For those forced to flee the country’s 13-year war, “They are considering how safe it is to return to Syria and how well their rights will be respected before they can make an informed, voluntary decision to return home.; they must be given the space to do so without any pressure,” speak Shabia Mantoo, spokesperson for the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR.
All refugees have the fundamental right to return to their country of origin at a time of their choosing, and the return must be voluntary, dignified and safe, she insisted.
Refugee protection
Since the brutal and long war in Syria began in 2011, when the suppression of popular anti-government protests sparked an armed conflict that left hundreds of thousands dead, 7 million Syrians have been internally displaced and more than 5 million have fled to neighboring countries and beyond. to UNHCR.
This represents almost half of the country’s pre-war population of 23 million.
When asked about the new policy of some host countries in Europe to suspend decisions on Syrian asylum requests after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad, Ms. Mantoo reiterated that “Any Syrian or anyone seeking international protection must be able to access asylum procedures and have their application considered fully and individually on its merits.”.
Aid challenges
Since November 28, “more than a million people – mainly women and children – have been displaced across Idlib, Aleppo, Hama and Homs, following the coalition of opposition forces, led by Hayat Tahrir Al- Sham (HTS) took the lead, launching a military campaign. attacked from the stronghold of Idlib, seizing dozens of localities and the strategic cities of Aleppo, Hama and Homs, before advancing to the capital Damascus.
According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, some displaced people have returned home in recent days.OCHA).
Spokesperson Jens Laerke also noted that humanitarian operations in affected areas including Homs, Hama and Damascus have restarted.
“Since yesterday, all humanitarian organizations in Idlib and northern Aleppo have resumed operations,” Mr. Laerke added that three border crossings from Türkiye used by the United Nations to assist in entering Syria remain open.
Humanitarian push
Najat RochdiThe Deputy Special Envoy for Syria convened a meeting of the Humanitarian Task Force in Geneva, calling for the protection of civilians to be prioritized and for international law to be respected by all parties.
She called on Member States to use leverage to ensure the safe passage of civilians fleeing hostilities. Essential infrastructure, including schools and health care facilities, must be preserved and pave the way for people to flee violence or return home safely.
Ms. Rochdi pledged to continue to cooperate with the Syrians in all areas, emphasizing the responsibility of the international community to prevent further destabilization.
She emphasized that unhindered humanitarian access is essential. Despite growing needs, the humanitarian response continues to face severe funding shortages, with Less than a third of the $4.1 billion needed for 2024 has been secured.
The hospital struggled to cope
United Nations agencies and partners are providing basic assistance in the Northwest, including to newly displaced people; OCHA’s Jens Laerke said food, health and nutrition services were provided as well as support for access to clean water in Aleppo.
But medical facilities are said to be overloaded, while major hospitals are operating at limited capacity due to lack of staff, medicine and supplies. Humanitarian partners continue to provide trauma care, maintain blood banks and administer vaccinations.
