Strengthening access to civil documentation in Diyala helps communities rebuild their lives
Strengthening access to civil documentation in Diyala helps communities rebuild their lives
Outside of the newly constructed Civil Affairs Directorate office.
Diyala Governorate, northeast of Baghdad, is often known as Iraq’s “orange capital” due to the Diyala River basin and its surrounding groves which supply much of the country’s citrus. Its landscape is shaped by rivers, orchards, date palm groves and the Hamrin Mountains, with villages and small businesses stretching along the roads that connect its towns to Baqubah, the governorate’s capital.
Behind Diyala’s orchards and mountain landscapes lies a more difficult recent history. For years, the governorate was affected by insecurity, armed group activity, displacement and weakened public institutions. These challenges disrupted access to essential services and left many families struggling to obtain or renew documents needed to prove their identity, access assistance, enroll children in school or move freely.
Biometrics of Iraqi citizens are taken in order to issue them their civil documents.
As stability gradually returned, investing in civil institutions became an important part of restoring trust, strengthening the rule of law and helping communities rebuild their lives.
To support the Government of Iraq in strengthening access to civil documentation in Diyala Governorate, in 2025, UNHCR built a new Civil Affairs Directorate facility in Al-Sa’diyah, a town located approximately 180 km from Baghdad.
Iraqis visit the new Civil Affairs Directorate office in Diyala.
The new building now hosts both the Civil Affairs Directorate and the Information Office, enabling Iraqi citizens to obtain their National Unified Identification Document (NUID) in a more accessible and dignified environment. The facility was designed in close coordination with the relevant authorities, reflecting a shared commitment to improving public services and strengthening national systems.
“Previously, we were working within a shared compound, alongside several other institutions, including the police department. Citizens did not feel comfortable entering the premises because of the security procedures in place. Today, they feel more at ease accessing the new facility. They recognize its civilian character and can approach our services without hesitation,” says Brigadier Sattar Qader Ali Al-Meyahy, Head of the Nationality and Civil Information Section of Al-Sa’diyah.
Brigadier Sattar Qader Ali Al-Meyahy, Head of the Nationality and Civil Information Section of Al-Sa’diyah.
From his office, where staff move in and out carrying documents to be reviewed and signed, Brigadier Sattar reflects on the importance of the NUID for citizens. “Citizens understand the importance of the NUID. They know that, without it, accessing national services such as health care and education—or even obtaining additional documents such as a passport—is impossible,” he says.
“Handing over a NUID is like giving back part of a citizen’s identity. They feel Iraqi again,” he adds.
UID cards are handed over to Iraqi citizens.
Since 2019, UNHCR has worked with the Government of Iraq to help internally displaced people, returnees and other vulnerable Iraqis obtain core civil documents. More than 244,000 Iraqis received legal assistance from UNHCR to get their documents between 2019-2024, contributing to the issuance of more than 233,000 documents. In addition, UNHCR renovated 16 government centres responsible for issuing civil documents, such as Civil Affairs Directorate and National Unified ID offices.
With the Government of Iraq increasingly able to meet citizens’ documentation needs, UNHCR’s direct support has gradually phased out, remaining only for complex legal cases. However, the impact of these investments endures. Facilities like the one in Al-Sa’diyah continue to serve communities every day, helping people access their rights and move forward with their lives with confidence and dignity.
