ILO chief to visit Jordan ahead of refugee donor meeting

AMMAN — The International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) Director General Guy Ryder is due to visit Jordan on Thursday to examine first-hand the effects of the Syria refugee crisis on Jordan’s labour market.

In a statement sent to The Jordan Times, the ILO said Ryder will also discuss the employment options for refugees and host communities, which form a key issue of debate amongst Syria donors.

During his first visit to the Kingdom, the ILO director will meet with senior government officials to discuss developments affecting labour issues in Jordan, with a focus on the global response to the Syria refugee crisis. 

He will also conduct field visits to Syrian refugee camps and local communities hosting refugees, which will be followed by a joint press conference with Minister of Labour Nidal Katamine.

Ryder’s visit to Jordan takes on added significance ahead of the Syria Donors Conference, slated to take place in London on February 4, according to the ILO statement.

The objective of the London conference is not only to raise funding for humanitarian efforts in Syria, but also to provide increased support for Syria's neighbouring countries with a focus on job opportunities and education for refugees and the local hosting populations.