GENEVA, 7 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – More than 300,000 refugees have returned to Syria following the overthrow of President Bashar al-Assad, the United Nations announced on Friday.
“Since 8 December… we have now surpassed 300,000 returns,” said Celine Schmitt of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR). She further noted that an additional 900,000 people, who had been internally displaced within Syria, had also returned home since the end of November.
Background and Context:
The fall of Bashar al-Assad marked a significant turning point in Syria’s long-running conflict, which began in 2011 as part of the Arab Spring uprisings. Over the years, millions of Syrians were forced to flee to neighbouring countries such as Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan, while millions more became internally displaced.
The return of refugees signals a shift in Syria’s political and security landscape, although challenges remain. Many areas still suffer from infrastructural damage, economic instability, and political uncertainty. Humanitarian organisations continue to work on the ground to provide essential services and support reintegration efforts.
While some refugees are returning voluntarily, others face difficult circumstances in host countries due to deteriorating economic conditions and tightening immigration policies. The UNHCR has emphasised the need for a safe, dignified, and sustainable return process, urging the international community to support rebuilding efforts in Syria.
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