Syria: Thousands of displaced head home, but many refugees still wary
13 February 2025
Damascus, Syria – Thousands of Syrians who were displaced by the country’s long-running civil war are returning to their homes, but many refugees are still wary of returning to their homeland due to fears of persecution and ongoing violence.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), some 1.6 million Syrians have returned to their homes in the past year. The majority of returnees are from neighboring countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey, where they had been living in refugee camps or urban areas.
However, the UNHCR estimates that there are still some 6.5 million Syrian refugees living outside of the country. Many of these refugees are hesitant to return to Syria due to fears of persecution by the government, as well as ongoing violence in some parts of the country.
“I am afraid of going back to Syria,” said Omar, a 35-year-old Syrian refugee who has been living in Jordan since 2016. “I left because I was afraid for my life and I don’t think that has changed.”
Omar’s fears are not unfounded. The Syrian government has been accused of committing war crimes and human rights abuses against its own citizens. The country is also still plagued by violence, with armed groups fighting for control of various parts of the country.
In addition to fears of persecution and violence, many Syrian refugees are also concerned about the lack of basic services and infrastructure in their home country. The war has destroyed or damaged much of Syria’s infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and roads.
“I don’t think Syria is ready for us to come back,” said Amina, a 27-year-old Syrian refugee who has been living in Lebanon since 2012. “There are no jobs, no schools, and no hospitals. How are we supposed to rebuild our lives there?”
Despite the challenges, some Syrian refugees are still determined to return to their homeland. Many of them are eager to reunite with their families and friends, and to rebuild their lives in their home country.
“I miss my country,” said Ibrahim, a 40-year-old Syrian refugee who is planning to return to Syria next month. “I want to go back and rebuild my life. I want to be with my family and friends again.”
The Syrian government has welcomed the return of displaced Syrians and has pledged to provide them with support and assistance. However, it is unclear whether the government will be able to meet the needs of all of the returnees, and many refugees are still skeptical of the government’s promises.
“I hope that Syria is a safe place for me to return to,” said Ibrahim. “But I am also aware of the risks. I will be careful and I will be ready to leave again if I need to.”
The return of Syrian refugees to their homeland is a complex and challenging process. There are many factors that will determine the success or failure of their return, including the security situation in Syria, the availability of basic services, and the willingness of the government to welcome them back.
Syria: Thousands of displaced head home, but many refugees still wary
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