ILO's refugee response in Turkey

Since the start of the conflict in Syria in 2011, Turkey became host to 3.6 million Syrians by 2020 in addition to 400,000 persons who, in majority, come from Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran (hereinafter referred to as “refugees”). For the sixth year in a row, this makes Turkey the largest host country of registered refugees in the world.

Recognizing the need to strengthen the resilience and self-reliance of refugees, the Turkish government has designed strong protection systems that grant access to education, the health system, social services as well as the labour market. To support the government manage the increased pressure on public services and to assist people in gaining a living, the International Labour Organization (ILO) is implementing long-term strategies to bolster refugees' and host communities' resilience through better access to the labour market.