A report published by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) a few days ago on the situation in Syria stated that recent violence in the Syrian coastal areas has delayed the return plans of many Syrian refugees in Jordan.
اضافة اعلان
According to the report, UNHCR has observed, through discussions with refugees, an increase in security concerns in recent weeks compared to before. Refugees have expressed fears about escalating sectarian violence, arbitrary arrests, and harassment in their home country.
### **Freedom of Movement in Jordan**
While some refugees had previously considered returning to Syria, particularly after Ramadan, the violence in the coastal areas has led many to postpone their plans, even if those areas were not their intended destinations.
Additionally, the reported curfews in some areas (such as Homs) further discourage refugees, as they have become accustomed to freedom of movement in Jordan.
According to the report, despite the economic challenges Syrian refugees face in Jordan—including work permit restrictions, high living costs, and delays in resettlement procedures—the lack of livelihood opportunities and essential services in Syria, combined with security risks, makes the decision to return extremely difficult.
### **UNHCR Records 49,000 Refugee Returns**
The report states that as of March 15, 49,000 registered refugees have returned from Jordan to Syria since December 8 of last year. During the past week (March 9–15), the daily average of returning refugees was 135 individuals.
This comes as Jordan reaffirmed, through Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi at the 9th Brussels Conference on March 18, the importance of supporting the Syrian people in rebuilding their country. He emphasized that resolving the refugee crisis lies in their voluntary return, stating, "Until conditions for their return are met, their needs must be addressed, and host countries cannot bear the burden alone."
### **Declining Refugee Response Funding**
Safadi highlighted the alarming decrease in refugee response funding, including support for agencies assisting them. He stressed that without donor support, Jordan would not have been able to support refugees in its current capacity, noting that 11% of school students in Jordan are Syrian refugees.
### **Refugee Intentions for Return in the Next Five Years**
In its survey on "Syrian Refugees’ Perceptions and Intentions Regarding Return to Syria," UNHCR found that even after the fall of the Assad government, more than half of Syrian refugees in host countries (Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, and Lebanon) do not plan to return soon.
The survey revealed that 40% of Syrian refugees in Jordan intend to return within a year, while 56% of those who do not intend to return or are undecided plan to do so within the next five years. Meanwhile, 85% of refugees in Jordan expressed hope of returning to Syria someday, and more than a quarter aim to rebuild their lives within the next 12 months.
### **A Devastated Economy and Widespread Poverty**
The report, titled *"The Impact of the Syrian Conflict – A Devastated Economy, Widespread Poverty, and a Difficult Road to Socioeconomic Recovery,"* emphasized that the likelihood of refugees returning to Syria remains highly uncertain and challenging due to extensive destruction, lack of infrastructure, limited economic opportunities, and ongoing security concerns.
Meanwhile, UNHCR noted that passenger traffic at the Jaber border crossing was light last week, whereas commercial transport remained heavy. Since the beginning of the year, 49,679 trucks have crossed through Jaber, compared to 12,689 trucks during the same period last year. Starting March 23, the Jaber border crossing will operate 24/7.
### **Demographics of Returning Refugees**
According to UNHCR, the demographic composition of returning refugees has remained largely unchanged in recent weeks. Women and girls accounted for 45% of the returnees, children made up 42%, while men of military conscription age (18–40 years) constituted 23% of those returning.
### **Support for 1,370 Refugees to Return to Syria**
UNHCR analyzed data on 20,000 refugees aged 18 to 64 who returned to Syria in the past two months. It found that 3,000 returnees had received secondary education, about 800 had completed higher education, and another 3,000 had finished their higher education in Jordan. Additionally, 4,800 returnees reported having English language skills, and 3,600 were engaged in income-generating activities in Jordan, gaining experience in various sectors such as construction, transportation, hospitality, wholesale trade, agriculture, manufacturing, and community services.
Since the launch of the pilot return transportation project on January 20, UNHCR has supported over 1,370 refugees in returning to Syria. Before departure, UNHCR conducts personal interviews to ensure that returns are voluntary and well-informed. The organization provides guidance and information on available services in Syria, coordinating closely with its office there to support returning refugees upon arrival at their final destinations.
On March 18 and 20, UNHCR organized transportation from Azraq Camp and Amman for around 50 refugees who wished to return to Syria.
