According to current estimates, Syria hosts the largest number of Iraqi refugees in the region. This study aimed to provide information on the household economy and livelihoods among Iraqi refugees residing in urban areas of Syria. A nationally representative 80 × 10 cluster survey of Iraqi refugee households (total n = 800) was conducted in March 2009. Overall, 69 per cent of households reported having financial difficulties; 14 per cent fell below the poverty line of US$1/person/day and 41 per cent were living on less than US$2/person/day. High levels of dependency on remittances, pensions, and UN support were observed. Nearly 40 per cent of households reported an employed member, of whom 58 per cent reported workplace difficulties. Uncertain legal status and inability to work in the formal sector are principal concerns among the Iraqi population in Syria. Humanitarian assistance planners should consider livelihoods and cash transfer programmes that promote income generation and reduce dependency on savings and other outside sources. © The Author 2011. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.

Education Iraqi refugees Humanitarian assistance Livelihoods Syria

education urban area pension system United Nations refugee remittance poverty Syrian Arab Republic income humanitarian aid