More than 300,000 refugees have returned to Syria since Bashar al-Assad’s overthrow, with nearly a million internally displaced individuals also returning home. The UN reports significant needs for housing and services, with a survey indicating many IDPs plan to return in the next year. However, only 10 percent of the needed funding has been received for humanitarian efforts.
The United Nations reported that over 300,000 refugees have returned to Syria since the overthrow of dictator Bashar al-Assad, along with nearly one million internally displaced individuals returning home. Celine Schmitt from the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, stated that this milestone was reached since the demise of Assad’s regime on December 8, primarily with returns from Turkey, which hosts approximately three million Syrian refugees.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has confirmed that more than 133,000 Syrians residing in Turkey have returned to Syria. The ousting of Assad ushered in a prolonged civil war that has resulted in the deaths of over half a million individuals and the displacement of millions, marking this as the world’s largest displacement crisis according to Schmitt.
Additionally, UNHCR conducted a survey revealing that approximately one million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in northwestern Syria express intentions to return home within the next year. Of 4,800 surveyed households, over half plan to reestablish themselves in their original communities, mostly within the forthcoming year.
As of January, more than 3.4 million IDPs inhabit northwestern Syria, primarily accommodated in 1,500 camps across the governorates of Idlib and Aleppo. Schmitt highlighted the growing desire of IDPs in Idlib to return, with population forecasts indicating stark increases in certain areas, raising concerns about insufficient infrastructure and services.
Access to housing is anticipated to be the most pressing requirement, as 80 percent of IDPs reported that their previous homes were severely damaged or destroyed. UNHCR is urging international donors for support, with an estimation of over $170 million required to fulfill basic necessities. However, Schmitt indicated that they have received less than 10 percent of the necessary funding to carry out their planned activities.
The UN’s report highlights a significant return of refugees and internally displaced persons to Syria following the fall of Assad, amid ongoing challenges such as dire housing conditions and insufficient funding. As many express their intent to return to their home areas, there is an urgent appeal for international assistance to address the needs of millions aiming for resettlement. The situation remains critical, particularly in terms of rebuilding infrastructure and providing essential services.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
