Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq – October 2025

Across the Kurdistan Region, the reality of irregular migration continues to affect thousands of young people and families seeking safety and opportunity abroad. While migration remains a human right, unsafe and irregular routes have cost many lives and dreams. To respond to this challenge, more than 20 civil-society organizations from across Iraqcame together for a four-day workshop titled “Community Engagement to Reduce Irregular Migration from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (CERIM KRI)”, organized by the Women Empowerment Organization (WEO) with the support of the UK Government (FCDO) and the Seefar Foundation.

The Chawy Zanko Organization (CZO) was honored to play an active role in this initiative, sharing its experience in youth empowerment, civic engagement, and awareness campaigns that address the social roots of irregular migration.

Understanding the Human Story Behind Migration

Held at Van Royal Hotel, Erbil from 13 to 16 October 2025, the workshop brought together youth leaders, NGO representatives, and community activists to discuss why people migrate irregularly and how communities can respond.

CZO’s delegation emphasized that migration is not simply a movement—it is a human story driven by hope, dignity, and survival.

“Migration is not only about borders; it’s about belonging and opportunity,” said Bilal Faris Ahmed, President & Executive Director of CZO. “Our duty is to empower young people to see their future here at home, not in uncertainty abroad.”

From Risk to Resilience

Through sessions on the psychological, physical, and legal consequences of irregular migration, participants reflected on the hidden costs of unsafe journeys.
CZO shared lessons from its ongoing work with youth networks and returnees, encouraging NGOs to replace fear with understanding and punishment with support.

Interactive “Hot Chair” and storytelling exercises revealed how trauma and misinformation shape migration decisions—and how trusted community voices can counter them.

Preventing Irregular Migration Through Empowerment

The final day focused on prevention through empowerment: education, youth participation, and sustainable livelihoods.
CZO presented its Student Empowerment Model (SEM) and Youth Campaign Framework, practical tools that universities and local groups can adopt to build awareness and provide opportunities before migration becomes a desperate choice.

“We cannot stop people from dreaming,” Bilal Faris added. “But we can help them dream differently—by giving them the means to build a dignified life here.”

🤝 A Shared Commitment

The CERIM KRI program, supported by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Seefar Foundation, showed what true partnership looks like—when international support meets local leadership.

For CZO, this collaboration reinforces its mission to promote informed choices, youth participation, and social resilience.
As migration continues to shape the region’s future, Chawy Zanko Organization remains committed to building awareness, creating opportunities, and amplifying the voices of young people determined to thrive in their own communities.