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UN Reveals Numbers of Returning Refugees to Syria
The UN Refugee Agency announced that since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December, approximately 850,000 Syrians have returned to their homeland from neighboring countries, with expectations that the number will exceed one million in the coming weeks.
In an interview with the Associated Press from Damascus, Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees, Kelly T. Clement, described the situation as a "dynamic period" offering an opportunity to find solutions to the displacement crisis, which is one of the world’s most significant upheavals over the past fourteen years.
Clement pointed out that about 1.7 million internally displaced persons have returned to their original areas, especially as the Syrian government has regained control over large parts of the country.
She warned that international funding only covers 22% of the agency’s 2025 needs, emphasizing that the sustainability of humanitarian efforts depends on continued support from the international community.
She added that the UN has launched support programs including home repairs and providing cash assistance to the most vulnerable families through over 69 community centers. However, the continuation of these projects requires additional funding.
In another development, Clement participated in the inauguration of the Civil Registry Center in Maarrat al-Nu’man, accompanied by Idlib Governor Muhammad Abdul Rahman. She listened to the experiences and needs of returnees, affirming that legal documentation is essential to securing property rights and social integration.
She also highlighted UN efforts to rehabilitate primary health clinics in cooperation with humanitarian agencies, aiming to improve medical services for returnees and local residents alike.
Clement stressed that continued cooperation between the Syrian government and the international community is the key to ensuring sustainable solutions that support the stability of returnees and contribute to the rapid reconstruction of Syria.
Despite varying motivations for return, Clement noted an exceptional increase in numbers, with long queues of returnees at a border crossing with Lebanon. The crossing has granted Syrians residing illegally a grace period until the end of August to leave the country without legal penalties.
