“We are just trying to give our children a future”: Self-reliance for Syrian Refugees in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

The Norwegian Refugee Council’s October 2023 report, “We are just trying to give our children a future: Self-reliance for Syrian Refugees in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq,” highlights the challenges and barriers faced by Syrian refugees in achieving self-reliance. ​Key findings include the impact of reduced aid assistance, which has led to deteriorating conditions in camps, limited access to healthcare, and financial penalties due to difficulties in renewing residency permits. ​ The Refugee Education Integration Policy (REIP) aims to integrate Syrian children into the Kurdish education system, but language barriers and curriculum changes have caused some parents to abstain from sending their children to school. ​Additionally, only 5% of refugees have formal employment, with most working in the informal sector or being unemployed, leading to high levels of indebtedness and financial insecurity. ​

The report recommends that the Kurdistan Regional Government reduce penalties for expired residency permits, increase access to legal assistance, and formalize work and investment opportunities for refugees.​ Humanitarian NGOs and UNHCR are urged to advocate for expanded third-country resettlement options and address backlogs in issuing UNHCR certificates. ​Donors are encouraged to support skills-building programs, economic inclusion, and local integration efforts to reduce irregular migration. ​The report underscores the need for coordinated efforts to support the self-reliance and durable solutions for Syrian refugees in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. ​