Significant Refugee Returns to Syria Following Regime Change

According to the United Nations, over 300,000 refugees have returned to Syria post-Assad’s overthrow, with nearly one million more IDPs resettling in their original homes. A survey indicates a significant desire among IDPs to return, highlighting urgent needs for housing and services, with UNHCR appealing for funding to assist in this crisis.

The United Nations has reported that over 300,000 refugees have returned to Syria since the removal of dictator Bashar al-Assad. Nearly one million individuals displaced internally have also returned to their homes. This statistic was shared by Celine Schmitt from the UN refugee agency UNHCR during a press briefing in Geneva, conducted via video link from Damascus. A significant number of these returnees have come from Turkey, which accommodates approximately three million Syrian refugees.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that more than 133,000 Syrians residing in Turkey have returned home. The removal of Assad by Islamist-led rebels on December 8 marked the beginning of a violent civil war, resulting in over half a million deaths and massive displacements. Schmitt emphasized that this situation represents the world’s largest displacement crisis, indicating that many who fled the conflict are now eager to return.

In conjunction with the returning refugees, approximately 900,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) have also returned to their localities. A UNHCR survey revealed that one million IDPs in camps across northwestern Syria wish to return home within the next year. The survey, which included 4,800 households, indicated that over half of those displaced plan to go back to their areas of origin within the coming 12 months. As of January, over 3.4 million IDPs were residing in northwestern Syria, primarily situated in 1,500 camps across the Idlib and Aleppo governorates.

Schmitt highlighted that IDPs in Idlib are particularly motivated to return, warning that populations in certain areas may swell dramatically. For instance, the populations of Maarat An-Numan and Kafr Nobol could increase from 3,000 to 130,000. She noted that overall, 23 districts could potentially see their populations at least double, which would further strain local services and infrastructure.

Access to housing has become a critical need, as the survey revealed that while nearly all IDPs aim to return, 80 percent reported that their homes were severely damaged or destroyed. The UNHCR has called on international donors to enhance access to essential services, estimating a need for over $170 million to cover basic necessities. However, it has been reported that they are currently less than 10 percent funded for the necessary activities.

In summary, the United Nations reports significant movements of refugees and internally displaced individuals returning to Syria, prompted by the end of Assad’s regime. While many seek to return home to rebuild their lives, substantial challenges remain, particularly in housing and infrastructure. International support is crucial to address these immense needs as the humanitarian situation continues to evolve.

Original Source: www.newarab.com