Syria, UNHCR to enhance cooperation

Damascus, (ST) – The Minister of Local Administration and Environment, Eng. Hussein Makhlouf , Chairman of the Higher Committee for Relief, and Sivanka Dhanapala, Head of the Mission of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, discussed during a meeting on Wednesday the projects that are being implemented in cooperation with the UNHCR, and the possibility of enhancing them in line with the reconstruction phase.

The two sides also discussed the mechanism of continuing the implementation of response programs to help those affected by the earthquake that struck a number of areas in Syria last February. They also discussed the issue of the return of refugees and the need to provide necessary support in this regard.

Minister Makhlouf indicated that the work is carried out in cooperation with national partners, in coordination with the operations rooms emanating from the sub-committees for relief in the affected governorates. He pointed out that this participatory work is carried out according to a database of beneficiaries that guarantees justice in providing any assistance to those affected.

Makhlouf affirmed the continuation of cooperation and coordination with UNHCR and the provision of all necessary facilities to implement joint plans and programs.

He said that the Syrian government has worked to provide the requirements of safe and voluntary return of refugees, by issuing a number of decrees, decisions, legislations. He considered that the political openness that Syria is witnessing and its return to its Arab and regional environment contributes to accelerating the return of refugees to their country.

For his part, Dhanapala thanked the Ministry for all the facilities it provides for making the UNHCR’s work a success, achieving fruitful results and creating suitable conditions for the return of refugees to their homeland, stressing the UNHCR’s continued efforts to obtain additional funding for supporting the process of sheltering those affected by the earthquake in Syria.

Dhanapala also pointed out that coordination is being pursued with the Higher Committee for Relief and its sub-committees in the affected governorates and the concerned authorities to implement priority projects in accordance with the established work mechanisms.

Raghda Sawas