Half of 3.7 million returnees to Syria since late 2024 are children – UNICEF
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – About 3.7 million internally displaced Syrians and refugees returned to their areas of origin or other locations across Syria since November 2024, with children accounting for nearly half of the returnees, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said on Thursday.
In a new report, UNICEF said that returns have taken place despite widespread humanitarian needs, limited access to basic services, economic hardship, and continuing protection risks across the country.
The agency addeid that ongoing localized violence and new waves of displacement continue to strain already fragile infrastructure and public services. Since March 2, 2026, more than 336,000 people have crossed into Syria from Lebanon, adding pressure to humanitarian operations.
Children remain among the most vulnerable groups, particularly because of the threat posed by explosive ordnance left behind by years of conflict. UNICEF reported that explosive remnants have killed 219 children and injured 601 others since December 2024.
The organization warned that the presence of unexploded devices continues to endanger communities, especially in areas witnessing large-scale returns.
Despite mounting challenges, UNICEF said it provided life-saving and essential assistance to 3.1 million people during the reporting period, including 1.9 million children, among them one million girls.
The assistance covered critical sectors such as health care, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, and child protection.
However, UNICEF warned that its humanitarian response remains severely underfunded. The agency’s 2026 Humanitarian Action for Children appeal has received only 27 percent of the required funding, limiting its ability to maintain and expand essential services.
Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly stressed that sustainable returns depend on improved security conditions, access to public services, economic recovery, and increased international support.