Geneva, SANA — The International Organization for Migration (IOM) welcomes the formal approval by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic to re-establish an official in-country presence and expand humanitarian operations across Syria.
The Syrian authorities have expressed their readiness to work in close partnership with IOM to strengthen coordination mechanisms that support and promote the effectiveness and sustainability of its operations.
“We are grateful for this endorsement and welcome the opportunity to work closely with national counterparts to meet urgent needs and support long-term recovery,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. “This decision opens the door for IOM and our partners to scale up assistance to people and communities affected by conflict, displacement, and climate-related challenges.”
Syria continues to face acute humanitarian, recovery, and development challenges stemming from the 14-year-long conflict. More than 13 million people remain in need of assistance, including 6.8 million internally displaced. Access to health care, clean water, education, housing, and livelihoods remains severely limited. Infrastructure has been heavily damaged, and the effects of economic decline, climate shocks, and displacement are deepening vulnerabilities across the country.
IOM has been delivering life-saving assistance in the northwest of Syria since 2014. These efforts have played a critical role in reaching vulnerable communities with essential humanitarian aid. The decision to re-establish IOM’s presence in Syria follows an official letter from the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, that will enable the Organization to resume in-country operations nationwide.
This renewed presence will allow for broader, more coordinated assistance across the country. It will help address both urgent humanitarian needs and longer-term recovery goals, aligning with national priorities and supporting ongoing recovery and stabilization efforts.
In addition to humanitarian assistance, IOM plans to scale up programming in key areas as strategic priorities. These include supporting national efforts to strengthen migration governance and combat human trafficking, in full cooperation with relevant national institutions, and engaging the Syrian diaspora in national recovery and rebuilding efforts. IOM aims to expand its Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) to generate timely, reliable data on population movements and evolving needs—critical for effective planning, coordination, and targeted assistance by IOM and the wider humanitarian and recovery community. Together, these initiatives will enhance institutional capacity, promote safe and orderly migration, and contribute to Syria’s long-term recovery and resilience.
While many areas have seen increased stability, challenges remain in some parts of the country, continuing to affect the safety and well-being of civilians.
Amid these ongoing challenges, many Syrians — inside the country and abroad — have begun to express a renewed desire to return home. Supporting these returns in a way that is safe, voluntary, informed, and dignified will be a key priority of IOM’s work. In line with international principles and in close coordination with the authorities, the Organization will focus on providing tailored support to returnees and host communities alike, helping to restore basic services, rebuild infrastructure, and promote social cohesion in areas of return, putting communities at the heart of their own recovery.
IOM reiterates its call to the international community to strengthen support for the country’s recovery. A principled and inclusive response, underpinned by sustained donor engagement, is essential to help Syrians rebuild their lives and communities with safety, dignity, and hope.
Amer Dhawa
