International news reports and official government statements

UN Projects One Million Syrian Refugees to Return in First Half of 2025 After Assad's Regime Collapse

Dec 17, 2024, 01:06 PM

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has projected that approximately one million Syrian refugees are expected to return to Syria in the first half of 2025. This estimate comes as part of a broader assessment of the situation following the collapse of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. UN officials have urged countries to refrain from forced returns of these refugees, emphasizing the need for patience as the situation evolves. The UNHCR's Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Rima Jamous, highlighted the importance of voluntary repatriation, reflecting the ongoing humanitarian considerations surrounding the return of displaced individuals. This anticipated return is part of a larger context, as nearly seven million Syrians have fled the country due to the ongoing conflict over the past 14 years.