UNHCR launches platform to help Syrian returnees

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) launched the “Syria is Home” digital platform to help Syrians who want to return make their decisions based on accurate information.

UNHCR spokesperson Celine Schmitt stated during a press conference that the platform was launched to support Syrians in deciding whether to return by providing timely and objective information. This includes legal procedures, identity documents, housing, healthcare, education, and more.

Schmitt added that the platform contains reliable and up-to-date information provided by UNHCR to help individuals make informed choices, plan their futures, and maintain hope, according to her statement.

In addition, the platform includes a special section for frequently asked and essential questions, covering topics such as renewing personal documents, support for repairing damaged or destroyed homes, access to legal aid, and consultations, according to Schmitt.

According to a report issued by UNHCR, the total number of Syrian refugees who have returned to their country from Jordan, Turkey, Lebanon, Iraq, Egypt, and other countries since the fall of the Baathist regime until April 3 has reached around 372,550 people.

Domestically, the report indicated that around 1.05 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Syria have returned to their original areas as of March 27, while approximately 674,000 IDPs remain displaced across the country.

In a related context, the report noted that recent violence in the governorates of Tartous, Latakia, Homs, and Hama between March 6 and 10 forced about 30,000 people to move to northern Syria and northern Lebanon.

The report explained that these refugees are spread across more than 30 different locations, particularly in the Akkar region, near the Syrian border in northern Lebanon.

It also mentioned that during the past week, UNHCR provided psychological support to over 210 individuals in coastal areas of Syria, legal consultations to several families affected by looting and vandalism, and non-food assistance.

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ANHA