UNHCR: more than 1.4 million Syrians have returned to their homes since the fall of the regime

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced today on its website that approximately 400,000 Syrians have returned from neighboring countries since the fall of the Assad regime on December 8, 2024. During this time, more than one million internally displaced persons have returned within Syria, bringing the total number of Syrians who have returned to over 1.4 million. UNHCR emphasized the need for support in various areas, including shelter, livelihoods, protection, and legal assistance, to ensure these returns are successful and sustainable. They called on international donors to increase funding and humanitarian aid to facilitate the return of refugees. The organization highlighted the importance of adequate funding to support the expected return of approximately 1.5 million Syrians to their homeland this year. They noted that “the support of UNHCR and humanitarian actors is crucial to achieving stability.” UNHCR also pointed out a severe funding shortfall, which is putting millions of lives at risk. Approximately 16.7 million people inside Syria—about 90% of the population—require some form of humanitarian assistance, while more than 7.4 million Syrians remain internally displaced. The UNHCR urged traditional donors to “make an extra effort” and appealed to “wealthy countries that have not yet contributed” to help ensure the safe and dignified return of Syrian refugees wishing to go back home.

Amal Farhat