United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi has called for global action to support Syrians returning home after a civil war that lasted 12 years.
They face significant challenges, including difficulties in securing adequate housing, a high cost of living, and the urgent need for essential services such as electricity, education, and healthcare.
Grandi appealed to the international community for bold and decisive action to help Syrians rebuild their country torn apart by pro-democracy Arab Spring protests in March 2011 against President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, which used violence to suppress demonstrations.
Since September last year, around 500,000 refugees have returned to Syria, including 200,000 after the fall of the Assad regime.
Additionally, nearly 600,000 people who were displaced inside Syria have since returned to their homes.
However, more than 7.4 million Syrians are still displaced inside the country, and there are more than 6 million Syrian refugees worldwide.
Despite the political shifts in Syria over the last few weeks, the humanitarian crisis has persisted.
Grandi made a call for donors to support efforts to meet the immense immediate humanitarian needs as well as support long-term recovery efforts. Safeguarding the rights and safety of all Syrians is critical.
Syrian refugees are eager to see an improved security situation and political stability so they can return home safely.
Grandi held high-level discussions with the caretaker authorities in Damascus, including Mr Ahmed Al-Sharaa, focused on how best to support people returning home.
He called for support for families who hope to start a business or find a good-paying job and a home of theirs.
