RC's Remarks at the National Tripartite Consultation: “Developments in Syria and the Impact on the Turkish Labour Market”

It is a pleasure to join you for this National Tripartite Consultation on “Developments in Syria and the Impact on the Turkish Labour Market.” I commend the ILO, the Government of Türkiye, and representatives of workers’ and employers’ organizations for organizing this timely and important initiative.

As developments in the region continue to evolve, today's consultation is essential to shaping a whole-of-society approach—one that strengthens Türkiye’s labour market, supports Syrians under Temporary Protection, and balances integration with opportunities for voluntary, safe, and dignified return to Syria.

The United Nations remains a committed partner to Türkiye. Through our specialized agencies, we continue to support national development efforts to reach the Sustainable Development Goals, and Türkiye’s implementation of the 12th National Development Plan (2024-2028). Our tool, currently in preparation is the UNSDCF for 2026-2030.

The refugee challenges are multidimensional and involve many aspects: legal, humanitarian, economic and others too. 

Three years after the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015, the UN General Assembly adopted, in December 2018, the Global Compact on Refugees, a framework for more predictable and equitable responsibility-sharing, recognizing that a sustainable solution to refugee situations cannot be achieved without international cooperation.

Its four key objectives:

• Ease the pressures on host countries;
• Enhance refugee self-reliance;
• Expand access to third-country solutions; and
• Support conditions in countries of origin for return in safety and dignity.

Within this guidance framework, Türkiye has demonstrated remarkable leadership over the past decade in hosting displaced Syrians. It continues to do so in the current phase of the crisis. I commend the government for its ongoing efforts, such as the ‘Go and See Programme’, which emphasizes voluntary and informed decision-making in return processes. These actions reflect Türkiye’s continued commitment to responsibility-sharing and human dignity.

At the same time, we recognize the significant contribution Syrians under Temporary Protection have made to Türkiye’s economy. An estimated one million Syrians are engaged in both formal and informal employment in Türkiye, contributing meaningfully to local economies and communities. Their presence has shaped not only labour market dynamics but also the broader socio-economic landscape.

Distinguished Participants, 

In the wake of a year filled with prolonged and newly erupting conflicts, creating conditions for voluntary, safe, and dignified return stood out as a major objective.

So far, more than 480,000 Syrians have returned to their home country from different countries, including over 200,000 from Türkiye. While the number of returnees is expected to grow, it is equally likely that many will choose to remain, having built lives, families, and livelihoods here. This dual reality presents both challenges and opportunities.

It is therefore vital that we—governments, employers, workers, international organizations and international partners—work together to support Syria’s reconstruction through technical and material assistance while ensuring that those remaining in Türkiye have access to formal employment, decent work, and social cohesion.

As part of the UN system, we strongly believe that Türkiye will continue to lead by example—promoting refugee rights while advancing inclusive national development. As a champion of the Global Compact on Migration, Türkiye plays a critical role in demonstrating how integration and protection can go hand in hand.

Today’s meeting is an opportunity to reflect on progress, understand challenges, and identify practical solutions. It also serves as a foundation for the upcoming regional tripartite consultation organized by the ILO to discuss the situation in Syria and the High-Level Officials Meeting in 2025 related to Global Compact on Refugees.

Employers and workers’ organizations are uniquely positioned not only to generate employment but also to promote decent work and social inclusion. Their leadership in advocating for non-discrimination, equality, and protection of vulnerable populations is indispensable.

However, we must acknowledge that many refugees remain trapped in low-paid, informal jobs with limited protection and little opportunity for advancement. These conditions hinder integration and leave individuals vulnerable to exploitation.

Our goal must be to scale up access to decent work for both refugees and host communities—fostering resilience, self-reliance, and sustainable livelihoods. - in Türkiye and in Syria. 

Burden and responsibility-sharing is not just a task for governments, but for all parts of society. 

The role of the private sector in broadening the base of support for countries and communities hosting refugees, and that of workers organizations to support refugee workers to preserve their rights when accessing labour markets are indispensable. 

Local actors, both within government and civil society, have a leading voice in conversations about the role of refugees and host communities in responses.

When we consider the scale and protracted nature of this crisis, it is clear that our work is far from over. But by continuing to act together—with determination, empathy, and shared purpose—we can strengthen labour markets, improve lives, and build more cohesive communities for all.

Thank you.