The United Nations is to provide almost $1m to support Islamic Relief Iraq in its efforts to help displaced people and returnees in the north.

The $925,000 funding letter of intent between the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, and humanitarian agency Islamic Relief, was signed earlier this month.

It will allow Islamic Relief, which has been working in Iraq for more than a decade, to do more work with internally displaced people (IDPs) in the governate of Ninewa. A disputed territory with mixed ethnic and religious composition, it has seen substantial displacements of people over the years. Ninewa is the origin of the highest number of displaced families in Iraq, after Baghdad and Diyala.

Around 1,700 families have so far returned, but to encourage more local people back to the area and prevent further displacement, humanitarian assistance and substantive infrastructure and shelter rehabilitation is essential.

The funding will enable Islamic Relief to rehabilitate 200 homes in the governate’s capital city, Mosul. The project will target the most vulnerable families – particularly female-headed families – and includes repairing houses and replacing damaged water and sanitation facilities.

Islamic Relief’s work in Iraq spans over ten years. The agency was on the ground throughout the military incursions and is one of the few aid agencies that continued working during and after the 2003 war. Islamic Relief projects include water and sanitation, health, education and orphans support. The charity is also running shelter rehabilitation and water projects in Baghdad.