IOM Director General urges international community to provide support for Syria during transitional phase

The Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Amy Pope has urged the international community to provide support to Syria during the transitional phase following the fall of the regime, emphasizing that the West cannot discuss the issue of the displaced Syrians

apart from the political and economic context.

Pope stated to Euronews, “We urge countries around the world to empower the peacebuilding process in Syria, assist in humanitarian efforts, and revitalize the country. She pointed out that discussions among countries regarding the return of displaced Syrians to their homeland must be an integral part of both the economic and political tracks, as well as the process of revitalizing Syria in the upcoming phase.

In reference to the steps taken by several European Union countries to grant displaced Syrians temporary special permits allowing them to visit their areas in Syria and return to Europe if they wish, Pope remarked that “this is a beneficial step that enables returnees to understand the challenges they may face on the ground.”

She emphasized that the UN’s International Organization for Migration supports Syrians wishing to take such steps while also stressing the need for the international community to act to help in this regard, providing a safe environment for returnees through investment in rebuilding the devastated areas in Syria.

Souha Suleiman