Surge in Syrian Refugees Willing to Return Home
A recent survey conducted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has revealed a significant increase in the number of Syrian refugees expressing a desire to return to their homeland. The data shows that 27% of Syrians are now planning to go back within the next year, a stark contrast to just 1.7% who expressed similar intentions before the fall of Assad’s regime.
According to a report by Syrian TV on Saturday, the UNHCR highlighted that three-quarters of Syrian refugees still do not have clear plans to return, showing hesitation due to the ongoing instability and lack of basic services in Syria.
The reluctance to return is attributed to various issues including loss of property, security concerns, lack of job opportunities, and the absence of essential services like healthcare, electricity, and water supplies. The situation worsens in winter with dropping temperatures and a scarcity of basic heating necessities.
The UNHCR also notes that the escalating humanitarian needs in Syria make it challenging for returnees to secure livelihoods, especially with the collapse of public services and the destruction of infrastructure.
Returnees emphasize that humanitarian support and financial aid are crucial for rebuilding their lives. However, even as they strive for a stable income, they face difficulties in finding employment sufficient to meet daily needs, as per the UNHCR findings.
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