Syria discusses cooperation with UNDP, UNHCR  

Minister of Local Administration and Environment Hussein Makhlouf and the Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Ramla Al-Khaledi and the Resident Representative of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugee (UNHCR) Sivanka Darsha Danabala on Tuesday discussed cooperation between the ministry and these two UN bodies.

Makhlouf said that focus should be put on top priorities, represented in the return of the Syrian refuges to their homeland and continuous work to provide all services in the areas liberated from terrorism, including infrastructure, schools, hospitals and some projects that help citizens secure their living. Focus, he stressed, should also be put on implementing the projects that enhance the services of the local administration and boost the abilities of the local councils to manage their resources.

Makhlouf affirmed the importance of the project of enhancing the abilities of local communities in Eastern Ghouta to face climate changes and water shortages through integrated management of natural resources and immediate adaptation intervention.

He clarified that this project is being implemented by several organizations in cooperation with the civil society, urging the representatives of the UNDP and the UNHCR to support the efforts being exerted by the Syrian government to encourage the safe and voluntary return of refugees to their homeland.

He stressed that the unilateral coercive measures imposed on Syria are among the major obstacles that impede the return of the refugees and the displaced.

On her part, Al-Khaledi stressed the need to continue working in coordination with the Ministry of Local administration to implement the services projects according to effective partnership with other humanitarian organizations.

Danabala, on his part, said that coordination and cooperation with the Syrian government is very important to achieve the hoped for results, noting the need to create appropriate circumstances for the return of the Syrian refugees and providing them with integrated services that meet their needs.

Hamda Mustafa