Experts: IDPs return is essential for stability, reconstruction; Syria is not ready

The issue of returning displaced persons inside and outside Syria, as well as refugees living abroad, is both critical and highly complex. Thousands remain reluctant to return due to security concerns, while others have completely rejected the idea of returning.

Statistics from mid-2024 and international reports indicate that more than 5 million Syrian refugees are registered in neighboring countries such as Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt.

Meanwhile, the number of Syrians in European countries, including those who have obtained citizenship is estimated at around 5 million, according to some sources, with Germany hosting the largest share in Europe.

As for forcibly displaced persons and IDPs within Syria, their number is estimated to range between 6 and 7.4 million across various governorates.

In this context, Ali Iskan, a trainer in human rights and peacebuilding, explained that the return of displaced persons, refugees, and IDPs to their homes is one of the most important pillars and the first step toward building peace in Syria today. It also represents a central component in restoring security, stability, and reconstruction. He added that such return would create employment opportunities for those who have lost their livelihoods.

Iskan pointed out that the main obstacles to return include the absence of genuine guarantees for safety in terms of security, logistics, legal protections, and international assurances. He also noted the presence of settlers from other regions occupying the homes of original residents in areas such as Afrin and Serekaniye/ Ras al-Ain, as well as other parts of Syria.

He emphasized that the conditions necessary to ensure return are currently unavailable, and that the lack of preparation remains a major barrier to both the return of displaced populations and the establishment of peace and stability.

Regarding the protection of returnees from discrimination and retaliation, Iskan stressed that the key requirement is the presence of government guarantees to prevent any form of discrimination or revenge, along with community committees that support the fair and dignified reintegration of families into their communities.

He also noted that the transitional justice process in Syria, which is essential for stability and for enabling return is nearly stalled. There is no official mechanism for the return of displaced persons and refugees, except for the limited return of approximately 400 displaced families from al-Jazira canton to Afrin.

For his part, legal expert and specialist in displacement affairs, Jwan Issa, stated that the societal factor is the cornerstone of building peace and stability in any country or region, including Syria, which has experienced decades of conflict and crises.

He emphasized that the return of displaced persons and refugees to their original areas is crucial for achieving lasting peace and stability, stating:
“There can be no peace or stability in Syria without the return of displaced persons to their original homes.”

He added that peacebuilding in Syria begins with the return of displaced populations, paving the way for a political and legal phase that can lead to further progress.

Issa also highlighted ongoing challenges that hinder return, including security, administrative, and military obstacles. He noted that some areas remain under the control of Turkish-backed factions, in addition to the seizure of properties belonging to original residents by settlers.

He argued that the primary obstacle to refugee return is political, including attempts to impose a specific political model and ideology on Syria. This is compounded by economic and investment challenges where stability is a prerequisite, as well as continued militarization and the absence of genuine social reconciliation.

Issa stressed that these challenges require broad and coordinated efforts, whether by the interim government in Damascus or at the level of local administrations, to remove obstacles and create the conditions for an organized return process that ensures the dignity and security of displaced populations. He stated:
“Return is a legitimate right for every refugee or displaced person. However, there are no guarantees that it will not become an additional burden due to the lack of social, legal, and economic conditions.”

He affirmed that Syria is currently not prepared to receive refugees residing abroad, noting that internally displaced persons within the country are still living in camps and are unable to return to their original homes.

He also stressed that protecting returnees from retaliation and discrimination is critical, particularly given the presence of extremist actors with rigid ideologies. This calls for the establishment of practical mechanisms on the ground, including the organization of a comprehensive national reconciliation conference.

Finally, he described the transitional justice process in Syria as more political than practical, referring to it as a “paralyzed body” that has failed to meet the required standards in truth-seeking, governance, and accountability. He concluded:
“The body has not fulfilled its role, and the essential conditions remain absent,” emphasizing the need to activate it in a way that ensures impartial handling of key issues.

ANHA