Representatives from the governments and worker and employer organizations of Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq have agreed on a shared Framework for Regional Dialogue to guide inclusive labour market recovery in Syria and its neighbouring countries. This agreement was finalized at the close of a Regional Tripartite Forum convened by the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Damascus, under the patronage of Syria’s Ministry of Social Affairs and Labour.
The forum brought together high-level officials from the Syrian government, the ILO, the broader UN system, and representatives from across the region. Discussions focused on the major changes facing labour markets following Syria’s political transition in December 2024, including the return of over one million refugees and 1.8 million internally displaced people. These shifts are significantly affecting employment patterns, migration flows, and social protection systems across the region.
The Framework for Regional Dialogue outlines a commitment to regional cooperation in promoting decent work, social protection, and fair labour mobility as key elements of Syria’s recovery and long-term regional stability. The document emphasizes that the reconstruction of Syria and reintegration of returnees are central to peacebuilding. It calls for collective efforts to create productive employment for returnees, refugees, and host communities; improve skill development and mutual recognition of qualifications; expand access to rights-based social protection; and strengthen regional policy coherence through regular tripartite social dialogue.
Participants also agreed to explore the creation of a regional strategy and coordination mechanism, facilitated by the ILO, to sustain dialogue, monitor progress, and encourage knowledge sharing. They proposed holding future Regional Tripartite Forums in other host countries to keep the process active and responsive to evolving labour market needs.
Discussions were grounded in data showing that Syria’s economy remains severely affected—84 percent below pre-2010 levels—with most Syrians living below the poverty line and a high rate of informal employment. However, the easing of sanctions and renewed regional engagement have begun to open pathways for investment and reconstruction. Labour demand is growing in key sectors such as construction, agriculture, and services, even as neighbouring countries anticipate skill shortages due to the outflow of returning refugees.
Opening remarks were delivered by ILO Regional Director Ruba Jaradat, Syrian Deputy Minister of Social Affairs and Labour Raghda Zaidan, and UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Marianne Ward. Jaradat emphasized the pivotal nature of this moment for Syria and its neighbours, noting the need to link the return of refugees with reconstruction and the creation of decent jobs. Zaidan highlighted the importance of regional dialogue and coordination given the shared impact of Syria’s developments. Ward praised the Forum as an unprecedented example of regional cooperation, describing it as a model for policy collaboration on labour and migration issues.
In conclusion, participants agreed that managing refugee returns and their labour market impact requires strong regional coordination. They reaffirmed that employment and decent work are not only vital for economic recovery but are also essential foundations for lasting peace and stability. These goals align closely with the principles outlined in ILO Recommendation No. 205 on Employment and Decent Work for Peace and Resilience.
The ILO’s existing Programme of Support for Syria is already addressing several of these challenges. It includes initiatives such as the country’s first post-conflict labour force survey, employment-intensive projects that have created thousands of temporary jobs, and efforts to modernize Syria’s social protection systems, labour inspection, and occupational safety frameworks.
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