Ministers hold talks with UN High Commissioner for Refugees over cooperation in early recovery for areas affected by terrorism

DAMASCUS, Sep.13, (ST)- Today, the Minister of Local Administration and the Environment and Chairman of the Higher Relief Committee, Hussein Makhlouf, discussed with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi and the accompanying delegation ways to enhance joint cooperation in the fields of early recovery for areas affected by terrorism, humanitarian work and services provided to the displaced people.

Makhlouf stressed during the meeting that the work of the Syrian government focuses on creating conditions for the return and stability of the displaced Syrians and providing the necessary facilities for them to achieve a safe return for them from abroad.

He pointed out that joint cooperation with the UNHCR will result in the possibility of rehabilitating housing units for the returnees, in addition to supporting small income-generating projects, continuing to rehabilitate damaged houses and infrastructure in the areas to which they have returned or the areas to which their residents will return.

The minister called for the need to remove obstacles that impede the return of those wishing to return to their homeland and work to lift the unilateral coercive measures imposed on Syria.

For his part, Grandi praised the efforts of the Syrian government and the facilities provided for the return of the displaced, mainly the Decree No. 7 for the year 2022 that grants a general amnesty for terrorist crimes, which had a positive impact on the return of many of them.

Grandi indicated that he will work on bring in more aid and support to achieve early recovery for the affected areas.

Another meeting was held between the Minister of Interior, Major General Muhammad al-Rahmoun, and Grandi and the accompanying delegation where the ways of enhancing joint cooperation between Syria and UNHCR and facilitating the provision of humanitarian services were reviewed.

Grandi also held talks with the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Mohammad Sief Al-Din, who stressed that the efforts and programs being implemented by the ministry aim to enhance economic and social stability for citizens and accelerate recovery in areas liberated from terrorism.

Basma Qaddour