Content
A project by Office for Foreign Affairs
Strengthening Refugee Women and Young People in Türkiye and Syria
Since 2016, Liechtenstein has been supporting a project implemented by RET International that empowers refugee women and young people in the Turkish municipalities of Mardin and Kilis. With around 3 million refugees, Türkiye hosts one of the largest refugee populations in the world. In 2025, the project reached 2,230 women and young people directly and more than 11,000 people indirectly. Activities included awareness-raising on employment opportunities, prevention of gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health, as well as workshops promoting social cohesion and cultural engagement.
In 2026, RET is expanding the project to Aleppo in Syria in response to increasing voluntary return movements. Despite political developments, access to basic services in the country remains strained, particularly for women and young people. While the proven activities in Türkiye will continue, RET will work together with a local partner organisation in Syria to strengthen protection mechanisms and local capacities.
The project provides women with information and training on violence prevention, health and rights, and includes the training of Community Mothers who share their knowledge within their communities. Young people receive training on protection risks, psychosocial support, and activities that promote social cohesion. In 2026, the project aims to directly benefit 2,280 women and 1,840 young people, while indirectly reaching more than 20,000 people.
Project goals
Strengthening and protecting women through awareness-raising on gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health, and rights, as well as through the training of Community Mothers and Returnee Mothers.
Supporting and empowering young people through training on protection risks, psychosocial support, and workshops on social cohesion and peaceful conflict resolution.
Promoting resilience, social cohesion and local protection mechanisms in Türkiye and Syria.
Supporting safe and dignified return processes in Syria.
Project facts
Country and region:
Syria, Turkiye
Project duration:
2016-2026
Total amount:
CHF 2'180'000