A market assessment by the Norwegian Refugee Council highlights that Syrian local markets are unprepared for increased employment demands amidst displacement, with families struggling to afford basic needs due to high living costs. The report calls for urgent international support to bolster economic recovery and self-reliance for displaced individuals.
The Norwegian Refugee Council’s (NRC) recent market assessment reveals that local markets in Syria lack capacity to integrate new workers, particularly in anticipation of significant returns of displaced individuals. Conducted across various regions including Rural Damascus, Daraa, Aleppo, Homs, and Hama, the assessment highlights a downturn in production and trading since the previous administration, despite improvements in trade regulations.
In this context, NRC Director Federico Jachetti commented, “Despite the relative improvement in prices over recent months, Syrian markets are suffering from a liquidity crisis and purchasing power that has reached rock-bottom levels.” He further noted that families struggle to afford basic necessities, underlining the urgent need for investments aimed at supporting small businesses and generating employment opportunities.
As Ramadan approaches, NRC surveyed families with diverse incomes, finding that monthly living costs, including food, rent, and utilities, total approximately 3 million Syrian pounds, equivalent to 300 US dollars. Fluctuations in the currency exchange rate and market instability contribute to these high living costs.
Mohammed, an electrician who received NRC training and financial aid to open a shop, expressed the challenges faced, stating, “If you sold 10 light bulbs and went back to the market to replenish, you would only get three or four pieces for the same price.” He emphasized the reliance on remittances from relatives abroad as many remain unemployed.
Displaced individuals, including those in camps, report severe impacts from reduced aid, particularly food rations. Although costs for many staples have decreased recently, bread prices have surged eightfold in the past year due to subsidy cuts, according to the United Nations.
Mona, a 50-year-old resident in an Idlib camp, lamented, “The only way for us to survive is to rely on aid from people. Everything is expensive; we are not ready for Ramadan. We wouldn’t have stayed here if we had a home to go back to.”
As the ninth Brussels Conference approaches, NRC is urging the global community to intensify support for displaced Syrians and those returning home. Jachetti emphasized the necessity of simultaneous urgent relief and sustainable development programs to foster self-reliance among the population.
NRC’s initiatives include providing essential services like water delivery, shelter, education, and legal support for displaced individuals. Additionally, the organization is dedicated to restoring crucial infrastructures and offering training and grants for entrepreneurship to foster economic resilience within communities.
The assessment conducted by the Norwegian Refugee Council indicates that Syria’s local markets are ill-equipped to facilitate employment opportunities amid ongoing challenges. Despite some regulation improvements, family impoverishment persists due to high living costs exacerbated by market volatility. Urgent international support for displaced populations, coupled with investment into local businesses, is critical for fostering sustainable recovery and economic stability in the region.
Original Source: www.nrc.no
