Livelihoods and Economic Inclusion
![Day 6: Syrian chef, Galal (centre), prepares the evening iftar meal during Ramadan at the busy Bab Elhara Restaurant in Cairo. "I've worked in several restaurants in Syria and Saudi Arabia and I love cooking," he reveals, adding that his father cooked for an ambassador in Syria and taught 35-year-old Galal how to cook. "The first dish he taught me to cook is kibbeh [a Levantine dish made from bulgar, minced onions and ground meat], which is important not only during Ramadan - it's the jewel of any dinner." But Galal lost his job a year ago when things got worse in Damascus and restaurants began shutting down. He fled to Egypt a month ago with his wife and two children. The thing he misses most about Ramadan in Syria is getting together with his whole family. "I was away from Syria for eight years of my own free will in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, but now I'm away forcibly. As soon as things calm down, I will go back home."](/20200118161814im_/https://www.unhcr.org/thumb1/51e663ab6.jpg)
© UNHCR/S.Baldwin
After fleeing war or persecution, the opportunity to work and earn a living is one of the most effective ways people can rebuild their lives with dignity and in peace.
We work to promote economic inclusion of those forced to flee their homes by advocating for their right to work and building their livelihoods through market-oriented programmes.
With your support, we strive to empower them to build strong social, economic and cultural ties with their host communities, and to strengthen their capacity to claim their rights.
How does UNHCR help?
We help people forced to flee to support themselves and their families by offering them training, and helping them find a market for their skills and goods.
Our work in this area is guided by several core principles – including protection, diversity, equity, access and sustainability – outlined in UNHCR’s Global Strategy for Livelihoods (2014-2018).
Through safe work, people forced to flee can provide for their families’ basic needs, maintain their dignity and contribute to society, which is what they want. They often enrich their communities with their experience and skills, while preparing for a better future.