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
Israeli media outlet: Security incident reported in the Gaza Strip
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson: No new date or venue has been set for the meeting between Araghchi and Witkoff, and no negotiations will take place until the outcome is guaranteed
Palestinian platforms: Settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque complex under the protection of the occupation police
Palestinian platforms: The IOF detonated a booby-trapped robot east of the al-Zaytoun neighborhood, south of Gaza City
Syrian Defense: We call on all parties in Sweida to cooperate with security forces and exercise restraint
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: The Lebanese Army is continuing its investigations and will later announce any information that does not affect the confidentiality of the investigation
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: It has not yet been determined whether the detainees belong to ISIS or another organization
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: Around 10 people of different nationalities, including Lebanese nationals, were detained
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: The Lebanese army arrested a number of people in the Matn area of Mount Lebanon with possession it has not disclosed
Gaza Civil Defense spokesman: We have strong indications that there are martyrs, injuries, and trapped people in the Salah al-Din area

Over half a million refugees return to Syria post-Assad: UNHCR

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Agencies
  • 27 Jan 2025 21:44
3 Min Read

Despite the optimism surrounding these returns, the reality on the ground remains grim.

Listen
  • x
  • A man offers camel rides near one of the city's waterwheels, known as the
    A man offers camel rides near one of the city's waterwheels, known as the "Norias of Hama," along the Orontes River in Hama, Syria, Sunday, January 26, 2025. (AP)

Since September 2024, more than 500,000 Syrian refugees have made the journey back to Syria, including 200,000 who returned after the al-Assad government fell in December, according to estimates released by the UNHCR on Monday.

The UN agency also reported that nearly 600,000 internally displaced Syrians have returned to their homes during the same period. Despite this movement, the challenges of displacement remain staggering, with 7.4 million Syrians still uprooted within the country and over six million living as refugees abroad.

Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees, stressed the urgent need for international assistance during his recent visits to Damascus and Beirut.

Meeting with Syrian interim leadership, Grandi stated, "Many families are taking the brave step of returning home, longing for a better future, but they face overwhelming difficulties: destroyed and damaged homes, shattered infrastructure, and widespread poverty."

In Aleppo, I spoke to Syrian returnees about their challenges.

People here need lifesaving help - like shelter.

But to rebuild their lives, they need much more: jobs, healthcare, schools, services...

There is a real sense of hope here. To sustain it requires a global effort. pic.twitter.com/tGjorcMERe

— Filippo Grandi (@FilippoGrandi) January 27, 2025

Related News

Russia in talks over military bases in Syria with new government

Tensions ease in Sweida as all detainees released amid mediation

Grandi also met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun earlier this month, who called on the UN to accelerate efforts to organize the repatriation of Syrian refugees, particularly after al-Assad’s resignation.

With al-Assad no longer in power, the refugees who fled his administration "have no reason to stay in Lebanon anymore", President Aoun said, urging the international community to provide financial and humanitarian aid to facilitate safe returns.

Fragile recovery

Despite the optimism surrounding these returns, the reality on the ground remains grim.

The current interim government in Syria faces immense obstacles, including rebuilding decimated infrastructure, addressing economic hardship as a result of ongoing Western sanctions, and fostering reconciliation among Syria’s fractured communities. 

Reports indicate that less than half of returnees have access to clean water and healthcare. Damaged infrastructure, limited basic services, and ongoing instability pose severe challenges to reintegrating displaced populations. Additionally, legal and economic barriers, such as the lack of essential documentation, hinder access to property and public services, complicating efforts to rebuild livelihoods.

Moreover, regional instability continues to complicate Syria’s recovery. Israeli airstrikes on Syrian territory and violations of sovereignty have delayed reconstruction efforts and increased security risks for returnees. Clashes between Kurdish and Turkish-backed forces have also exacerbated tensions in the north.

Read more: Syria cuts tariffs on 269 Turkish products, talks free trade agreement

  • Syria
  • Syrian refugees
  • UNHCR

Most Read

Hezbollah SG reveals war details on Al Mayadeen for the first time

Hezbollah SG reveals war details on Al Mayadeen for the first time

  • Politics
  • 8 Jul 2025
Major ambush in Gaza kills 6 Israeli troops, injures dozens

Major ambush in Gaza kills 5 Israeli troops, injures 14

  • Politics
  • 8 Jul 2025
Israeli soldiers are seen in Beit Hanoun ahead of an operation by the al-Qassam Brigades, undated (Al-Qassam Brigades Military Media)

'Israel' on blast as media exposes report discrepancies in Gaza ambush

  • Palestine
  • 8 Jul 2025
Yemen Navy sinks ETERNITY C ship, shares footage of operation

Yemen Navy sinks ETERNITY C ship, shares footage of operation

  • Politics
  • 9 Jul 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
The Freedom Flotilla ship Handala as it departs for Gaza, where it aims to break the maritime blockade at a port in Syracuse, Sicily in southern Italy on July 13, 2025. (AFP)
Palestine

Freedom Flotilla's Handala departs Sicily in bid to break Gaza siege

The container ship CMA CGM Laperouse, left, docks at the Georgia Ports Authority's Port of Savannah, Sept. 29, 2021, in Savannah, Ga (AP)
Politics

US shipbuilding woes deepen as tariffs, outdated policies backfire

Gaza war raises ethical questions for ex-Obama, Biden officials
Politics

Mercenary firm tied to Gaza war crimes hires Obama-Biden PR operatives

'Israel' targets children in Gaza collecting water
Palestine

'Israel' strikes Gaza kids fetching water, blames it on 'malfunction'

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