U.N. facilitates 1st voluntary return convoy of Syrian refugees from Lebanon
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – The United Nations announced on Tuesday the launch of the first organized convoy of Syrian refugees returning voluntarily from Lebanon to Syria, under the UN-facilitated Voluntary Repatriation Program.
According to Celine Schmitt, spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Syria, the return was coordinated with the Syrian General Directorate of Ports and Borders, marking the inaugural convoy of the program.
The convoy includes 72 individuals, with some families heading to the Homs governorate, while others are returning to various towns in Damascus countryside, including Qatana, Zabadani, Babbila, Nashabiyeh, and Darayya.
In a recent move, Lebanese authorities announced that they will provide financial support of $100 for each returning Syrian, and $400 per family, to assist with reintegration.
Schmitt noted that returnees will be linked to UNHCR-supported community centers, where they can access essential services such as legal aid for civil documentation, psychosocial support, and livelihood opportunities.
As of July 14, more than 17,000 Syrian refugees in Lebanon have registered their interest in the voluntary return program and received counseling on the steps and implications of the process.
According to UNHCR estimates, since Dec. 8, 2024, a total of 719,801 Syrian refugees have returned from neighboring countries, including 205,323 who returned from Lebanon.