Geneva, Aug. 14 (SANA) UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih called on the international community to step up support for Syria’s recovery, saying more than three million Syrians have returned from abroad or other parts of the country since December 2024.
“Syria stands at a historic crossroads,” Salih said in a statement at the end of a week-long visit to the country, according to UN News. He said the scale of returns demonstrated Syrians’ determination to rebuild their country.
“Recovery on this scale is an enormous undertaking that Syria cannot accomplish alone. The international community must act, and act quickly,” he said.
Salih urged governments, development partners and financial institutions to turn the momentum behind Syrian returns into tangible support for livelihoods, infrastructure, essential services and broader recovery efforts, while continuing to address humanitarian needs.
UNHCR said the visit underscored its commitment to supporting Syria as the country moves from years of displacement toward recovery, reintegration and stability.
President Ahmad al-Sharaa received Salih and his delegation at the People’s Palace in Damascus on Monday, in the presence of Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani.
Their talks focused on strengthening cooperation between Syria and UNHCR, supporting the voluntary and safe return of refugees, and advancing livelihood and early recovery projects.
During his visit, Salih traveled to Damascus, Idlib and Aleppo provinces, meeting government officials, displaced families, returnees and local communities to assess progress and remaining challenges.
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