Uprooted Syrians mulling return mustn’t be pushed, says UNHCR 10 December 2024
GENEVA, Switzerland – Displaced Syrians considering returning home must not be pressured to do so, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said on Tuesday, warning that conditions in the war-torn country remain unsafe for many.
UNHCR spokesperson Shabia Mantoo told reporters in Geneva that 6.8 million Syrians remain internally displaced within the country, while more than 6 million have fled to neighboring countries.
“For the vast majority of these refugees, the conditions for safe and dignified return are not yet in place,” Mantoo said.
She noted that while some areas of Syria have stabilized, the overall security situation remains fragile, with ongoing violence, arbitrary arrests and detention, and human rights violations.
The UN refugee agency emphasized the importance of respecting the principle of voluntary repatriation, which states that refugees should only return to their home countries when it is safe and when they have made a free and informed decision to do so.
“UNHCR is concerned about reports of pressure being put on Syrian refugees to return,” Mantoo said. “Such pressure can undermine the voluntary nature of return and put refugees at risk.”
UNHCR called on countries hosting Syrian refugees to continue providing them with protection and support, and to ensure that their return is voluntary and dignified.
The agency also urged the international community to support efforts to create conditions conducive to safe and sustainable return, including through political solutions, reconstruction, and reconciliation.
“Ultimately, the best way to address the plight of displaced Syrians is to find a comprehensive political solution to the conflict that has uprooted them,” Mantoo said. “Until that happens, it is essential to protect the rights of refugees and ensure that they can return home only when it is safe and when they have freely decided to do so.”
Uprooted Syrians mulling return mustn’t be pushed, says UNHCR
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