“In the repressive and authoritarian Syria, one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters continues. More than half of Syria’s population has been displaced either within or outside the country. With this strategy, we hope to help improve livelihood opportunities and increase access to basic public services for people in Syria and Syrian refugees in the neighbouring countries Jordan, Lebanon and Türkiye,” says Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Johan Forssell.

The strategy also includes support for human rights and freedoms, including girls’ and women’s rights and freedom of religion. Sweden will also work to ensure that the Assad regime is held accountable for its brutal actions against the Syrian people.

The strategy is also aimed at addressing the consequences the Syria crisis has entailed for Sweden and Europe in the form of migration and violent extremism and terrorism. With the new strategy, Swedish development assistance will contribute to reducing irregular migration, creating a more sustainable situation for Syrian refugees and their host societies, and promoting voluntary return to Syria.