UNHCR deputy chief calls for support to end displacement for millions of Syrians

BEIRUT - UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees Kelly T. Clements concluded a five-day visit to Lebanon and Syria with a call to the international community to support efforts to bring peace and stability to Syria, and end the displacement and suffering of millions of Syrians. She also called for continued support to countries hosting Syrian refugees, including Lebanon.

During her visit, Clements met with Lebanese and Syrian officials, refugees who have recently returned to Syria as well as newly arrived refugees in Lebanon. In the Bekaa Valley, eastern Lebanon, Syrian refugees contemplating return shared with her their wishes to return, hopes and concerns.

Around 850,000 Syrians have crossed back to their country from neighbouring countries since the fall of the Assad government in December. UNHCR has scaled up support to those choosing to return to ensure it is dignified and sustainable, including via the provision of money and transportation.

In Lebanon Clements met Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri, Director General of the General Security Major General Hassan Choucair and Minister of Social Affairs Haneen El Sayed.  

During these meetings, Clements expressed her appreciation for Lebanon's continued generosity in hosting Syrian refugees and committed to further cooperation in supporting the voluntary return of Syrian refugees.

From Lebanon, close to 200,000 Syrian refugees have returned to Syria in 2025, with many more expressing their intention to return in the coming months, especially after Lebanese authorities have temporarily waived exit fees for those who overstayed their residency.

Clements also met a group of Syrian refugees who arrived in Lebanon in the past few months after fleeing recent violence in Syria.

"It's been a dynamic period where we see both Syrians returning, but also others becoming newly displaced", Clements said. "We count on the international community to continue supporting Lebanon and UNHCR's work here. Millions of Syrian refugees are still in neighboring countries, and the world must not forget about them. Any returns must be voluntary, safe and dignified."

In Syria, Clements met with Syria's Social Affairs and Labor Minister, Hind Kabawat, as well as the governors of Homs and Idleb, and recently returning refugees who spoke of their hopes to rebuild their lives back home, and their country. "I saw up-close how people have preserved their will to return, stay and rebuild despite the harsh reality of destruction and lack of services following 14 years of war", Clements said.

UNHCR and partners in Syria have expanded support to areas seeing high numbers of returns. During her visit to rural Damascus, in Zibdeen and Maliha villages, Clements visited returnees who received shelter assistance and support to start small businesses.

In Maaret Al Nouman in Idleb Governorate, Clements, together with the Governor inaugurated the newly rehabilitated Civil Registry Office supported by UNHCR to facilitate access to documentation for returnees and residents.

At the Joussieh border crossing point, where UNHCR provides registration and infrastructure rehabilitation support, she met Syrian refugees crossing backfor the first time in years.

"The international community cannot afford to be mere observers, assessing and judging the developments in Syria. They must take an active role supporting stabilization and recovery efforts, helping Syrians rebuild and reshape their country. UNHCR and partners are on the ground doing their part, but there is so much more to be done and the international community's commitment to support such efforts is critical."

Since 2024, over 1.2 million Syrians have returned to Syria. Meanwhile, internal returns continue, with 1,763,513 internally displaced people (IDP) returnees since December 2024, including 880,058 individuals who have departed from IDP sites in the north of the country.

For additional information:

• In Amman: Rula Amin - [email protected]

• In Lebanon: Lisa Abou Khaled - [email protected]

• In Syria: Celine Schmitt - [email protected]