Hard at Work: Syrian Refugees Happy to Have a Chance to Stand on Their Own Feet

In London this week, high level delegates from more than 70 governments, together with UN, non-governmental and other organisations, will be discussing the Syria conflict, now entering its sixth year. The challenge is how to better provide humanitarian assistance to those affected, both inside Syria and in neighbouring countries, which are hosting more than four million refugees. One of the issues will include how to help create jobs for people affected by the conflict, offering them greater hope for the future. Caroline Gluck, Senior Public Information Officer with UNHCR in Iraq, has met some refugees who have managed to set up their own businesses in Sulaymaniyah, northern Iraq

Bahoz Jalal Ismail, 25 and his assistant, Fadhil, both Syrian refugees, can be found at their small grocery shop in Sulaymaniyah, hard at work seven days a week and well into the night. "We won't go home until the last customer leaves", Bahoz tells me.

Bahoz used to work in a barber's shop back in his village, in Qamishly. But, he says, due to conflict and insecurity, business was bad and he could barely make ends meet.

He's proud of what he's achieved so far. Bahoz, who left Syria in 2013, noticed a gap in the market. His neighbourhood had no local shops and there was a university nearby, making it a good spot to attract customers. Borrowing $6 000 to rent and stock the shop, called Gul Bahar (Spring Flower in English), he began just selling fruit and vegetables, soon expanding to include a wide range of grocery items.

It got so busy that he soon hired another Syrian refugee, 21 year old Fadhil Hussein, to work alongside him.Bahoz and his assistant

"Financially, this business is better than working in the barber's shop", Bahoz told me.

Unlike some of Syria's neighbours, in the northern Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KR-I) where 97% of Syrian refugees stay, refugees who have valid residency documents have the right to work. Bahoz outside his grocery store Many enterprising Syrians, like Bahoz, have opened up their own businesses, providing local services as well as employing others. All, like Bahoz, spoke of the relief at being able to work and to support their family, giving them a sense of pride and dignity.

"It's good for someone to work, to rely on themselves, not be a burden on anyone, to support their family and even employ somebody", said Bahoz.

Across town, in a beauty salon, customers are having their hair washed and cut. The salon is jointly owned by two Syrians, originally from Aleppo, and employs six staff - five Syrian refugees and one Iraqi national who fled conflict in Qaraqoosh, Mosul Governorate.

One of the owners, 32 year old Bashar Naoum, also works as a manager in a hotel in town. Bashar (red jumper) and some of the staff at his beauty salon

"Having a job is very, very important", said Bashar. "It will make people rely on themselves without needing or waiting for hand-outs, and you can live with dignity. "Syrians are very hardworking people", said Bashar. "Unfortunately, our situation means we need some sort of help at the beginning. But, otherwise, we don't want to be a burden on society. If we have an opportunity, we can prove we are willing to take it and can stand on our feet."

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