International Warning: The Return of Syrians Without Support Could Turn into a Humanitarian Catastrophe

The Secretary General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, Jan Egeland, confirmed that the current conditions in Syria do not allow for a dignified return for millions of displaced persons and refugees, warning that the absence of investment in recovery efforts would constitute a "grave strategic mistake."

During his visit to Syria this week, Egeland explained that thousands of families returning from within Syria and neighboring countries "face rubble instead of life," noting that the lack of international support prevents the rebuilding of homes, infrastructure, and the creation of job opportunities.

He clarified that many returnees found their homes without walls, doors, or basic services such as water and electricity, emphasizing that these conditions do not allow for a dignified return or the start of a genuine reconstruction process.

According to the Council's data, more than 800,000 people have returned from camps to their areas in recent years, placing significant pressure on host communities and increasing local tensions due to damaged infrastructure and scarce resources.

Egeland stressed that "the international community has spent a whole decade on emergency aid, and now it is time to invest in recovery," calling on donors to support the rebuilding of homes, schools, clinics, and water and electricity networks to enable Syrians to return safely and with dignity.