A survey conducted by UNHCR and its partners reveals that up to one million internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in northwestern Syria wish to return to their homes within the next year, with 600,000 hoping to do so within six months.
As of January, more than 3.4 million people were internally displaced in northwestern Syria, including 1.95 million living in 1,500 camps and informal settlements across the Idlib and Aleppo governorates.
The desire to return is particularly strong among displaced persons in Idlib, where two out of three families expressed their intent to go back, in a survey conducted by the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR.
The main return destinations include former front-line areas in Idlib and Aleppo, particularly the districts of Al Ma'ra and Jebel Samaan.
If returns proceed as planned, the population in areas like Ma'arat An Nu'man and Kafr Nobol (Idlib) could increase from 3,000 to 130,000 people, estimates the UNHCR.
In total, 23 districts could see their populations at least double, putting additional strain on services and infrastructure.
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Key obstacles
While the emotional pull to return is widespread, displaced Syrians cited key obstacles, including a lack of humanitarian aid, employment opportunities, and access to essential services.
UNHCR teams visiting IDP sites in Idlib this week observed strong determination among displaced Syrians to return and rebuild their communities. However, for these returns to be dignified and sustainable, returnees require jobs, housing, schools, hospitals, and basic services like electricity and clean water.
They also need support for landmine clearance, as fear of explosive remnants remains one of their greatest safety concerns.
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90 percent of Syrians rely on aid
Access to housing is among the most urgent needs. Nearly all displaced people who intend to return want to go back to their former homes, but 80 percent reported that their homes were severely damaged or destroyed.
This figure rises to 95 percent among the 350,000 IDPs planning to return to former front-line districts like Al Ma'ra (Idlib) and Suqaylabiyah (Hama).
UNHCR and its partners are providing transportation, legal assistance, and support for repairing damaged homes, along with essential supplies such as mattresses, blankets, and winter clothing.
Fourteen years since the start of the Syrian crisis, the country stands at a crossroads. Years of conflict have devastated the economy and infrastructure, leaving 90 percent of the population dependent on aid.
UNHCR underscores that this moment presents both hope and a historic opportunity. The agency urges the international community to step up support for returning Syrians, providing essential assistance and investing in rapid recovery efforts.