The Challenges Facing Syria Returnees
The desire to return is strong among many displaced Syrians. A recent UNHCR survey found that nearly 30% of Syrian refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Egypt intend to return home within the next 12 months. However, the challenges facing returnees are immense. Syria’s war has devastated Syria’s infrastructure, economy, and social fabric. Villages lie in ruins, basic services like electricity, water, and healthcare are either non-existent or scarce, and livelihoods are precarious. While local NGOs have long been advocating for early recovery support and funding to address these systemic challenges, international donors have been hesitant to fund early recovery work choosing instead to prioritize emergency responses leaving the country ill-prepared for returnees. We are advocating that INGOs and governments considering supporting or facilitating returns invest in infrastructure, opportunities, and support systems needed to ensure that returnees can rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.
“We cannot return because there is nothing left in the village.”
Infrastructure Challenges: Rebuilding the Foundation
One of the most significant hurdles facing returnees is the lack of basic infrastructure. Years of conflict have destroyed homes, schools, hospitals, sewar and water lines, roads, and more. In many areas, entire neighborhoods are uninhabitable, and the cost of rebuilding is staggering. Governments and international organizations must prioritize the reconstruction of critical infrastructure to create an environment where returnees can safely live.
“It’s true that we build our country with love, but we cannot build walls with love. With love we rebuild ourselves, our spirits, and our morals, but walls require money.”
Livelihood Challenges: Creating Opportunities
Even if basic infrastructure is restored, the challenge of rebuilding livelihoods remains. Syria’s economy has been shattered, with widespread unemployment, inflation, and a lack of investment. Many returnees will find it difficult to secure stable jobs or income-generating opportunities. To address this, governments and organizations should focus on supporting livelihood projects that empower returnees to become self-sufficient. This could include vocational training programs, small business grants, and investments in agriculture and local industries. By creating opportunities for economic participation, returnees can contribute to the rebuilding of their communities and the broader Syrian economy.
Community Challenges: Rebuilding the Social Fabric
The war has not only destroyed physical infrastructure but also torn apart the social fabric of Syrian society. For returnees, reintegrating into communities changed by the war can be a daunting. To address this, there is a need for social cohesion projects that facilitate interactions between community groups and working together towards shared goals that benefit the entire community. Community infrastructure, such as parks, schools, markets, and cultural spaces, can play a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging and shared identity. These spaces can serves as a vehicle for rebuilding the social fabric.
The Role of Governments and the International Community
Governments and the international community have a critical role to play in ensuring that returns are safe, voluntary, and sustainable. This requires a coordinated approach that goes beyond individual grants or one-time assistance. It demands long-term investments in infrastructure, livelihoods, and social cohesion. Governments considering repatriation can work closely with Syrian local NGOs and communities, to design programs that meet the needs of returnees and support their reintegration.
A Path Forward
The desire of Syrians to return home is a powerful expression of hope and resilience. By addressing the infrastructure, economic, and social barriers to return, governments and the international community can help turn this desire into a tangible reality.