Attachments
Key Highlights
- As of 13 February 2025, UNHCR estimates that some 279,620 Syrians have returned to Syria since 8 December 2024. These figures are based on a triangulation of sources from outside and inside Syria and include refugees registered with UNHCR and other Syrians returning from Türkiye, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt, as well those transiting from beyond the region.
- In a cross-border coordinated effort, and as part of the Facilitated Voluntary Return and Transport Assistance programme, UNHCR continued to offer free transportation for the most vulnerable returnees in Jordan and inside Syria.
- In Jordan, Egypt and Lebanon, refugees continue to express interest in returning, while also raising concerns around safety, damage to infrastructure, limited services, livelihood opportunities and raising practical questions on return processes. Refugees are also emphasizing a preference for "go - and - see" visits, similar to those facilitated by Türkiye, in order to help their families make informed decisions about returning.
- Following the ministerial meetings in Aqaba (14 December 2024) and Riyadh (12 January 2025), France hosted a high-level ministerial conference in Paris on the situation in Syria, with President Macron joining the discussions. The Conference Joint Statement also made reference to the importance of "facilitating the conditions necessary for the voluntary and lasting return of refugees including support for economic recovery, in line with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees's position on returns to Syria, and with a particular focus on recovering ownership rights.”