Damascus, March 2 (SANA) The Syrian Development Fund held talks Monday with the United Nations refugee agency to discuss support for voluntary refugee returns and early recovery initiatives inside Syria, officials said.
Safwat Raslan, director general of the fund, met with a delegation from the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Damascus to explore cooperation on job creation, vocational training and livelihood programs aimed at facilitating sustainable return of refugees.
In a statement, the fund said discussions focused on developing joint projects to expand employment opportunities and strengthen the role of community centers as service hubs offering career guidance, job placement support, and social and health services.
Raslan said the fund’s approach emphasizes transparency and project-based financing to ensure efficient allocation of resources.
Celine Schmitt, UNHCR’s head of external engagement in Syria, outlined programs designed to support the return of an estimated 1.5 million refugees, including housing rehabilitation grants and other assistance intended to help reintegrate returnees.
UNHCR operates in Syria in coordination with the government and local partners, providing protection and assistance to vulnerable groups and managing refugee registration and status determination in the country.
