Over 300,000 Syrian refugees have returned since Assad’s overthrow, with nearly a million more IDPs returning home. Most returns are from Turkey. The UNHCR highlights significant housing needs and urges for increased international funding to support returning populations. A major influx of returnees threatens to strain infrastructure in several regions.
Since the fall of dictator Bashar al-Assad, over 300,000 refugees have returned to Syria, according to the United Nations. Additionally, nearly one million internally displaced persons (IDPs) have returned to their homes. Celine Schmitt, a representative from the UNHCR, confirmed the return figure in a report from Geneva, stating that around half of these returns are from Turkey, which currently hosts approximately three million Syrian refugees.
Turkish President Erdogan noted that over 133,000 Syrians residing in Turkey have returned to Syria. The removal of Assad marked the beginning of a civil war that tragically claimed over half a million lives and displaced millions of individuals, making it the world’s largest displacement crisis. Schmitt highlighted that many refugees are eager to return home, driven by a sense of safety and stability.
In addition to the 300,000 refugees, roughly 900,000 IDPs have also returned to their previous locations. A UNHCR survey indicated that a million IDPs currently in camps in northwestern Syria plan to return within the next year, with over half of them aiming to go back in the next twelve months. As of January, more than 3.4 million IDPs were still displaced in the region, predominantly in camps across Idlib and Aleppo.
IDPs in Idlib show a strong desire to repatriate, but a warning was issued regarding potential population surges in returning areas. For instance, two towns in Idlib could witness their numbers soar from 3,000 to 130,000 inhabitants. Overall, 23 districts may see a population doubling, which will strain existing services and infrastructure.
The biggest need anticipated upon return is housing, as 80% of IDPs reported that their former homes are severely damaged or destroyed. The UNHCR is urging international donors to fulfill a funding requirement of over $170 million to aid essential services, noting that they have only received less than 10% of the needed funds thus far.
In conclusion, the significant repatriation of Syrian refugees since Assad’s fall highlights a growing desire among displaced individuals to return home. Despite these positive developments, the returnees face substantial challenges, primarily related to housing and infrastructure. As urgent funding is necessary to support these efforts, international assistance remains critical to address the overwhelming needs of returning populations and facilitate their reintegration into society.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
