International Organization for Migration

Syria continues to host the largest externally displaced Iraqi population in the region. A vast number remain in need of urgent assistance; their economic and social situation may be steadily worsening as existing resources are incrementally depleted, remittances are reduced and opportunities for lawful employment remain limited. In parallel, Syria is currently witnessing the impact of a drought (linked to climate change), which has affected the country since 2006. In particular, over the past six months, internal migration has increased dramatically due to a loss of livelihoods. Estimates of the total magnitude of this phenomenon range from 40,000 to 60,000 families. Such population movements, coupled with existing pressures on key infrastructure stemming from the prolonged residence of a large Iraqi community in Syria, may severely affect social stability in the long run, hinder development in various ways, and exacerbate challenges associated with irregular migration. In Damascus, IOM continues to work in partnership with the Syrian government, UN agencies and civil society to respond effectively to emerging migration-related issues – particularly in the fields of emergency and post-crisis migration management and regulating migration. IOM is also supporting relevant government entities to build a comprehensive policy framework for effective migration management.