Kinship Network

An update from the UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency:

A year after Assad regime fell, over 3 million displaced Syrians have returned home, but greater international support is urgently needed to maintain the trend and ensure stability. More than 1.2 million Syrians have voluntarily returned from neighboring countries since December 2024, alongside over 1.9 million internally displaced people (IDPs) who have gone back to their areas of origin. Many more have expressed a desire to return….

In Lebanon, UNHCR had closed refugee support for some 379,000 Syrians as of the end of November based on confirmed or presumed return. Of these, 45,000 have received counselling, repatriation forms, and return cash grants from UNHCR….

There are still immense challenges in a country shattered by 14 years of war. Entire neighbourhoods remain in ruins, including schools, hospitals and water systems. Electricity, clean water and health care remain patchy. Livelihood opportunities are limited and local markets are short of supplies.

Many returnees lack civil documents, hindering access to property rights and essential services. Unexploded ordnance continues to threaten lives; 577 people have lost their lives since the beginning of the year….

UNHCR's $1.5 billion 2025 appeal for the Syria situation is only 33 per cent funded, leaving millions without adequate shelter, basic services and support for the looming winter. Approximately 4.5 million Syrian refugees remain in neighboring countries, most living below the poverty line.

UNHCR: Historic return of displaced Syrians presents opportunity and urgent challenges | UNHCR US DAMASCUS - The fall of the Assad regime has opened an extraordinary window of hope for peace and stability in Syria. A year on, displaced Syrians are returning to their homes – over 3 million to date – but much more international support is required if the trend is to prove lasting.

Here is a helpful overview of the potential external players that will have some role in the political and economic future of Syria. Pray that, regardless of motive, the new Syrian regime will honor it's word to respect the rights of minorities including Christians.

Ministers from 17 countries meet for Saudi talks on speeding aid to Damascus Riyadh meeting also discussed keeping pressure on Syria’s new leadership to meet commitment to inclusive transition