Syria: Grande calls on the world to act now to support the country’s recovery and returning Syrians

In a statement following his visit to the country, Grande described this moment as… “pivotal”in which the world must “take action” to support Syria’s recovery, and stressed that cooperation between neighboring countries, donors and the Syrian interim authorities “Essential for achieving much-needed peace and stability in Syria and the entire region.”

According to UNHCR, more than half a million refugees have returned to Syria since September, including 200,000 people who returned after the fall of the Assad regime on December 8. In addition, nearly 600,000 internally displaced people have since returned to their homes, but there remain 7.4 million Syrians displaced within the country, and more than six million Syrian refugees worldwide.

The High Commissioner said: “We must seize this crucial opportunity to help the country emerge from years of crisis and bloodshed. Many families are taking the brave step of returning home, wanting a better future, but facing enormous hardships: destroyed and damaged homes, shattered infrastructure and widespread poverty.”

Grandi held high-level discussions with caretaker authorities during his visit to Damascus, including head of authorities Ahmed al-Sharaa, which focused on how best to support Syrians returning home. He also met with Syrians at major border crossings, including Al-Masnaa on the Lebanese border and Baba Al-Hawa on the Turkish border. He also spoke with families in Aleppo, who described the harsh conditions they faced upon their return, and their need for urgent support so they could reunite with their families and begin rebuilding their lives.

In this context, the High Commissioner said: “We need a comprehensive approach to make returns sustainable, safe and dignified and to prevent further displacement in the long term. This means investing in jobs, restoring healthcare, rebuilding schools, and re-establishing basic services such as electricity and clean water. In addition, lifting sanctions will act as a catalyst.” “Vital for recovery, and paves the way for more Syrians to return to their homes.”

UNHCR said it is working with its partners to increase humanitarian assistance to meet the massive needs, including supporting people returning voluntarily from neighboring countries with transportation and legal support, as well as helping to repair their damaged homes, and providing cash assistance and relief materials such as mattresses, blankets and winter clothing.

According to a UNHCR survey, 27 percent of Syrian refugees surveyed in Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan and Iraq plan to return to Syria in the next 12 months, up from less than two percent before the fall of the Assad regime just a few weeks ago.

Grandi called on donors to support efforts to meet the massive immediate humanitarian needs, as well as ensure the country’s long-term recovery. He stressed that protecting the rights and safety of all Syrians is also necessary to create appropriate conditions for their return.