Working Group Description

In 2025, the Protection Working Group updated its Strategy in response to fundamental changes in Syria and the growing interest among Syrian refugees in returning home. The strategy centres on (i) ensuring that people are at the centre of all action, and no one is left behind, (ii) championing the inclusion of refugees in national systems, (iii) forging stronger strategic partnerships and deepening collaboration with development actors to bridge humanitarian and development efforts, and (iv) investing in local and national capacities to deliver sustainable protection solutions. Priority responsibilities of the Protection Working Group include enhancing linkages with the Government, particularly the Family Protection and Juvenile Department, the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation and the Ministry of Labour. In addition, the Protection Working Group will continue to explore synergies between humanitarian and development processes in order to ensure effective and equitable access to education, health and sanitation, amongst other services. The Protection Working Group will strengthen protection responses despite dwindling resources by collaborating effectively, utilizing data and analysis based on needs assessments and protection monitoring. Commitments towards accountability to affected persons will be discharged through accessible community messaging and by ensuring meaningful participation in decision-making processes. Capacity building initiatives will support efforts to comply with global standards in service provision, including for gender-based violence and child protection issues, while ensuring that data protection principles are upheld.