The United Nations reported the return of over 300,000 refugees to Syria since Assad’s fall, with nearly one million internally displaced persons also returning home. Major challenges include housing needs and infrastructure strain as populations surge in returning areas. The UNHCR estimates over $170 million is needed to support essential services.
The United Nations announced that over 300,000 refugees have returned to Syria following the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad. This figure is complemented by nearly one million people who have returned to their homes after being displaced internally. Celine Schmitt from the UN refugee agency UNHCR reported this milestone via video-link from Damascus during a press briefing in Geneva.
A significant number of returnees, nearly half, originated from Turkey, which has been sheltering approximately three million Syrian refugees. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reported that over 133,000 Syrians residing in Turkey have returned to their homeland. The rebel offensive that led to Assad’s downfall marked the beginning of a devastating civil war, resulting in over half a million fatalities and the mass displacement of millions.
Schmitt emphasized that the ongoing crisis remains “the world’s largest displacement crisis,” noting that many displaced individuals are eager to return. Beyond the refugee returnees, approximately 900,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have also returned to their original homes.
According to a UNHCR survey, a million IDPs currently in camps in northwestern Syria plan to return home within the next year. The survey, which sampled 4,800 households, indicated that over half expect to return imminently, with the majority planning to do so within the next twelve months.
As of January, more than 3.4 million IDPs were living in northwestern Syria, primarily in 1,500 camps located in Idlib and Aleppo. The desire to return home is particularly high among IDPs in Idlib. Schmitt raised concerns about population surges in returning communities, predicting significant increases in areas such as Maarat An-Numan and Kafr Nobol. She explained that 23 districts could see their populations double, which would strain the already limited services and infrastructure.
Housing accessibility is predicted to be the most pressing need, as many homes are reported to be heavily damaged or destroyed. Schmitt pointed out that while almost all IDPs aim to return, 80 percent said their former homes were in disrepair. The UNHCR has called on international donors to enhance access to essential services, estimating that over $170 million is required to meet basic needs, yet currently, they are less than 10 percent funded for the necessary initiatives.
The recent return of over 300,000 refugees to Syria highlights the substantial movement of individuals seeking to return to their homeland following years of conflict. While many are eager to return, challenges such as housing and infrastructure strain remain critical issues. The UN continues to appeal for international support to address the basic needs of both refugees and internally displaced persons in the country.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
