. USAID is working to promote ongoing  local governence projects throughout Iraq.

Accomplishments: Transition Initiatives

Objectives include: building and sustaining Iraqi confidence in the transition to a participatory, stable, and democratic Iraq. Working closely with the CPA, USAID's Iraq Transition Initiative (ITI) assists Iraqi NGOs, national government institutions, and local governments to increase Iraqi support for the transition to sovereignty through quick-dispersing, high impact small grants.


  • Awarded 575 small totaling more than $39 million for quick impact grants that support good governance, civil society, conflict management, and mitigation, and human rights and transitional justice.
  • Supporting initiatives crucial to the democratic transition, including civic education, civil society and media development, increased women's participation, conflict mitigation, and transitional justice. Groups targeted for OTI assistance include women's and youth groups, professional associations, and human rights organizations.
  • Met critical needs during the early transition period, by providing short-term employment, restoring basic government and community services, increasing Iraqi access to information and communication, and encouraging protection of human rights.
  • Awarded two grants worth $475,000 to the Ministry of Human Rights for the rehabilitation of buildings to house the National Evidence Storage Facility (NESF). The NESF will serve as a venue to analyze recovered documents and store forensic evidence of mass graves and human rights abuses of the Ba'ath government. The facility is part of a larger effort to help build Iraq's capacity to investigate complex crimes and implement international law enforcement best practices.

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