The International Organization for Migration (IOM) published a statement on Monday (May 26), praising the decisions of the European Union and the United States to lift sanctions on Syria. The organization said the moves, along with similar decisions taken by the United Kingdom in the past few weeks, open new possibilities for recovery, return, and regional peacebuilding after more than a decade of conflict that triggered a humanitarian crisis, mass displacement, economic collapse.

'Powerful message of hope for displaced Syrians'

"The lifting of sanctions sends a powerful message of hope to millions of displaced Syrians, both within the country and across the region," IOM Director General Amy Pope was quoted as saying in the statement. "But hope must be matched with concrete support. Syrians need not just the ability to return, but the means to rebuild their lives in safety and dignity."

The sanctions relief is estimated to affect over US$15 billion in restricted assets and trade measures, and could unlock much-needed investments in livelihoods, infrastructure, health, and housing in areas that have suffered from economic stagnation, isolation, and prolonged displacement, IOM noted.

Millions of Syrians living abroad as refugees

An estimated 6.7 million Syrians remain internally displaced, and another 5.2 million live as refugees in neighbouring countries. IOM said that sustainable and voluntary return will only be possible when essential conditions -- such as access to services, housing, legal documentation, and livelihoods -- are in place.

The UN agency noted how the recent announcement by Saudi Arabia and Qatar that they are repaying approximately US$15.5 million in Syrian arrears to the World Bank further reinforces the momentum for re-engagement and reconstruction, IOM said. These funds are expected to reactivate critical development programmes, particularly in education, health, and local governance, areas that are key to facilitating the reintegration of returnees and fostering long-term peace, it said.