UN refugee chief sees "fragile" hope in Syria as 2 million displaced return

DAMASCUS, June 20 (Xinhua) -- UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi said on Friday Syria's situation was both "fragile and hopeful" as returns of displaced people continue.

Speaking at a press conference in Damascus on World Refugee Day during his second visit to Syria this year, Grandi said some 2 million Syrians have returned since December 2024, including both refugees and internally displaced people.

Grandi told Xinhua that about 1.4 to 1.5 million people displaced inside Syria had returned to their homes, while around 600,000 had come back from neighboring countries, including Lebanon, Jordan, and Türkiye. "Two million is still a fraction of the overall number but remains significant."

Grandi said Sudan had overtaken Syria as the world's biggest displacement crisis, with 14 million displaced -- 10 million internally and 4 million abroad.

"It's a sad competition," he said. "But Syria dropping from the top signals an opportunity to end this crisis."

Despite the returns, Grandi warned of tough conditions and urged greater international support.

"Infrastructure, homes, energy, electricity, health, and education services all need rebuilding to make returns sustainable," he said. "I appeal to the international community to help Syria meet this challenge."

He said basic services, security and reconstruction funding were urgently needed. ■