Damascus, March 9 (SANA) – More than 80,000 Syrians have crossed from Lebanon into Syria since March 2 amid escalating security developments, the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Syria, Celine Schmitt, said in remarks to SANA.
Schmitt said many families left Lebanon quickly due to nearby bombardment, often without taking personal belongings, and are currently staying with relatives inside Syria. No requests for emergency shelter have been recorded so far.
She added that UNHCR is working closely with Syrian authorities at both central and local levels to support the arrivals, including coordination with officials at border crossings such as Jdeidet Yabous, Jousieh and Arida. The agency has reinforced its presence at these crossings to assist authorities as the number of arrivals increases.
According to Schmitt, the assistance provided at border points includes water, blankets and basic relief items when needed, along with transportation support for people without means to travel. New arrivals are also given information about community centers operated by UNHCR where they can receive services including legal assistance and support in restoring lost personal documents.
Many of the returning Syrians are heading to Damascus and its countryside, Aleppo, Homs, Hama and Daraa—areas that already host large numbers of returnees and face significant needs due to damaged housing and limited services.
Schmitt stressed the need for additional funding to support UNHCR programs and partners assisting returning families, including community centers offering psychosocial support, legal services, child protection and housing rehabilitation initiatives.
Border crossings between Syria and Lebanon have recently witnessed a significant increase in the return of Syrian nationals as regional developments unfold, prompting coordinated humanitarian and government efforts to assist families arriving back in the country.
