That still represents less than a quarter of the 4.7 million Syrian refugees who in August of this year still lived in Türkiye, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt after being expelled from the country for years of brutal conflict, according to an UNHCR report from the beginning of this month.
While the country has seen a million refugees and 1.8 million displaced people internally return to their original areas, more funds are needed to facilitate the transition, amid generalized destruction to basic homes and services, combined with a lack of job opportunities.
The Chief of the ACNUR, Filippo Grandi, asked the international community, the private sector and the Syrian diaspora to “meet and intensify their efforts to support recovery”, ensuring that voluntary performance is carried out in a dignified and sustainable way.
Delaying his return
“In my area of origin there is nothing, there are no services, there is no electricity,” said one of the respondents in the UNHCR report. “The first thing we will need is a roof on our heads.”
Citing the lack of adequate housing, limited access to employment and concerns about security, most refugees said they did not intend to return to Syria within next year, despite the fact that 75 percent wish to return one day.
‘Preserve hope and support stability’
UNHCR has begun to facilitate voluntary returns and expanded its support, including providing cash and transport assistance.
There are still more than seven million Syrians displaced in Syria and 4.5 million life abroad.
“With a renewed commitment, the international community can help preserve hope and support stability and lasting solutions for one of the largest refugee situations of our time,” said Mr. Grandi.