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The Syrian conflict, now in its second decade, has resulted in one of the largest displacement crises in recent history, with an estimated 7.4 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) across the country. Over the years, shifting frontlines, ceasefires, and changes in territorial control have influenced patterns of displacement and prospects for return. In late 2024, the collapse of the regime in Syria (December 8, 2024) removed a number of major barriers to return. Since then, over one million people, including some returning from refuge abroad, have attempted to return to their areas of origin. However, these return movements have been fraught with significant protection risks, primarily due to the limited availability of services and the fragile security and economic context in many areas. Returnees in Syria face a complex landscape of protection risks. Humanitarian actors must maintain a strong field presence and vigilance to respond to these risks and prevent further harm. One of the most immediate threats is the danger posed by explosive ordnance contamination, which continues to cause injuries and fatalities in areas of return. Additionally, many returnees face homelessness or inadequate shelter, which not only undermines their dignity but also increases their vulnerability to further protection violations. Property-related violations are also common, especially when returnees attempt to reclaim homes that have been occupied by others during their displacement. This often leads to disputes and, in some cases, forced evictions or retaliatory actions. Safety and security concerns are widespread, with returnees at risk of arbitrary detention, extortion, abduction, and exposure to hostilities.
Returnees may also encounter social tensions and discrimination, particularly in communities where resources are scarce or where political and sectarian divisions persist. These tensions can hinder reintegration and fuel further marginalization. Access to essential services, such as food, water, sanitation, healthcare, and education, is often limited. This is frequently due to the lack of civil documentation, which restricts individuals' ability to access public services and legal remedies in a context where the legal system is weak or non-functional. Compounding these challenges is the issue of missing or expired personal and family documents, including the registration of births and deaths, which further limits access to rights and services. Furthermore, climate change, economic instability, and other humanitarian needs barriers have significantly worsened the protection environment. Drought, limited agricultural livelihoods, energy shortages, and inflation may lead to harmful coping mechanisms such as child labor, school dropouts, and substance abuse. Vulnerable families are often forced to deprioritize essential needs, including healthcare and nutrition, to afford basic needs.
As displacement and return dynamics evolve and increasing numbers of IDPs consider or commence return, there is a growing need for harmonized, principled, and well-coordinated protection interventions.