UN reports over 1.4 million Syrians have returned following Assad regime’s fall

The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has announced that more than 1.4 million Syrians have returned to their homes since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad’s regime in December 2024.

The announcement was made in a post shared by UNHCR on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, highlighting that these returns mark a major shift after years of displacement, per Caliber.Az.

“Over 1.4 million Syrians are finding their way back home after years of displacement,” the statement read, noting that while this represents a hopeful step forward, significant challenges remain.

Over 1.4 million Syrians are finding their way back home after years of displacement.

Hope is real, but rebuilding isn’t easy. Support UNHCR’s efforts to help families start anew. They need support rebuilding homes and infrastructure, landmine safety awareness, legal assistance… pic.twitter.com/eqW7UxJxPm

— UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency (@Refugees) May 1, 2025

UNHCR emphasised the urgent need for international support to assist returning families as they attempt to rebuild their lives. Critical areas of need include shelter, healthcare, education, and financial assistance.

The mass return follows a historic political shift in Syria. On December 8, 2024, Bashar al-Assad, who had ruled Syria for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after opposition forces captured Damascus, effectively ending the Baath Party’s hold on power, which had lasted since 1963. In the aftermath, a transitional government was formed on January 29, 2025, led by President Ahmed Al-Sharaa.

One of the new administration’s first initiatives was a reconciliation program aimed at integrating former members of the Syrian army and security services. Under the program, individuals could regularise their status by surrendering their weapons, provided they had not participated in acts of bloodshed. Tens of thousands took advantage of the offer.

However, resistance remains. Several armed factions loyal to the former regime rejected the initiative, leading to outbreaks of violence in various governorates. Security operations were subsequently launched to contain the unrest, resulting in arrests and the dismantling of some of these remaining groups.

The UN continues to call on the international community to aid Syria’s recovery and ensure a stable and sustainable reintegration process for returnees.

By Tamilla Hasanova