On December 17, 2024, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) announced plans to assist up to 1 million Syrian refugees who may return voluntarily between January and June 2025. This potential return follows significant political changes in Syria, particularly the decline of the Assad government.
Refugees in neighboring countries have expressed mixed feelings of hope and caution regarding the situation. UNHCR, while not advocating for large-scale repatriations, is coordinating with host nations including Türkiye, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt, as well as various UN and non-governmental organizations.
In addition to preparing for returnees, UNHCR emphasized the importance of continuing support for the six million refugees still residing in the region, focusing on empowering them through skill-building and asset development.