Attachments
12,013 Refugees 4,867 Asylum-seekers
668 new individuals registered and
115 individuals recognized as refugees
Registration and Identity Management
Registration of people seeking international protection is critical, as it enables the early identification of individuals with specific needs and their referral to available protection responses. Additionally, registration provides comprehensive population data needed for programme planning including shelter, food, health, water and sanitation, cash-based interventions and other forms of assistance.
UNHCR identification cards provided to refugees and asylum-seekers registered with UNHCR constitute proof of legal identity, can prevent arbitrary arrest and refoulement, and facilitate greater freedom of movement. The cards also enable refugees and asylum-seekers to apply for legal residency, register vital events (such as birth registration), and access basic assistance in Syria.
Between January and December 2023, UNHCR registered 668 individuals (new registrations), mainly comprising Iraqi and Sudanese nationals. Additionally, 15,643 identification cards, including renewals were issued, representing an 7% decrease compared to 16,815 cards issued between January-December 2022. The decrease is mainly related to the bulk inactivation exercise that was carried out by year-end. Description of registration helpline received 8,174 calls during the reporting period.
Refugee Status Determination
Refugee Status Determination (RSD) is the legal administrative process by which governments or UNHCR determine whether a person seeking international protection is considered a refugee under international, regional, or national laws. RSD is often a vital process in helping refugees realize their rights under international law. In agreement with the Government of Syria, UNHCR conducts RSD for asylum-seekers in the country.
By the end of December 2023, interviews were conducted for 130 cases (265 individuals), 144 cases (303 individuals) were submitted for review, and 127 cases (250 individuals) were reviewed. Decisions were taken for 113 cases (220 individuals), out of which 67 cases (127 individuals) were recognized as refugees, and 46 cases (93 individuals) were rejected.
An RSD helpline is fully operational, providing counselling on both the RSD process and the status of asylum-seekers and refugees' individual cases. By the end of December 2023, the RSD helpline had received 374 calls relating primarily to the status of individual cases and requests for cash assistance. The RSD unit is also participating in monthly community sensitization sessions to ensure asylum-seekers are informed and understand the RSD process in Syria.