Queues of vehicles form at the Masnaa border point in Lebanon on 8 December as Syrian refugees wait to cross back into Syria. ©UNHCR/Road2Films
Syria is at a crossroads – between peace and war, stability and lawlessness, reconstruction or further ruin.
After 14 years of conflict, recent developments bring hope that the suffering of the Syrian people may finally end, and that the world’s largest forced displacement crisis can move towards just solutions.
There is a remarkable opportunity for Syria to move toward peace and for its people to begin returning home. But with the situation still uncertain, millions of refugees are carefully assessing how safe it is to do so. Some are eager, while others are hesitant.
UNHCR’s advice is to remain focused on the issue of returns. Patience and vigilance will be necessary, hoping that developments on the ground will evolve in a positive manner, allowing voluntary, safe and sustainable returns to finally occur – with refugees able to make informed decisions.
Whether the parties in Syria prioritize law and order will play a major factor in those decisions. A transition that respects the rights, lives, and aspirations of all Syrians – regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political beliefs – is crucial for people to feel safe.
As the situation evolves, we will monitor developments, engage with refugee communities, and support States in any organized voluntary returns.
Let us not forget – also – that the needs within Syria remain immense. With shattered infrastructure and over 90 per cent of the population relying on humanitarian aid, urgent assistance is required as winter approaches – including shelter, food, water, and warmth. UNHCR is committed to delivering this aid and calls on all parties to facilitate its delivery.
We also call on donors to ensure that UNHCR and its partners have the resources to respond swiftly and effectively, including in neighbouring countries still hosting millions of refugees. These countries need international support to sustain their exceptional solidarity and generosity. And resources need to be provided as flexibly as possible to allow for assistance to be provided where it is most needed.
UNHCR stands ready to support Syrians wherever they are. We urge all parties to act now to ensure this moment becomes a turning point toward hope, recovery, and lasting peace and stability for the Syrian people.
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