Rebuilding lives and livelihoods: ILO's response to the 2023 earthquake in Syria

BEIRUT (ILO News) – Described as “one of the biggest natural disasters of our times,” the devastating earthquakes that struck Türkiye and northern Syria on 6 February 2023 caused immense loss of life, injury and widespread destruction of buildings and infrastructure.

In Syria, where economic hardship and conflict had already weakened communities, the disaster deepened vulnerabilities, leaving thousands without homes, jobs or access to essential services.

The ILO responded with a comprehensive Employment-Intensive Investment Programme (EIIP) to restore infrastructure, generate jobs and support long-term economic recovery in the country.

The response in Syria focused on labour-based rehabilitation to ensure that affected communities not only benefited from restored infrastructure but also gained employment and income, fostering resilience and economic stability.

A phased response: Restoring infrastructure and creating jobs

© ILO

The ILO’s intervention in Syria unfolded in multiple phases, each designed to provide employment opportunities for affected communities while rehabilitating essential services and clearing debris.

The first phase of the programme in the months immediately following the earthquake prioritised urgent debris removal and job creation. Over this period, ILO cleared 29 sites and removed 5,400 cubic meters of debris. This effort not only facilitated rehabilitation but also created 114 jobs, offering immediate income support to many of those affected.

Building upon these initial efforts, the second phase in late 2023 saw a substantial increase in employment and restoration activities. A total of 239 additional jobs were created for debris removal, road repairs and sewage system maintenance. Furthermore, five schools were rehabilitated, engaging 310 workers and generating 7,442 workdays. To enhance the efficiency of rebuilding efforts, the ILO also conducted contractor training in employment-intensive engineering techniques.

The third phase of the initiative aimed at further expanding infrastructure rehabilitation and employment opportunities. During this period from mid- to late 2024, 142 short-term jobs were created, contributing a total of 11,223 workdays. The programme also cleaned almost 200 locations and maintained 335 additional sites. Infrastructure improvements included the installation of manhole covers, the removal of almost 680 cubic meters of debris, and the clearance of over 13 kilometres of sewage networks. Additional upgrades involved extensive levelling, sidewalk installation and concrete casting works. In total, 47 streets were repaired and maintained to facilitate community mobility and economic recovery.

An important element of the recovery effort was sustainability, with the recovery works integrating eco-friendly approaches by recycling debris into tiles, blocks and other construction materials, supporting environmentally responsible rebuilding efforts.

Beyond immediate relief: Investing in skills and long-term recovery

© ILO

While emergency job creation and infrastructure restoration were at the heart of the response, the ILO also focused on long-term economic resilience, investing in skills development, improving working conditions and promoting labour rights. The programme trained contractors and workers in employment-intensive techniques, ensuring sustainable infrastructure development. Moreover, the integration of sustainable materials and construction techniques minimised the environmental impact.

Building resilience through decent work

The ILO’s earthquake response in Syria demonstrates the power of employment-intensive approaches in post-disaster recovery. By combining infrastructure rehabilitation with job creation, the ILO has not only restored essential services but also helped families rebuild their lives with dignity and financial security.

Moving forward, the ILO remains committed to expanding employment opportunities, supporting vocational training, and strengthening local economies, ensuring that affected communities emerge stronger and more resilient in the face of future challenges.