The UN has warned of a possible large scale migrant return to Syria, according to AFP on December 17, 2024. This comes after The International Organisation for Migration chief, Amy Pope advises against the large-scale return of refugees to Syria before the situation has stabilised after the ousting of Bashar al-Assad. This is due to fears that mass migration may destabilise the country further.
Around Half of Syria’s population was forced from their homes over the course of almost 14 years of civil war, with millions seeking safety abroad.
The UN refugee agency stated it expects approximately one million people will return to Syria in the first half of 2025.States have been asked to refrain from forcing Syrian citizens to return straight away, due to the security concern.
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At the same time as this, tens of thousands of people are thought to have fled Syria due to the ending of Assad`s reign, particularly religious minorities. This has been attributed not to a current threat, but a possible future one for the Shia minority in Syria. In attempt to assuage these concerns, HTS leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, has pledged to religious minorities in Syria that the interim leaders will protect all Syrians.
Pope has also stated that as an “international organisation they would not be in a position to say that the government can guarantee the safety of people who are coming home, as much as their intent might be to create a more stable, secure environment.”
Despite this, Pope hopes that there will come a time Syrians will be able to return home if they wish.
Arab Weekly, AFP
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