Damascus, 06 Dec (SANA) – Kelly Clements, Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees at the United Nations, affirmed that Syria currently stands as the largest global example of refugee and internally displaced persons returns. “During the past year and the first half of this year, more than 3 million people have returned, including over 1 million refugees from neighboring countries and more than 2 million IDPs” she said.
In an interview with CNN, Clements noted that most returnees are coming back voluntarily despite the challenges, driven by a clear desire to rebuild their lives. She highlighted that many returned to areas lacking basic services, stressing the urgent need for international support to ensure that returns are sustainable and do not result in renewed displacement.
Clements emphasized that the success of return operations depends on the international community’s ability to provide adequate funding for restoring infrastructure in areas of return, including electricity, water, schools, and clinics. She stressed that no return will be sustainable without assistance that revitalizes these devastated regions.
Referring to the UNHCR’s semi-annual displacement report, Clements described Syria as a notable positive example compared to new displacement crises in other regions, notably Sudan, which she characterized as facing “the world’s worst humanitarian displacement crisis” at present.
She warned that funding shortages have already forced the closure of clinics and programs in several countries, adding that “2026 will require significantly greater support” to maintain response programs.
Since 2011, Syria has experienced one of the largest displacement crises worldwide, as millions of Syrians were forced to leave their homes, either internally or abroad, due to the oppressive policies of the former regime and the destruction of numerous cities affected by the uprising.
A/Dh
