Brussels (ILO) - “As new crises engulf parts of the world, the plight of the Syrian people continues. Both inside their own country and in the neighbouring countries that continue to generously host millions of refugees. This Brussels conference brings Syria and the region back in focus, and we join other speakers in thanking the European Union for their continued commitment to supporting the Syrian people.

The recent surge in food and fuel costs pose important and immediate new challenges to the region. Livelihoods and jobs for refugees and host communities alike are even further under stress.

The burden for neighbouring countries continues to be significant, especially for Lebanon and Jordan. With the challenges flowing from the war in Ukraine and severe strains on public budgets, support to enhance the resilience of the Syrian people must be strengthened to prevent the further deterioration of their living conditions.

As part of the UN, the ILO and its partners have been implementing programmes that promote gainful employment, that build employable skills and that make SMEs more resilient.

Host communities and refugees need our solidarity - and our action - to support a human-centred recovery and a future with decent jobs for the people of Syria and its neighbours.”