UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi has urged the international community to step up assistance for Syrians returning to their war-torn homeland, as the country remains gripped by a severe humanitarian crisis. Speaking on Monday after a multi-day visit to Syria, Grandi emphasized the immense challenges facing returnees, including damaged homes, crippled infrastructure, and widespread poverty.
Since September 2024, more than 500,000 refugees have returned to Syria, with 200,000 coming back following the December collapse of the Assad government. Additionally, 600,000 internally displaced people have returned to their communities, according to the UNHCR. Despite these figures, Syria continues to grapple with widespread displacement, with 7.4 million people displaced within the country and over 6 million living as refugees abroad.
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Grandi described the situation as a “critical moment” for Syria’s recovery, saying, “Countless families are bravely taking steps to return, but they face extraordinary challenges—damaged homes, collapsed infrastructure, and rampant poverty.” During his visit, Grandi met with interim Syrian leaders, including de facto leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, to discuss ways to rebuild essential infrastructure and improve access to basic services for returnees.
The international community has faced calls to provide additional resources to support Syria’s recovery, but humanitarian funding for the region has remained insufficient. Observers warn that without sustained aid, the fragile progress made by returning families could quickly unravel.