The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor of Syria and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening cooperation on issues related to refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs). The agreement was signed March 9 at the ministry’s headquarters in Damascus, marking a step toward improving coordination in humanitarian responses across the country.
Framework for Coordinated Humanitarian Action
The memorandum was signed by Hind Qabwat, Syria’s Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, and Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, UNHCR’s representative in Syria. The agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for collaboration and coordination between the two sides. It aims to guide the design and implementation of programs addressing the needs of returning refugees, IDPs returning to their homes, asylum seekers and affected local communities.
Qabwat highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership, particularly as increasing numbers of Syrians begin returning to the country. She said the agreement will allow the ministry to operate more efficiently and respond more quickly to the needs of returnees.
“It allows us to achieve a faster and more organized response to meet their needs, with the ultimate goal of ending the state of Syrians living in refugee and displacement camps and providing them with a dignified life,” Qabwat said.
Strengthening Cooperation With UNHCR
Llosa noted that the memorandum builds on an already strong working relationship between UNHCR and the ministry. “Over the past months, we have worked closely with the Ministry of Social Affairs, both in Damascus and in various Syrian governorates,” he said.
“This allowed us to build a solid partnership.” He added that the new agreement will make cooperation between the two sides more structured and sustainable, enabling UNHCR to support the ministry more effectively in assisting vulnerable groups.
Expanding Humanitarian Cooperation
Officials said the memorandum represents an important step in strengthening cooperation between the Syrian government and international humanitarian organizations. Through the formal partnership with UNHCR, both sides aim to expand services, improve protection for vulnerable populations and enhance the delivery of humanitarian assistance and social support across Syria.
