Over two million Syrian refugees and IDPs have returned home since the fall of the Assad regime in December, said UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi in Beirut on June 19.
Over two million Syrian refugees and IDPs have returned home since the fall of the Assad regime six months ago, UNHCR chief Filippo Grandi in Beirut on June 19.
UN data show that about half a million Syrians abroad have returned to their homes as of June 12, while about 1.5 million IDPs have returned home.
Grandi's visit to Lebanon came as Lebanese authorities are applying firm pressure for the repatriation of Syrian refugees.
Grandi met with Lebanese authorities in Beirut
The UNHCR chief confirmed previous reports that his UN agency would be providing 100 US dollars to each Syrian who repatriates from Lebanon. Grandi noted that only Syrians who had previously registered with the UN agency, over 800,000 out of a total of 1.5 million refugees in Lebanon, will however be able to take advantage of these incentives.
In addition, he continued, the agency is providing medical aid to Syrians as well as legal support, housing assistance, and food aid.
For the repatriation to be "lasting", Lebanese media quoted Grandi as saying, Syria needs more substantial international aid more rapidly.
A meeting between Grandi and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam also strengthened the idea of a coordinated effort between Lebanon, UNHCR, and the Syrian authorities to provide conditions for a safe and dignified return.
The Syrian government has also taken measures recently to facilitate the return of Syrian refugees.
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Lebanon to facilitate Syrians' return home
Syria's new authorities and the Lebanese government have reported several ways that they are facilitating the return of Syrian refugees who are currently in Lebanon after 14 years in exile due to the conflict in their home country.
Both Syrian and Lebanese media reported the news, noting that these facilitations are in addition to economic incentives of 100 US dollars per person that had previously been announced.
Media reports indicate that the Syrian and Lebanese governments will provide a "complete exemption of fiscal sanctions" normally imposed on those who entered Lebanon illegally as well as for those not in possession of a valid stay permit. These two categories of Syrians in Lebanon can now return to Syria without having to pay any sort of fine.
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