Syria is home to the largest concentration of Iraqi refugees, totalling at least 1 million. Many of these refugees are vulnerable, coming from disadvantaged backgrounds or with female-headed households. They lack livelihood opportunities and vital services.

At the request of the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the International Rescue Committee has seconded an Education Adviser to their Syria mission in order to expand the capacity of the education system to accommodate Iraqis. The IRC will soon also second an adviser on gender-based violence to develop initiatives to address violence against women amongst the refugee population.

Currently, more than 47,500 Iraqi children are enrolled in the Syrian education system, and UNHCR aims to integrate an additional 20,000 this year. The IRC is also exploring potential partnerships with local organisations to provide health services, life-skills training and alternative income-generation opportunities for at-risk women.

With registration under way, the IRC is preparing to expand programmes in education to improve refugee wellbeing in Syria.