Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs in Arabic
More than one million Syrian refugees have returned home since the beginning of the year, a record number not seen since the outbreak of the Syrian war in 2011.
ADVERTISEMENTIn a scene that reflects a remarkable shift in the humanitarian and political landscape, 2025 saw an unprecedented increase in the number of Syrian refugees who decided to return to their country after years of forced displacement.This mass returns comes after former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad was ousted from power – leading to tangible changes in Syria both in terms of security stability and international reconstruction efforts. Comparing the return of Syrians abroad in 2025 to under al-Assad’s regime reveals radical differences in motivations and circumstances.2025: New signs of hopeAccording to figures released by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), more than one million Syrian refugees have returned home since the al-Assad regime fell – a record number not seen since the outbreak of the Syrian war in 2011.This includes 885,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 302,000 refugees, according to UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Syria Adam Abdelmoula.The UNHCR expects up to 3.5 million refugees and IDPs to return this year, which “underscores the need for urgent investments in recovery and reintegration support,” according to Abdelmoula.”Active hostilities continue in the north, south and some pockets on the coast – displacing thousands and impeding aid access,” he added.Return under Bashar al-Assad: Between coercion and fearIn contrast to the political landscape of 2025, the decision to return to Syria under al-Assad had a very different character.During the last years of the war, the al-Assad regime tried to market the idea of a “safe return” for refugees, but often faced accusations of using this slogan as a cynical political tool.Many refugees who attempted to return during this period were arrested or forcibly conscripted into the army, sparking widespread fear in Syrians living abroad.Reconstruction under al-Assad was also very limited. There was a heavy security crackdown on those who wanted to repair their homes in areas suffering from destruction. This increased mistrust between refugees and the regime and led to a significant decline in the number of returnees.The International Role and ReconstructionA key characterisation defining the return of Syrian refugees in 2025 is the active role the international community is playing in supporting the country’s reconstruction process.After years of a political statement, diplomatic efforts succeeded in achieving an international consensus for the need to provide humanitarian aid and support to Syria.Countries hosting large numbers of Syrian refugees, like Turkey, Lebanon and Jordan, played an important role in facilitating their return. These countries offered economic and social incentives to refugees, including vocational training programmes and temporary job opportunities. Challenges aheadThere are still significant challenges facing returning refugees, including the lack of health and education services, persisting unsafe areas and high unemployment. There is also an urgent need for continued international pressure to ensure that the abuses of the past are not repeated.ADVERTISEMENTUN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi emphasised at a Brussels conference on Syria the reality that many Syrians are already choosing to return. However, the biggest and most urgent challenge is how to make this return sustainable.Grandi asked: “How do we ensure that when people return to their communities, they have enough of the basics: Shelter, electricity, water, sanitation, education, employment – in short: Give them the opportunity to be able to build a future for themselves and their families in their own country, and how do we ensure their safety and respect for their rights – because without security, there is no opportunity.”The return of Syrian refugees in 2025 represents an important step towards ending one of the worst humanitarian crises of the 21st century. However, comprehensive and sustainable reforms are still needed to protect and guarantee the rights of all Syrian citizens.
