At least one million displaced Syrian interns have already returned to their places of origin and, at the same time, more than half a million refugees returned from neighbouring countries.
It was revealed by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs when referring to the forced migration that took place some time ago and led to years of displacement.
According to Syrian authorities, more than 425,000 refugees who were in neighbouring territories have returned to the country since 8 December 2024, the date of the overthrow of Bashar Al-Assad’s government.
The spokesperson for the General Authority for Land Crossings and Seaports, Mazen Alush, explained to the press that the return of these displaced persons was recorded at border crossings as part of the voluntary return process, particularly from Türkiye, from where more than 250,000 people returned, in addition to a large number of returnees from Lebanon, Jordan and Iraq.
Alush explained that tens of thousands of expatriates from Europe, the Arabian Gulf and several other countries were also registered as entering, either for a visit or to return permanently to their place of origin.
In addition, since the reopening of the Arida border crossing with Lebanon almost a week ago, more than 20,000 people have crossed both in and out, with smooth and hassle-free procedures.
The personal belongings and domestic goods of Syrians returning to the country are exempt from fees and taxes as part of the programme to encourage return, and work is underway to improve facilities at the crossings and facilitate their safe arrival at their final destinations, the official said.
The Director of Operations for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Edem Wousorno, had stated that there is encouraging data on the return of Syrians to their country after years of displacement.
I have seen hope in the Syrian people after years of suffering and hardship, the official said at a press conference. She noted that since December 2024, there has been an encouraging trend in the return of refugees and displaced persons.
The director revealed that at least one million internally displaced persons have returned to their places of origin, while more than half a million refugees have returned from neighbouring countries. PL
(Translated by Susan Seccombe – Email: ess.translations at gmail dot com) – Photos: Pixabay
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