Damascus, SANA- The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi stressed the need to ensure the voluntary, gradual, and measured return of refugees to Syria, and the international community’s support of the efforts to enhance stability.
In an exclusive interview with SANA, Grandi emphasized the UNHCR’s support for the Syrian government’s efforts in this regard.
He explained that the UNHCR is working closely with governments hosting large numbers of Syrian refugees and has adopted a system for cooperation with these governments to ensure that returns are voluntary.
Grandi said that the return of all refugees in one is neither possible nor a good thing for Syria in its current situation.
“How can Syria receive millions of people at once without the necessary capacity?” He pointed out that the optimal solution is a gradual return.
some 2 million refugees and displaced persons have returned
Grandi said, “The return of all refugees requires more support for the Syrian government and the combined efforts of many parties, including the Friends of Syria, international financial institutions, and the private sector, which plays a pivotal and decisive role in this process.”
He added, “Refugees who have returned and those still outside the country have to be patient, because Syria will gradually return as a stable country again.”
Grandi explained that Syria is going through a historic phase, with UNHCR estimating that approximately 600,000 people have returned from neighboring countries, while more than 1.4 million internally displaced persons have returned.
Thus, the number of returnees to their homes has exceeded 2 million, with many more who wish to return, the UN official said.
Syria needs support, and we are here to help
The High Commissioner pointed out that returnees need support and the UNHCR is working in cooperation with the government and many other organizations to provide them with financial support during the first months of their return, along with securing the necessary transportation as a part of the urgent needs that include job opportunities, housing, electricity, and schools.
The former regime created refugees
Grandi explained that rebuilding security is a priority for the Syrian government, which faces a massive security challenge in a country has suffered from a 14-year war.
“I told all other countries when they asked me what refugees need upon their return, that they need security above all else”, the UN official said calling for support to the government to consolidate this.
“I also believe it is very important that this security includes all members of the Syrian people”, he added.
Grandi considered that achieving security is not easy in a country like Syria saying: “I have always said: The former regime was a regime that created refugees, and this government must be a government for returnees, a government for the people returning to their country.”
Fedaa/ Abdulrahim
