Thousands of Syrian refugees returning to their homeland and internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in camps face significant challenges as Syria rebuilds from the devastation of over 13 years of war. Despite the end of the Assad regime, the widespread destruction of infrastructure and lack of basic services complicate efforts to achieve stability for displaced families.
Growing Number of Refugee Returns
Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad on December 8, over 52,000 refugees have returned to Syria, according to the Syria Response Coordinators Team (SRC). Most returnees have come from neighboring countries, with 25,277 arriving from Turkey, 13,468 from Lebanon, and 13,722 from Jordan.
The rising number of returnees reflects a desire among Syrian families to restore their lives despite the difficulties awaiting them. However, they face dire shortages of housing, clean water, electricity, and health care in the areas to which they return. Employment opportunities also remain scarce, compounding the challenges of reintegration.
“We need collective efforts to provide appropriate conditions for rebuilding their lives,” the SRC said, urging humanitarian organizations to support returning families and accelerate reconstruction efforts.
Warnings Against Mass Returns
Amid the increase in refugee returns, international agencies have raised concerns about the potential destabilizing effects of large-scale repatriations. “A large-scale return of refugees could overwhelm the country and fuel conflict at a very fragile moment,” said Filippo Grandi, head of the International Organization for Migration.
Amy Pope, the organization’s director-general, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of patience in repatriation plans. “Communities are not ready to absorb displaced people,” she said, urging European governments to delay any plans for mass returns.
IDPs in Northern Syria
For many IDPs in northern Syria, conditions remain dire. Camps in Idlib Governorate, which host the greatest number of families displaced by years of war, lack essential services such as clean water, adequate shelter, and health care.
“The camps are recording increasing damage due to weak infrastructure and insufficient humanitarian support,” SRC noted. Harsh winter weather has exacerbated the already difficult living conditions, leaving families vulnerable and without adequate aid.
UN Visits Idlib Camps
A high-level UN delegation, led by Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher, visited camps in Idlib to assess the situation and explore ways to support voluntary returns. The delegation met with displaced families in the Al-Laj camp and attended awareness sessions on civil documentation and mine risks.
During the visit, Fletcher pledged to convey the urgent needs of IDPs to donor countries to mobilize financial support. “We aim to ensure the displaced can return to their homes and contribute to building the new Syria,” Fletcher said.
Coordinated Response
Humanitarian organizations and international bodies are calling for intensified efforts to address the needs of both returning refugees and internally displaced populations. Reconstruction and development programs are crucial to providing the infrastructure and services necessary for stability.
The SRC team stressed the need for enhanced protection measures, better coordination among aid organizations, and increased funding to address the dire conditions in camps and returning communities. A coordinated response involving international donors, humanitarian agencies, and Syria’s transitional government will be essential to rebuild the nation and offer displaced families a path to stability and dignity.
