Umm Qasr builds its own safety net, one funeral and surgery at a time

BASRA — In the southern Iraqi port city of Umm Qasr, a volunteer group has built a community mutual aid network that covers everything from washing and burying the dead to funding surgeries and mediating tribal disputes, operating independently of political parties and funded entirely by member contributions.

The Nakhwa Volunteer Solidarity Team runs a mutual aid fund with around 500 members, each contributing 7,000 dinars ($5) per month. The idea developed over seven months before officially launching one month ago and is recognized by the Basra local government.

Team leader Abu Hassan al-Sakr al-Tamimi told 964media the initiative grew out of a direct observation: at many funerals, only small numbers of mourners attended and families struggled to collect enough donations to cover expenses. Around 50 members now volunteer to wash and bury the dead, attend funeral ceremonies and support grieving families. Funeral gatherings in Iraq typically last three days, with families hosting guests in tents, mosques or public halls, reciting the Quran and providing food during lunch.

A specialized tribal committee intervenes to mediate when disputes or clashes involve team members or their relatives, seeking compromise before referring unresolved cases to a senior tribal sheikh. Tribal mediation operates alongside state institutions across parts of Iraq where tribes play a central role in resolving conflicts.

A separate committee helps cover part of the costs of surgeries for patients with serious illnesses, with hopes of eventually funding some cases in full. Tamimi said the team hopes to grow to 1,000 members and expand support to non-members and positive social occasions across the city.

Treasurer Jabbar al-Bahadli told 964media the group operates through a consultative shura system rather than elections, with an organizational structure that includes tribal, health and funeral committees, three meeting halls and a central council. Legal committee official Muntadhar Kashkoul said his committee helps members navigate government paperwork and legal procedures, and described growing participation from young people in Umm Qasr as a sign of expanding engagement with the team’s services.