Damascus: Minister of Transport Yarub Badr and UNHCR Head of Mission in Syria Gonzalo Vargas Llosa met on Sunday to discuss ways to enhance cooperation for the smooth and safe return of Syrian refugees to their homeland.
According to Syrian Arab News Agency, Minister Badr highlighted the ongoing efforts to provide essential support to returnees. This includes transportation and financial assistance aimed at facilitating their return. The discussions underscored the commitment to ensuring that returning refugees receive the necessary help for their reintegration.
The UNHCR Representative emphasized the significance of the collaboration between the Syrian government and UNHCR. He noted that this partnership is crucial for facilitating the voluntary return process. He also reiterated UNHCR’s dedication to working closely with relevant Syrian authorities to support the return process.
The UNHCR official provided data indicating that approximately 1 million refugees have returned so far. Additionally, the number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) has exceeded 1.8 million, with expectations that this figure will increase to several millions more by 2026. These statistics highlight the scale of displacement and the ongoing efforts required to address it.
The meeting forms part of a series of efforts by the Syrian government and UNHCR to facilitate the return of refugees, reflecting their shared commitment to addressing the challenges faced by displaced populations.