Geneva, Dec. 17 (SANA) A delegation of the Syrian Arab Republic headed by Saad Baroud, director of the Department of International Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, participated in the Global Refugee Forum held in Geneva, according to an official statement on Wednesday.
The statement said Baroud stressed that Syrian refugees have represented an added value to host countries and have contributed positively across various sectors. He noted that a sustainable solution to the refugee issue begins inside Syria through addressing internal displacement and ensuring the requirements for a dignified life.
According to the statement, Syria reaffirmed that the return of refugees must be safe, voluntary, dignified and sustainable, without politicization. It pointed to reform steps taken by the Syrian state following the fall of the deposed regime to help create appropriate conditions for return.
The statement also emphasized that addressing funding challenges and supporting Syria’s reconstruction and development constitute a key entry point for achieving safe and sustainable refugee returns. Syria renewed its commitment to constructive cooperation with the international community, United Nations agencies and host countries.
Syria presented its first pledge related to refugees in what it described as a historic step, affirming that it will exert all possible efforts in this field, including good offices aimed at following up on refugee issues worldwide, the statement said.
