The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced that one million Syrians have returned to their country since 8 December 2024, calling on the international community to scale up its support for Syrians and help the country rebuild.
UNHCR spokesperson in Syria, Celine Schmitt told SANA: “In addition to those returning from outside Syria, another 1.8 million people who were displaced inside the country have also returned to their areas of origin”.
Schmitt said that UNHCR continues working with the Syrian authorities and other UN agencies, to create conditions conducive for return and reintegration in areas severely affected by the decade-long conflict.
The spokesperson noted that at the major challenges facing returnees include destroyed homes and infrastructure, which could hinder many from returning with funds for humanitarian work are dwindling.
“Inside Syria, only 24 percent of what is needed is available, while for the wider Syria situation just 30 per cent of the requested funds have been provided” she said.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi described the developments in Syria since December 8 represent as an “opportunity to resolve one of the largest displacement crises in the world.”
In a statement published on (UNHCR) official website, he called on the international community, private sector, and Syrians abroad to intensify efforts to support recovery and ensure that the voluntary return of those displaced persons is sustainable and dignified.
“We must not forget about the millions of Syrians who are still refugees hosted in neighboring countries” who have suffered in the past 14 years and still need protection and assistance, Grandi added.
The (UNHCR) added that it is facilitating the voluntary return of refugees and increasing support for them in cooperation with the Syrian authorities, neighboring countries, and the international community, with more than 7 million Syrians still displaced inside the country and more than 4.5 million abroad.
