Over 300,000 refugees have returned to Syria since the fall of Bashar al-Assad, with significant numbers coming from Turkey. The UNHCR highlights the ongoing humanitarian challenges, including housing shortages and infrastructure strain, necessitating international support. A survey indicates that many more internally displaced individuals wish to return home soon, emphasizing the critical need for assistance in the region.
The United Nations reports that over 300,000 refugees have returned to Syria since the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in December. Celine Schmitt of the UN refugee agency UNHCR noted that nearly half of these returnees came from Turkey, which currently hosts around three million Syrian refugees. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan noted that more than 133,000 Syrians have relocated back to Syria from Turkey since the conflict began.
The fall of Assad, marked by a rebel offensive, ended decades of his family’s rule, sparking a civil war that has resulted in over half a million deaths and displaced millions. Schmitt emphasized that this remains the largest displacement crisis globally, with many refugees eager to return to their homes. In addition to returnees, approximately 900,000 internally displaced individuals (IDPs) have also gone back to their original areas in Syria.
A recent UNHCR survey revealed that around one million IDPs from camps and sites in northwestern Syria wish to return home within the next year. This survey, which included 4,800 households across displacement sites, found that over half of those surveyed plan to return, primarily within the coming twelve months. Currently, more than 3.4 million IDPs reside in northwestern Syria, mainly in 1,500 camps across the Idlib and Aleppo governorates.
Schmitt warned that certain areas, such as Maarat An-Numan and Kafr Nobol in Idlib, could experience that massive influx, with populations potentially increasing from 3,000 to 130,000. Overall, 23 districts might see their populations at least double, adding pressure to the already strained infrastructure and services in these areas.
Access to housing is a significant concern as many IDPs reported their former homes as severely damaged or destroyed. The UNHCR highlighted that 80 percent of IDPs plan to return, but they face substantial barriers in terms of housing. The agency has called upon international donors for assistance, estimating that over $170 million is needed to address basic needs, yet they have received less than 10 percent of the required funding so far.
In conclusion, the return of over 300,000 refugees to Syria since Assad’s fall underscores the ongoing complexities of the humanitarian crisis in the region. With millions displaced, the urgent need for adequate housing and basic services is paramount. International support and funding are critical to addressing the challenges faced by returning refugees and displaced individuals alike, as highlighted by the UNHCR’s recent appeals.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
