Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Pakistani army: 6 soldiers and 7 militants killed in clash near the Afghan border
Israeli media: Sirens sound in the settlement of Kerem Shalom in the Gaza envelope area
Afghan source to Al Mayadeen: We still believe in dialogue and prioritize diplomatic solutions with Pakistan; though we are ready for all possibilities.
Afghan source to Al Mayadeen: Pakistan purposely obstructed negotiations in Turkey by making unrealistic demands.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: More than 70 martyrs in Israeli attacks on Gaza since dawn.
Death toll from latest Israeli strikes on Gaza rises to 30
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Five killed in the Israeli bombing of a civilian vehicle on Al-Qassam Street in Khan Younis, south of the Gaza Strip
Hamas confirms that it has no connection to the shooting incident in Rafah and affirms its commitment to the ceasefire agreement
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Two civilians were killed and four others, including a child and an infant, were injured in an Israeli bombing of a house belonging to the Al-Banna family in the al-Sabra neighborhood, south of Gaza City
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: An Israeli airstrike targets the vicinity of Al-Shifa Medical Complex, west of Gaza City

No more reason for Syrian refugees to stay in Lebanon: President Aoun

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 23 Jan 2025 22:23
5 Min Read

Over 200,000 Syrian refugees have already returned to their homeland, according to UN data.

Listen
  • x
  • AP
    Lebanese President Joseph Aoun speaks during a joint news conference with French President Emmanuel Macron at the presidential palace in Baabda, in east of Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, January 17, 2025. (AP)

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called on the United Nations to take immediate action in organizing the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland, following the recent deposition of Bashar al-Assad in Damascus. The appeal, reported by Lebanon's state-run news agency NNA, was made during a meeting with UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi, who is currently visiting Beirut.

President Aoun argued that with al-Assad no longer in power, the refugees who fled his administration should now return home. "They have no reason to stay in Lebanon anymore," Aoun reportedly said. He also urged the international community to provide financial and humanitarian aid to ensure the repatriation process is carried out safely and effectively, alleviating the strain on Lebanon's resources.

الرئيس عون استقبل فيليبو غراندي المفوض السامي للأمم المتحدة لشؤون اللاجئين حيث شدد على ضرورة عودة النازحين السوريين لا بقاءهم في لبنان وطلب من الامم المتحدة تنظيم مواكب العودة وتوفير الدعم اللازم لها pic.twitter.com/jj5ANXz3qg

— Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) January 23, 2025

Growing interest in return

During the meeting, Grandi shared UN data indicating that over 200,000 Syrian refugees have already returned to their homeland. He also noted a significant rise in the percentage of refugees expressing a desire to go back, which has increased from 1% to 30% within weeks. However, Grandi noted that these returns must be carefully managed. "Returns must be gradual to prevent an exacerbation of challenges within Syria," he stated.

The United Nations has reported that, in addition to refugees returning from abroad, approximately half a million internally displaced persons have also begun resettling in Syria since the change of power. 

However, many returnees are facing significant challenges, including limited access to basic services, damaged infrastructure, and ongoing instability. Reports indicate that less than half of the returnees have access to water and healthcare, complicating efforts to reintegrate displaced populations.

Additionally, legal and economic barriers have made returning difficult for many Syrians. The lack of essential legal documents has hindered property claims and access to public services, while the country's struggling economy offers limited opportunities for rebuilding livelihoods.

Related News

UN reports severe human rights violations in Syria’s Sweida

2 killed, 11 injured in armed attack on passenger bus in Syria

Read more: New Syrian leadership to privatize oil, cotton, ports to boost economy

Border crossings and security concerns

Although Lebanon's General Security Office had announced that the Masnaa border crossing would remain open for Syrian nationals, the situation remains complex. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) clarified that many crossings, including those in northern Lebanon, are not fully operational, and some refugees are returning through unofficial routes like Wadi Khaled. These logistical challenges have partly slowed the repatriation process.

