UNHCR says 1.4 million Syrians returned since regime’s fall
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced on Friday that over 400,000 Syrian refugees have returned from neighboring countries, along with more than one million internally displaced persons (IDPs), since the collapse of the Syrian regime on Dec. 8, 2024.
In its latest report, the UNHCR highlighted the potential for a major wave of voluntary returns during the summer months, particularly following the end of the school year.
The UNHCR emphasized that for these returns to be successful and sustainable, significant support is needed in critical areas such as shelter, livelihoods, legal assistance, and protection.
The report also expressed concern that the anticipated return of 1.5 million refugees this year may not be fully realized. Many returnees, it warned, may face conditions that could force them to flee again.
“Now is the time to invest in facilitating the return of refugees who have been waiting years for this moment,” the UNHCR stated. ” January, UNHCR launched an operational framework to help 1.5 million refugees and 2 million IDPs return home in 2025.”
“So far, only $71 million has been pledged of the $575 million required for UNHCR’s 2025 programmes inside Syria,” the agency noted.
“Without additional funding,” the report warned, “we will only be able to help a fraction of those who intend to go back, meaning fewer returning home.”