Damascus,SANA- Head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) mission in Syria, Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, said that the number of refugees who have returned to the country since the fall of the former regime has reached half a million, welcoming the US decision to lift sanctions imposed on Syria.
In an exclusive interview with SANA, Vargas Llosa added that the fall of the Assad regime marked a historic opportunity to address the refugee and internally displaced persons (IDP) crisis, which has had painful consequences for over 14 years.
He expressed a strong desire among refugees to return home now since the main reason for their displacement—fear of the Assad regime and its repressive practices such as arrest, torture, forced conscription, —has been removed. He stated that most of the returnees are coming from Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq, and Egypt.
Vargas Llosa noted that the UNHCR has been calling for the lifting of sanctions on Syria since December 8, and that U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement two days ago to lift them could, particularly if implemented swiftly, have a significant positive impact on supporting the sustainable and large-scale voluntary return of millions of Syrian refugees and IDPs who have long suffered in exile. He emphasized that the biggest challenge to refugee return now is the economic situation, given the extensive destruction across all sectors over the past 14 years.
UNHCR Programs Supporting Returnees
The mission chief pointed out that Syria’s infrastructure has been severely damaged, and the UNHCR is trying to play its role in providing essential support, especially to returning refugees and IDPs, in cooperation with UN agencies and NGOs. He explained that the assistance includes transportation support for the most vulnerable refugees and IDPs, many of whom—especially in Jordan and Lebanon—wish to return but cannot even afford the bus fare.
He added that the aid includes small-scale programs to repair parts of damaged homes, given the lack of sufficient financial resources for full reconstruction. There is also a new program to provide modest cash grants to returnees to cover their basic needs during the first months of return, along with legal support to obtain official documents, which is crucial for security and access to services, as these documents enable returnees to prove their identity and access essential services.
Vargas Llosa stressed that what the UNHCR is doing alone is not enough. What ensures the return and stability of millions of refugees and IDPs is the lifting of sanctions, the launch of large-scale investment projects, and the provision of a legal environment that allows the private sector to operate in Syria. He clarified that these measures go beyond the UNHCR’s mandate and that donors, financial institutions, and governments must accelerate their contributions in this direction.
UNHCR Relations with the Syrian Government and the Role of the International Community
Vargas Llosa affirmed that relations with the current Syrian government have seen positive development, and cooperation is going very well, with many bilateral meetings, including with the governors all over the country,aimed at meeting the urgent needs of the most vulnerable groups. He noted the UN’s readiness to support the government in developing its institutional capacities, drawing on its international expertise.
He stressed that the international community has a pivotal role in supporting the Syrian government’s efforts to build a cohesive and inclusive society. He affirmed that the political process and social reintegration cannot succeed amid economic deterioration. The more investments and reconstruction efforts increase, and the more job opportunities are created, the stronger and more cohesive the society becomes.
Landmine Risks and Declining International Funding
The mission chief warned that unexploded ordnance and landmines are among the biggest obstacles to the return of refugees and IDPs. He stressed the need for the international community, in cooperation with Syrian authorities, to make tangible progress in this area, as Syrians are killed or injured daily due to these hazards.
Regarding the mission’s work inside Syria, Vargas Llosa said that many of the restrictions imposed by the Assad regime have now been lifted, and there has been a relative improvement. The UNHCR is providing shelter and repairing some homes. However, the sharp decline in donor funding this year will force the UNHCR to close 44% of its 122 community centers and reduce staff by about 30%. He noted that UN agencies and NGOs are facing the same conditions, meaning fewer Syrians may receive humanitarian aid in 2025.
He also warned that the decline in international support will have devastating effects on Syrians’ lives, as UNHCR staff witness the humanitarian consequences of this decline daily. It may also have political repercussions, especially since the recent political change has created great hope among Syrians.
UNHCR’s Position on Israeli Attacks
Regarding Israeli attacks, the mission chief said: “Any action that creates instability, fear, and anxiety among Syrians is extremely negative and may discourage their desire to return, whether they are refugees or IDPs.”
High Optimism Among Syrians About Their Country’s Future
The mission chief went on to say that the fall of the Assad regime and the rise of a new governing body was widely welcomed by most Syrians both inside and outside the country. He noted that the UNHCR conducted a survey among Syrian refugees representatives in the region after December 8 regarding their intentions to return, and about 80% expressed a desire to return to their homeland.
He added that a large number of Syrians could return in the coming months, while others will follow later, reflecting strong public optimism about the political change in the country. He emphasized the importance of the Syrian government continuing its efforts to implement its vision of building a society where everyone is respected and treated equally.
Tarek/ Mazen