Adding to these challenges, "Israel’s" continued illegal presence in Syria is contributing to regional instability. Ongoing Israeli airstrikes and violations of Syrian sovereignty have hindered reconstruction efforts and exacerbated security risks for returning refugees. These actions have further delayed the stabilization of key regions needed to accommodate returning populations.

Read more: Damascus demands 'Israel' cease actions on its territory: MoD

The German Embassy in Lebanon recently highlighted these challenges during its visit to the Land Border Regiment at the Syrian border and the Masnaa Crossing Point. The embassy described its visit as an opportunity to gain "deep insights into the challenging situation" and noted discussions about potential future support and assistance to improve conditions.

Our first visit of the Land Border Regiment at the Syrian border and the Masnaa Crossing Point provided deep insights into the challenging situation there.
Discussions also touched areas of possible future support and assistance. pic.twitter.com/waRm0pj55L

— Germany in Lebanon 🇩🇪🇱🇧 (@GermanEmbBeirut) January 23, 2025

Meanwhile, the Lebanese Army has reinforced its presence along the border, citing the "delicate circumstances" following Assad's fall. Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has also emphasized the need for tightened border control to address the repercussions of developments in Syria.

Previous calls for action

Last month, Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati also highlighted the urgent need for Syrian refugees to return home during a political festival in Rome. Mikati emphasized that Lebanon hosts the highest number of refugees per capita globally, with over one-third of its population now comprising Syrian nationals. "The strain on our resources has been substantial, worsening existing economic trouble and creating fierce competition for jobs and services," he said.

Mikati noted that the best resolution to the refugee crisis is for Syrians to return home, particularly after the political transformation in Syria. He called on the international community, especially European nations, to support early recovery efforts in secure areas of Syria, ensuring a sustainable and dignified return for refugees.

Read more: European countries reassess Syrian migrant status, deportation plans

Lebanon, with a population of 5.8 million, is currently hosting approximately two million Syrian refugees, including over 800,000 registered with the United Nations. Mikati also pointed out that Lebanon needs at least $5 billion for reconstruction, as estimated by the World Bank, further underscoring the economic burden caused by the prolonged refugee crisis.

  • Syria
  • Joseph Aoun
  • Syrian refugees
  • Lebanon
  • UNHCR

Most Read

'Israel’s Digital Iron Dome: Weaponizing the web against Palestine

'Israel’s Digital Iron Dome: Weaponizing the web against Palestine

  • Technology
  • 24 Oct 2025
Arab League chief exposes secret US deal shielding 'Israel’s' nukes

Arab League chief exposes secret US deal shielding 'Israel’s' nukes

  • Politics
  • 27 Oct 2025
US missionary kidnapped in Niger capital, suspected taken toward Mali

US missionary kidnapped in Niger capital, suspected taken toward Mali

  • Africa
  • 23 Oct 2025
What Marr evidently didn't seem to understand was that Hedges isn't saying that Western journalists manipulate the truth, but that they systematically amplify Israeli narratives they know are false. (Al Mayadeen English; Illustrated by Batoul Chamas)

Western journalists know they have a case to answer for their betrayal of Gaza, and it frightens them

  • Opinion
  • 24 Oct 2025

Coverage

All
War on Gaza

Read Next

All
Saudi's PIF refocuses on AI, logistics, and religious tourism
Economy

Saudi Arabia's fund refocuses on AI, logistics, and religious tourism

Detained Bahraini activist al-Khawaja starts new hunger strike.
Politics

Detained Bahraini activist al-Khawaja starts new hunger strike

Israel fortifies Gaza’s "yellow line," prepares to dig in.
Politics

'Israel' fortifies Gaza’s 'yellow line,' prepares to dig in: WSJ

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One as he travels from Tokyo, Japan, to South Korea, on October 29, 2025. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
Asia

Trump’s weak dollar strategy risks global fallout: Forbes

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS