In a significant development for post-war Syria, UNHCR Representative Vargas Llosa has confirmed a major wave of returns among the nation’s displaced population. Official figures indicate approximately 1.3 million refugees have repatriated since December 2024, complemented by nearly two million internally displaced persons who have returned to their places of origin.
The UN official characterized this homecoming movement as largely spontaneous, occurring after more than fourteen years of forced displacement caused by prolonged conflict. Llosa observed that the pervasive fear which once dominated Syrian society is rapidly diminishing, being replaced by a growing sense of optimism and hope for the future.
While acknowledging these returns as an encouraging indicator of progress, the UNHCR representative provided measured commentary on Syria’s recovery prospects. He emphasized that substantial economic improvement would require considerable time and remains contingent upon coordinated, sustained international support mechanisms.
Llosa further noted that Syria’s rehabilitation following extensive warfare cannot be instantaneous. Nevertheless, he highlighted that both the Syrian government and its citizens deserve recognition for successfully reintegrating the nation with the global community within a relatively brief timeframe following the conflict’s resolution.