By Yazan Hamid / GICJ
After 14 years of war and destruction, the political revolution in Syria sparked hope for the millions of asylum seekers, refugees, and internally displaced persons (IDPs), who were forced from their homes by the Syrian conflict and its subsequent humanitarian crises. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 7.4 million people were internally displaced in Syria prior to the latest developments, with 2.3 million residing in camps. 16.7 million people rely on humanitarian assistance across the entire country.
As of 2 January , the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reports nearly 500 thousand IDPs returning to their regions of origin, while neighbouring countries including Iraq, Lebanon, and Jordan report over 100 thousand Syrian refugees returning indefinitely. Among these refugees are those assessing Syria’s safety and stability before returning with their families to stay. The UNHCR reports “low but steady” numbers of Syrians departing Lebanon with anywhere between 100 and 200 people crossing no-man’s land areas over a 10-day span. Although the war has finally come to an end, there remains prevalent insecurities as the nation rebuilds itself under new power. Moreover, winter conditions have proven to be detrimental to displaced Syrians determined to make the trip home.
For many displaced Syrians, the decision to return is characterised by a mix of push and pull factors. On one hand, deteriorating conditions in host countries, such as limited economic opportunities and restrictive policies, have made life increasingly problematic. On the other hand, the pull of home - a place deeply rooted in identity and cultural ties - is compelling. A sense of responsibility to rebuild Syria also motivates returnees. After witnessing their country’s destruction from afar, many Syrians feel a moral incentive to participate in its recovery.
“We want to reconstruct our homes and rebuild our lives,
Syria needs us now more than ever. ”
said a returnee at the Turkish border [1].
Despite these positive developments, returning to Syria involves its own challenges. Much of the country’s infrastructure remains in ruins, with basic services such as electricity, water, and healthcare still in the process of being restored. Cities like Aleppo and Raqqa bear the scars of years of intense fighting, with entire neighborhoods reduced to rubble [2]. A key factor in ensuring the safe return of Syrians is creating an environment that is both safe and habitable. War-torn areas may still contain dangerous remnants of war, such as unexploded ordnance, landmines, and unstable buildings, which pose significant risks to returnees. Efforts to clear these hazards must be prioritised to prevent further tragedies and to foster confidence among those contemplating their return. Furthermore, security remains a critical concern. Although large-scale hostilities have ceased, infrequent violence and localised conflicts persist. Additionally, the political future of Syria is still uncertain, and many returnees worry about potential instability.
The International Organisation for Migration in Syria
The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has been active in Syria since 2001, in response to the humanitarian needs of migrants, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and host communities. In light of recent political changes and the ongoing humanitarian crisis, the IOM has expanded its appeal for Syria to $73.2 million USD. This funding aims to assist more than 1.1 million people across the country over the next six months, focusing on immediate humanitarian needs and supporting the nation's transition period following the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government.
While the international community has acknowledged the importance of ensuring the safety of voluntary returnees to Syria, the IOM has emphasised that large-scale returns must be managed carefully to avoid overwhelming local infrastructure and exacerbating tensions in already fragile areas. Amy Pope, the Director General of the IOM, visited Damascus following the fall of the Assad Regime. When addressing the press upon her return, Ms. Pope highlighted her concerns regarding large scale returns of refugees, raising the point that a mass influx of returnees may hinder capacity building processes by overwhelming an already fragile State [3]. Through partnerships with local and international organisations, the IOM has been conducting awareness campaigns and supporting clearance efforts to make these areas safer for returnees. Additionally, the IOM has been working on reestablishing monitoring systems to assess the conditions of returnees and their reintegration progress. These systems provide valuable data to ensure that assistance programs are tailored to the actual needs of the returnees, such as healthcare access, education, and employment opportunities [4].
The ongoing political change marks a turning point for Syria, instilling hope in the millions of displaced individuals seeking to rebuild their lives. While the return of hundreds of thousands of Syrians signals a desire for a new chapter, significant challenges remain, including damaged infrastructure, safety concerns, and the fragility of local resources. Efforts by organisations like the IOM are crucial to ensuring that returns are safe, sustainable, and well-supported, allowing Syria to move toward recovery and long-term stability.
Geneva International Centre for Justice (GICJ) acknowledges that the political shift in Syria as a pivotal moment for Syria and its people. While the end of large-scale hostilities brings hope for displaced Syrians, GICJ emphasises the need for a comprehensive and humanitarian approach to rebuilding the nation. It is imperative that we address the root causes of displacement, ensure accountability for war crimes, and prioritise the safety and prosperity of returnees. GICJ calls on the international community to support Syria’s recovery through humanitarian assistance, mine clearance, and infrastructure reconstruction, while safeguarding the human rights of all Syrians. Furthermore, GICJ stresses the importance of inclusive governance and reconciliation efforts to foster long-term peace and stability. Any return process must be voluntary, safe, and sustainable, ensuring that those who choose to return can do so without fear or insecurity. GICJ remains committed to advocating for justice, accountability, and the human rights of all those affected by the Syrian conflict.
#BashirAl-Assad #AssadRegime #Syria #Migration #Refugees #CapacityBuilding #HumanRights
#UNHRC #UNOCHA #HumanitarianAid #GenevaInternationalCentreforJustice #GICJ
SOURCES
[1]https://elpais.com/internacional/2024-12-09/cientos-de-refugiados-sirios-en-turquia-se-agolpan-en-la-frontera-volveremos-y-reconstruiremos-el-pais.html
[2]https://www.thenewhumanitarian.org/news-feature/2024/12/19/syrians-begin-return-destroyed-homes-will-others-follow
[3] https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1n/k1ng2u7icb
[4] https://www.iom.int/return-and-reintegration?utm_source=.com
Photo: UNHCR