UNHCR: Syria Is Not Safe For Return of Refugees

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recently confirmed that it does not currently support the wide-scale voluntary return of Syrian refugees. In a report released on August 6, UNHCR cited ongoing security and material challenges as reasons for its stance.
The report highlighted that despite the Syrian crisis entering its 14th year, the country’s security, social, and economic conditions continue to decline. The UNHCR is focusing on addressing the concerns of internally displaced persons and refugees through protection services and assistance, irrespective of how they return.
Efforts are ongoing to enhance the resilience of refugees and host communities, aiming to ensure any return is safe and sustainable. UNHCR also calls on relevant stakeholders to create a conducive environment for voluntary return, guided by international standards and the choices of the refugees.
Surveys conducted since 2017 in major refugee-hosting countries, including Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Egypt, reveal that most Syrian refugees still hope to return one day. However, safety, security, legal issues, lack of livelihoods, and basic services remain significant obstacles.
Amnesty International echoed these concerns on May 27, confirming that no part of Syria is currently safe for refugee returns. The organization urged donor governments, especially EU member states, to ensure that no funds sent to support refugees in Lebanon contribute to human rights violations in the way of forced deportation back to Syria.
A report by the United Nations Human Rights Council on February 13 documented violations and abuses across Syria, including arbitrary detention, torture, and sexual violence, which disproportionately affect returning refugees.
The collective message is clear: without substantial improvements in Syria’s conditions, the return of refugees cannot be considered safe or voluntary.