Over 850,000 Syrians Have Returned Home Since December, Says UN Refugee Agency
A recent report from the United Nations refugee agency reveals that more than 850,000 Syrians have gone back to their homeland from neighboring countries since December last year. This shows a significant trend of Syrian refugees choosing to return amidst ongoing efforts to rebuild their lives.
During her five-day visit to Lebanon and Syria, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees Kelly Clements met with officials, refugees who recently returned, and those still considering returning. The UNHCR explained that it is stepping up its support to make sure these returns are voluntary, safe, and respectful of refugees’ dignity. The agency offers financial help, transportation, shelter, and job support to families going back home.
Kelly Clements observed firsthand how many Syrians still hold hope and are eager to return and rebuild, despite facing destruction and lack of basic services after 14 years of conflict. She emphasized the importance of international help for a successful recovery.
Lebanon continues to host hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees. This year alone, nearly 200,000 Syrians have returned to Syria from Lebanon. However, the situation remains complex, as new refugees continue to arrive in Lebanon due to recent violence in Syria, highlighting the ongoing displacement crisis.
In Syria, Kelly Clements visited areas like Damascus, Homs, and Idlib, where returnees benefit from housing repairs and support for small businesses. She also inaugurated a new Civil Registry Office in Maaret Al Nouman, Idlib, making it easier for families to access official documents necessary for rebuilding their lives.
Clements stressed that the international community must do more than just watch. She called for active involvement in stabilizing and restoring Syria, helping its people to recover and rebuild their country.
During her meetings with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and other government officials, Clements expressed gratitude for Lebanon’s ongoing generosity in hosting Syrian refugees. She promised continued support and cooperation for the safe and voluntary return of refugees.
The UNHCR has increased its assistance efforts, providing money and transportation to ensure Syrians can return home with dignity and confidence. Official figures show that over 1.7 million internally displaced people (IDPs) in Syria have already returned to their homes, including more than 880,000 from displacement camps in the north.
As the situation continues to evolve, many Syrians are hopeful about rebuilding their future. The international community’s role in supporting Syria’s recovery remains crucial to help create a safer, more stable environment for returnees and those still displaced.
