UN calls for urgent support to rebuild Syria

Rawhi Afaghani, Deputy Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Syria, told Agence France-Presse that “rebuilding Syria is in everyone’s interest,” emphasizing that supporting the country’s rapid recovery would help prevent new humanitarian and economic crises.

Afaghani explained that Syria’s reconstruction needs are “enormous and cover housing, education, health, and infrastructure sectors,” noting that debris removal efforts are hindered by the widespread presence of unexploded ordnance in many areas.

According to UN data, more than one million Syrian refugees have returned from abroad, while nearly twice that number have gone back to their original areas inside the country since the fall of the Baath regime.

Although described as a positive sign, the UN warned that waves of return are putting increasing pressure on public services and basic facilities, as many returnees face destroyed or confiscated homes — a situation that could spark social tensions.

Afaghani added that the lack of services and job opportunities continues to prevent many Syrians, especially those residing in Europe, from returning. However, he expressed hope that the reconstruction process would pave the way for “a stable Syria that attracts its people,” stressing that returning professionals and skilled workers can play a key role in rebuilding the state and supporting peace and development.

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ANHA