Damascus, Aug. 10 (SANA) UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih met on Sunday with the steering committee tasked with implementing the “Syria Without Camps” vision strategy, with discussions focusing on joint coordination mechanisms and prospects for cooperation.
The meeting, held in Damascus, addressed the vision as a key pillar of recovery efforts, linking voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable returns with the rehabilitation of areas of return and the restoration of basic services.
The committee and Salih reviewed the vision and proposed implementation mechanisms, including identifying priority areas and their basic needs. They stressed the importance of moving from a response focused on camp management toward an integrated approach that invests in communities and areas of return while addressing obstacles to sustainable return.
Government-UN coordination
The meeting highlighted the importance of cooperation between the Syrian government, UN agencies, international organizations and the private sector, stressing the need for UN programs and plans to align with national recovery priorities, particularly the “Syria Without Camps” vision.
Participants emphasized directing resources and programs toward priority areas of return within a clear national framework led by the government in cooperation with international partners.
Rehabilitation of infrastructure and basic services in areas of return was a key topic of discussion, with participants noting its importance in creating conditions for sustainable return. This includes rehabilitating hospitals, health centers, schools, water and sewage networks, bakeries, municipal services, roads and transportation facilities based on the needs of each area.
The meeting also stressed that the “Syria Without Camps” vision does not mean closing camps or encouraging returns before the necessary conditions are in place. Instead, it focuses on supporting the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable return of displaced people by addressing barriers to return and investing in services, infrastructure and stability in areas of return.
The success of the vision, participants said, will be measured by the ability of displaced people to return and achieve sustainable stability, rather than simply by leaving camps.
In June, Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management Raed al-Saleh discussed with Salih in Geneva the Syrian government’s vision for the “Syria Without Camps” initiative and efforts to create conditions for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of Syrian refugees and displaced people.
On July 12, the steering committee discussed with UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons Paula Gaviria Betancur the implementation of the “Syria Without Camps” vision and challenges related to voluntary return.
The Syrian government, in cooperation with relevant international organizations, is working to support initiatives aimed at creating suitable conditions for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of Syrian refugees and displaced people, while strengthening coordination with international partners to address humanitarian challenges related to displacement and return.
R A H / ABD
