Displaced Syrians Returning Home Face Fragile Future Without International Support, Says UN Refugees Chief

More than two million Syrian refugees and internally displaced individuals have returned home since the fall of Bashar Assad's government in December, according to Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. During a visit to Damascus on World Refugee Day, Grandi described Syria's situation as "fragile and hopeful," warning that without international aid, these returnees might not stay.

Challenges for Returnees

Grandi highlighted the need for essential services like electricity, schools, health centres, and security to ensure sustainable returns. He questioned how to prevent people from moving again due to the lack of housing or jobs. The civil war in Syria, which ended with Assad's ouster last December, resulted in nearly half a million deaths and displaced half of the 23 million pre-war population.

Since Assad's fall, 600,000 Syrians have returned from abroad, while 1.5 million internally displaced people have gone back to their homes. However, aid for these returnees is scarce due to multiple regional crises and reduced donor support. The UNHCR has cut programs for Syrian refugees in neighbouring countries like Lebanon.

Impact of Reduced Aid

"The United States suspended all foreign assistance," Grandi stated. He warned European donors about the consequences of reducing aid, recalling when cuts led Syrians to move towards Europe in 2015 and 2016. Some Syrians have fled for security reasons since Assad's fall, despite stabilization efforts in Damascus.

The new Syrian government faces challenges in extending control across the country and integrating former insurgent groups into a national army. Violence erupted in March when hundreds of civilians were killed in revenge attacks on the Syrian coast. This led to 40,000 new refugees fleeing to Lebanon.

Regional Tensions

The Israel-Iran conflict has exacerbated regional instability. Grandi noted Iran hosts millions of Afghan refugees who may be displaced again. The UN lacks data on those fleeing the Iran-Israel conflict but knows some Iranians have moved to Azerbaijan or Armenia. "We have very little information," he said.

Grandi mentioned ongoing talks with Lebanon about registering new refugees and providing basic assistance. He urged Syrian authorities to take strong measures against violence following attacks on civilians. The complex situation makes it difficult for many refugees to consider returning soon.

The region continues to grapple with numerous crises, affecting both local populations and displaced individuals seeking stability and safety.

With inputs from PTI