KIANO logo: two crescents enclosing a hand reaching beneath a human figure KIANO Development & Humanitarian Assistance
KIANO volunteers in branded vests at a tree-planting event at the University of Duhok

Duhok · Kurdistan Region of Iraq

A resilient and inclusive society, where everyone lives with dignity.

KIANO delivers humanitarian assistance, rebuilds essential infrastructure and strengthens the resilience of displaced people, migrants, host communities and rural populations across Iraq and beyond.

Partner with us See our work

Headquarters

Duhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Legal status

Non-governmental, non-profit, non-political

Sectors

Eight humanitarian and development sectors

Who we reach

Displaced people, migrants, refugees, host and rural communities

Who we are

An organization built around the communities it serves

KIANO is a non-governmental, non-profit, non-political organization working in community development, rehabilitation of infrastructure and the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Through its projects, KIANO supports rural populations, displaced persons, migrants and host communities by improving living conditions and strengthening resilience.

Its headquarters are in Duhok, with plans to open in Baghdad and to establish branches and offices elsewhere in the Kurdistan Region, across Iraq and internationally.

Vision

We envision a resilient and inclusive society in Iraq and beyond. All individuals, especially displaced and marginalized groups, should live with dignity, security, and equal opportunity. Our vision promotes sustainable development in harmony with the environment.

Mission

KIANO Organization is committed to improving lives through humanitarian aid, development, and empowerment. We deliver healthcare, education, protection, livelihoods, and environmental support with local and international partners. Guided by humanitarian principles, we strengthen resilience and promote sustainable solutions for vulnerable communities.

Who we support

KIANO supports displaced persons, migrants, refugees, host communities, and rural populations. We prioritize women, children, youth, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. Our programs provide humanitarian aid, development, and advocacy to help them rebuild stronger, healthier, and more resilient futures.

What we do

Eight sectors, one integrated response

KIANO operates across a wide range of humanitarian and development sectors, designed so that emergency relief, long-term development and protection reinforce one another rather than compete.

Infrastructure development

Constructing and rehabilitating roads, schools, sports facilities, health centres and water supply systems.

Humanitarian assistance

Emergency relief, food assistance, shelter and non-food items for the most vulnerable households.

Healthcare

Establishing and supporting primary health centres, mobile medical clinics and access to essential medicines.

Mental health & psychosocial support

Community-based mental health programmes, counselling and safe spaces for children and women affected by conflict or displacement.

Education

Access to formal and non-formal education, school supplies and remedial classes for children who have missed schooling.

Protection

Safeguarding the rights of vulnerable groups, preventing gender-based violence and advocating for child protection and legal aid.

Livelihoods

Employment opportunities, vocational training and small business support to build self-reliance.

Environmental protection

Eco-friendly initiatives, reforestation and awareness campaigns that preserve the natural and cultural heritage of rural communities.

Our strategy

Five interconnected pillars

KIANO's operational philosophy is grounded in the belief that sustainable development and humanitarian assistance must be comprehensive, inclusive and community-driven.

Providing life-saving healthcare services, supporting mental health resilience, and integrating psychosocial support into all programming.

  • Mobile health clinics for remote villages and IDP camps
  • Maternal and child health programmes, including nutrition support and prenatal care
  • Community counselling sessions and group therapy for conflict-affected populations
  • Capacity-building for local health workers to integrate mental health into primary care

Supporting access to quality education regardless of displacement status, gender or income.

  • Teacher training on inclusive and trauma-sensitive pedagogy
  • Scholarships for higher education for vulnerable youth, especially girls

Safeguarding the rights and dignity of all, with a focus on women, children, persons with disabilities and the elderly.

  • Establishing safe spaces for women and children
  • Providing legal aid and referrals for victims of abuse
  • Advocating for policy changes to improve migrant and IDP rights

Strengthening household resilience by creating sustainable income opportunities.

  • Vocational training in trades such as carpentry, tailoring, IT and agriculture
  • Supporting small businesses through micro-grants and mentorship
  • Linking producers to markets and building cooperatives
  • Promoting climate-smart agriculture to boost food security

Integrating environmental protection into all projects.

