Damascus - New York: Europe and the Arabs
A UN official said that the international community cannot be content with an observer role in Syria, but must play an active role in supporting stabilization and recovery efforts, and helping Syrians rebuild and shape their country.
This came at the conclusion of a five-day visit by UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees Kelly Clements to Lebanon and Syria. According to the UN daily news bulletin this morning, Wednesday.
A statement issued by the commission yesterday stated that during her visit, Clements met with Lebanese and Syrian officials, refugees who had recently returned to Syria, and refugees who had recently arrived in Lebanon. In the Bekaa Valley, eastern Lebanon, Syrian refugees considering return shared their desires, hopes, and fears with her.
During her meetings with Lebanese officials, Clements expressed her appreciation for Lebanon's continued generosity in hosting Syrian refugees and pledged further cooperation to support the voluntary return of Syrian refugees. She also met with a group of Syrian refugees who arrived in Lebanon over the past few months, fleeing the recent violence in Syria.
“It has been a difficult time, as we have seen Syrians return, and others flee as well,” Clements said. “We rely on the international community to continue supporting Lebanon and UNHCR’s work here. Millions of Syrian refugees remain in neighboring countries, and the world must not forget them. Any return must be voluntary, safe, and dignified.”
The Will to Return
In Syria, the UN official met with Syria’s Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Hind Qabawat, as well as the governors of Homs and Idlib, and recently returned refugees who spoke of their hopes of rebuilding their lives in their homeland.
“I saw firsthand how people have maintained their will to return, stay, and rebuild despite the harsh reality of destruction and lack of services after 14 years of war,” Clements said.
During her visit to the villages of Zebdine and Mleiha in rural Damascus, Clements visited returnees who received shelter assistance and support to start small businesses. In Maarat al-Numan, Idlib Governorate, she and the Governor inaugurated the newly rehabilitated civil registry office, supported by UNHCR, to facilitate access to documentation for returnees and residents.
At the Jusiyah border crossing, where UNHCR is providing support in registration and infrastructure rehabilitation, she met with returning Syrian refugees for the first time in years.
It is worth noting that since 2024, more than 1.2 million people have returned to Syria, while the return of internally displaced persons continues, with more than 1.7 million displaced people having returned since last December.