IRC says millions of Syrians return to communities lacking basic services
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – More than 3.5 million Syrians have returned to their homes since the fall of the al-Assad regime in December 2024, but most are returning to communities lacking basic services, according to a new report by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) published on Sunday.
The report, Home, but Not Whole: The Fragile Return and Reintegration of Syrian Returnees, found that returnees face widespread shortages of water, electricity, healthcare, education, and adequate housing, raising concerns over the sustainability of returns.
Based on research conducted across seven Syrian governorates, the IRC found that nearly all returnees – 9 out of 10 – arrived in areas without essential public services, while 71 percent are living in damaged homes with limited support for reconstruction. Only 18 percent said they received sufficient assistance during their return journey, and 44 percent reported conditions were worse than they had expected.
The report also found that many Syrians returned not because conditions were suitable, but due to worsening circumstances in host countries, including deteriorating legal protections and, in Lebanon, renewed conflict earlier this year.
The IRC warned that inadequate public services and uneven aid distribution are fueling tensions between returnees and host communities, with competition over scarce resources becoming an increasing source of friction.
The organization urged the Syrian government, international donors, and humanitarian agencies to accelerate investment in basic infrastructure, housing, livelihoods, and public services to support safe, voluntary, and sustainable returns.
It also called for greater funding for local organizations, social cohesion initiatives, and mental health services, while urging host countries to continue protecting Syrians who are unable to return safely.