  • Community clean-up campaigns and waste management initiatives
  • Reforestation and soil conservation projects
  • Promoting renewable energy such as solar lighting in rural areas

Our work

In the field, across Duhok Governorate

A new access road cut through rocky hillside above a valley near Duhok
View from the cab of a bulldozer grading a village track uphill
A water tanker truck parked on a rural road delivering clean water
Infrastructure

Opening a village road and a clean water project

This initiative reflects our commitment to improving essential infrastructure at the community level. By supporting the opening of the village access road and the launch of a clean water project, we aim to enhance safe access, dignity and quality of life for local residents, while laying the foundation for sustainable community development.

A KIANO staff member carrying assessment forms speaks with residents on a camp street lined with shelters
Three women seated together during a household interview in a camp shelter
A KIANO team member speaking with an elderly woman at the entrance to her shelter
Needs assessment

Reaching families where they are

Through field visits to nearby camps, we engaged directly with affected communities to better understand their challenges. By providing assistance and conducting needs assessments, we gathered accurate information and conveyed it to relevant authorities and decision-makers, contributing to informed, responsive humanitarian action.

Two KIANO volunteers in blue vests carrying cleaning supplies towards a mosque courtyard in Duhok
A volunteer sweeping the carpeted prayer hall of a mosque
Brooms and cleaning supplies loaded into a pickup truck outside a mosque gate
Community initiative

A Ramadan initiative in Duhok's mosques

As part of its Ramadan activities, KIANO carried out a community initiative in a number of mosques across Duhok Governorate, which included cleaning works and the distribution of cleaning supplies. This initiative reflects the spirit of humanitarian and social responsibility and reinforces the values of giving and caring for the houses of worship during the holy month.

Group photograph of KIANO staff, volunteers and partners at the tree-planting site on the University of Duhok campus
Two participants steadying a young sapling tied to a support stake
Participants planting a sapling with hoes while officials look on
Environment

Planting for the next generation

KIANO believes that environmental protection is a shared responsibility that begins within communities and academic institutions. The organization implemented a tree-planting initiative at the University of Duhok, in coordination with the American Corner, to raise environmental awareness among students, reduce pollution and expand green spaces on campus.

Through this initiative, KIANO seeks to encourage youth to adopt positive environmental practices and to make the university a model of community responsibility and sustainable development.

Symposium backdrop showing the University of Duhok and KIANO logos for the Third Mission and Social Impact symposium
Roll-up banner for the University of Duhok Third Mission and Social Impact symposium, co-branded with KIANO
Academic partnership

Standing with the University of Duhok

As part of our commitment to strengthening partnerships with academic institutions, KIANO provided support to the University of Duhok for the opening of a scientific conference. This contribution reflects our belief in the importance of knowledge exchange, academic dialogue and capacity building to advance sustainable development and serve the wider community.

Solidarity with the Christian Diocese of Duhok

In the spirit of humanitarian solidarity and social cohesion, our organization carried out a humanitarian activity in cooperation with the Christian Diocese in Duhok Governorate, aimed at supporting the basic needs of the most vulnerable families and contributing to improved living conditions with dignity and responsibility.

Championing minority rights and inclusion

Supporting minority rights and promoting inclusion and social justice remains central to how KIANO designs its programmes: humanitarian action that is equitable by design, and that reaches communities others overlook.

International engagement

Carrying local realities to international forums

Field evidence is only useful if it reaches the people who make decisions. KIANO takes what it documents in Duhok to Geneva and beyond.

Assembly hall of the United Nations in Geneva during a session, with a laptop showing KIANO materials in the foreground
Martin Ennals Award 2025 ceremony, with laureate Ana Paula Gomes de Oliveira holding the award on stage
KIANO delegation seated among participants in a United Nations meeting room in Geneva
Geneva · Human rights

Standing with human rights defenders

Our presence in Geneva at the Martin Ennals Award 2025, honouring human rights defender Ana Paula Gomes de Oliveira, reflects a shared global commitment to safeguarding human rights defenders and strengthening justice and human dignity at the international level.

Advancing human rights through international engagement and accountable action.

