Nearly 200,000 Syrian Refugees Return Following Assad’s Fall, UN Reports

Jan. 19, 2025

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The United Nations has reported that approximately 200,000 Syrian refugees have returned to their homeland following the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December.

UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi revealed the figures ahead of his scheduled visit to Syria and neighboring countries, where efforts to support returnees and host communities are being intensified.

Since the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime on Dec. 8, 2024, nearly 195,200 Syrian refugees have returned to their battle-weary homeland, according to Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

Grandi shared the figures on Saturday via the social platform X, indicating a noteworthy development in Syria’s post-conflict trajectory.

Since early December, nearly 200,000 Syrians have returned home, in addition to about 500,000 who went back during last year’s conflict in Lebanon. Soon I will visit Syria — and its neighbouring countries — as UNHCR steps up its support to returnees and receiving communities. pic.twitter.com/8LWX4HJoaH

— Filippo Grandi (@FilippoGrandi) January 18, 2025

“Soon I will visit Syria — and its neighbouring countries — as UNHCR steps up its support to returnees and receiving communities,” Grandi wrote, stressing the organization’s commitment to supporting Syrians as they reintegrate into their homeland after years of displacement.

Context of Returns

The refugee returns come in the wake of a lightning offensive by Islamist rebels late last year, which overthrew Assad’s government and ended 13 years of civil war that claimed over half a million lives and displaced millions abroad.

The regime’s collapse has raised hopes for stability and rebuilding, inspiring displaced Syrians to return home.

Before the rebel offensive, hundreds of thousands of Syrians had already returned, especially from Lebanon, where they fled Israel’s recent conflict with Hezbollah.

However, many returnees face an unnerving reality, with large parts of Syria still lacking essential services and infrastructure.

Turkey’s Role in Refugee Returns

Turkey, which shares a 900-kilometer border with Syria, is home to roughly 2.9 million Syrian refugees, who have escaped the conflict since 2011.

In response to growing anti-Syrian sentiment among its population, Turkish authorities have introduced policies to smooth voluntary returns.

To facilitate the process, Turkey is permitting one member of each refugee family to make up to three round trips to Syria until July 1, 2025.

This initiative by the Turkish authorities intends to help Syrian families ready themselves for relocation while addressing domestic pressures related to hosting the large refugee population.

UNHCR’s Increased Support

The UNHCR has committed to increasing humanitarian assistance for returnees and the communities receiving them.

This includes improving access to shelter, healthcare, and education while working closely with local governments and international partners to reconstruct the country’s infrastructure.

Grandi’s imminent visit to Syria and its neighboring countries underlines the UN’s emphasis on tackling the challenges faced by returnees and ensuring their safety and dignity as they rebuild their lives.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the hopefulness among the returnees, the process is laden with challenges.

Many areas in Syria are in ruins, with limited access to basic services and ongoing security concerns. The international community has asked for coordinated efforts to support Syria’s reconstruction and to ensure the safe and sustainable reintegration of displaced populations.

As Syria manages its post-Assad era, the return of nearly 200,000 refugees signifies a noteworthy step toward healing the wounds of war.

However, continued international support will be central to turning the promise of a new beginning into a stable and lasting peace.