According to an UNHCR statement dated January 27, more than 500,000 refugees have returned to Syria since September, including 200,000 after the fall of the Assad regime. Additionally, nearly 600,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have returned to their homes. However, 7.4 million Syrians remain displaced within the country, and more than 6 million refugees are still abroad.

High-level talks with Syria's new authorities

Despite major political changes in Syria in recent weeks, the humanitarian crisis remains severe. "We must seize this crucial window of opportunity to help the country emerge from years of crisis and bloodshed," Grandi stated. "Many families are taking the courageous step of returning home, hoping for a better future, but they face enormous challenges: destroyed homes, shattered infrastructure, and widespread poverty."

During his visit to Damascus, Grandi held high-level discussions with the country's interim leadership, including Ahmed Al-Sharaa, focusing on strategies to assist returning Syrians. He urged donors to contribute to humanitarian aid efforts and support Syria's long-term recovery.

"Ensuring the rights and safety" of all Syrians is critical to fostering a stable environment for returnees.

While visiting key border crossings like Masnaa and Bab Al-Hawa, Grandi met returnees, many of whom described the harsh realities of their homecoming. In Aleppo, he spoke with families struggling to reunite and rebuild their lives.

27 percent of refugees plan to return within a year

"For returns to be sustainable, safe, and dignified, and to prevent long-term displacement, we need a comprehensive approach", Grandi emphasized. "This means investing in jobs, restoring healthcare, rebuilding schools, and re-establishing essential services such as electricity and clean water."

He also noted that lifting sanctions would be a key factor in accelerating Syria's recovery and encouraging more refugees to return.

According to a recent UNHCR survey of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq, 27 percent expressed a desire to return within the next 12 months -- a significant increase from less than 2 percent before the fall of the Assad regime.

UNHCR and its partners are scaling up aid efforts, offering transportation, legal assistance, financial aid, and winter relief supplies such as blankets and clothing to returning refugees. Housing repairs are also a priority.

"This is a crucial moment", Grandi concluded. "The world must act now to support Syria's recovery. Cooperation between neighboring countries, donors, and Syrian authorities is essential to bringing the much-needed peace and stability to Syria and the entire region."