Banner of the United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights, Geneva, 24 to 26 November 2025
A KIANO representative delivering an intervention from the floor during a session in Geneva
A KIANO project proposal for rehabilitating the health centre in Gawilan Refugee Camp on a desk in a Geneva conference room
UN Forum · November 2025

Responsible business, grounded in human rights

KIANO took part in the United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights in Geneva, promoting responsibility and respect for human rights in the business sector, and carrying the concerns of displaced and host communities directly into that debate.

KIANO's head presenting from a lectern at the seminar in China, with an introductory slide on screen
Standing before the seminar programme screen holding a certificate and the KIANO logo
Conferring of certificates session at the seminar, with the KIANO logo on the desk in the foreground
Capacity building · China

Advanced training in development, security and technology

In line with our commitment to accountable and effective humanitarian action, KIANO participated in an advanced training programme in China focused on development, security and technology. This experience strengthens our institutional capacity, promotes responsible innovation, and enhances our ability to deliver sustainable, high-impact support to vulnerable communities.

Seminar on Blockchain Digital Technology for Developing Countries · 8–28 September 2025

A meeting in the KIANO office in Duhok, with the organization's logo on the wall and Kurdistan and Iraq flags on the desk
Partnerships

Dialogue that turns into partnership

A professional reception that reflects our commitment to constructive dialogue and building impactful partnerships — with community leaders, local authorities, the private sector and international agencies.

Gallery

Moments from our work

How we work

Principles and accountability

Core principles

  • Full commitment to international human rights standards and the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence.
  • Compliance with the laws of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and international regulations where applicable.
  • Protection of the public interest and prioritization of community welfare.
  • Transparency and accountability in all operations and financial management.
  • Respect for diversity and promotion of gender equality.

Financial accountability

  • All funds are deposited into the organization's official bank account.
  • Annual financial reports are submitted to relevant governmental bodies and to donors.
  • Independent audits may be conducted to ensure transparency.
  • Income comes from membership fees, project-based grants and donor funding, fundraising events, and compliant governmental or private sector contributions.

Governance

Founders' Committee

A minimum of three members responsible for establishing the organization, evaluating and following up its activities.

General Assembly

Composed of all members and serving as the highest decision-making body, electing the leadership by free and secret ballot.

Executive Board

The President, Vice President and department heads, responsible for daily management, budgets, partnership agreements and supervision of staff and volunteers.

Engagements and collaborations

University of DuhokScientific conference support and campus tree-planting initiative
American Corner, DuhokCo-ordination on environmental awareness activities with students
Christian Diocese of DuhokJoint humanitarian activity supporting vulnerable families
UN Forum on Business and Human RightsParticipant, Geneva, 24–26 November 2025
Martin Ennals Award 2025Attendance at the ceremony honouring the laureate in Geneva
Suzhou University of Science and TechnologyAdvanced training seminar sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China

Get involved

Three ways to work with KIANO

Become a member

Members participate in meetings and decision-making, are eligible to vote and hold office, and have access to information and reports about the organization's activities.

  1. Be a resident of the Kurdistan Region or Iraq, at least 18 years old with full legal capacity
  2. Obtain a recommendation from two existing members or the Board of Directors
  3. Submit a membership application and a symbolic, non-refundable fee
  4. Receive approval from the Board of Directors
Request an application

Partner or fund a project

We work with community leaders, local authorities, private sector actors, international agencies and donors. Project proposals are prepared from participatory assessments, so funding attaches to needs that communities themselves identified.

Start a conversation

Volunteer your time

From needs assessments in the camps to clean-up campaigns and tree planting, much of our work is carried by volunteers. Tell us where you are and what you can offer, and we will match you to an activity.

Volunteer with us

Contact

Let's talk about what your community needs

Whether you are a donor, a partner organization, a local authority or someone who wants to volunteer, we would like to hear from you.

  • EmailIman.hasan@kian-aid.org
  • HeadquartersDuhok, Kurdistan Region of Iraq
  • Operational scopeBranches and offices across the Kurdistan Region, throughout Iraq and internationally
Email KIANO
KIANO staff talking with a community worker and residents on a street in a displacement site near Duhok