On December 20, 2024, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported an anticipated return of one million Syrian refugees in the first half of 2025, following recent territorial changes in Syria. This development comes after over 13 years of civil war that displaced six million Syrians and created seven million internally displaced persons.
Many refugees, like Ahmad Murjan, are returning to their hometowns for the first time since fleeing. Murjan, who left Syria in 2012, recounted an emotional reunion with his mother in Aleppo, highlighting the profound impact of recent events that led to the fall of the Assad regime's grip on the city.
Despite the optimism surrounding these returns, the UNHCR emphasized the need for continued humanitarian support for returning individuals. The agency has urged donors to assist with the urgent needs of those returning to a country still riddled with instability and economic challenges, where 90% of the population lives below the poverty line.
As the situation evolves, the UNHCR has called for voluntary and sustainable returns, ensuring that refugees are not forcibly sent back to Syria. The organization remains concerned about the safety of those who may face reprisals upon their return, particularly individuals like Hussam Qasas, a human rights activist who fears for his family’s safety due to his past work documenting war crimes.
In light of these developments, the UNHCR is committed to facilitating safe returns while advocating for the protection of refugees across Europe, where many applications for asylum are currently on hold as governments reassess the situation in Syria.