UNHCR says more than 1.7 million Syrians return home

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – More than 1.7 million Syrians have returned to the country, according to updated data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) published on Thursday, as the pace of returns increases pressure on communities to provide housing, livelihoods and basic services.

UNHCR said that 1,717,964 Syrians had returned to Syria, noting that the figure includes only returns it was able to verify or monitor and therefore does not represent the total number of returnees.

Most monitored returns were recorded in Damascus, Idlib, Aleppo, Damascus Countryside, Homs, Hama and Daraa.

The agency said returning home is only the first step for many families, who face challenges including finding housing, restoring livelihoods, accessing essential services and resolving documentation and legal issues.

UNHCR added that it is working with national and local authorities and development partners to support reintegration, including repairs to damaged homes and infrastructure, legal assistance and programs aimed at improving access to housing and livelihoods.

The agency also reported that about 1.97 million internally displaced Syrians have returned to their areas of origin, highlighting a broader movement of people returning home.

Despite the increase in returns, humanitarian needs remain substantial. More than 5.5 million people remained internally displaced based on August 2025 figures, while about 15.6 million people were estimated to need humanitarian assistance.

UNHCR published its second-quarter 2026 protection and reintegration report on Aug. 4, followed by a comprehensive report on Syrian returnees on Aug. 6.

The agency stressed that sustainable return depends not only on people reaching their places of origin, but also on their ability to rebuild safe and stable lives and regain access to employment, education and essential services.

By Jwan Shekaki