📰 23 Syrian families return from Lebanon under voluntary return program

QAMISHLI, syria/" class="auto-internal-link">syria (North Press) – Twenty-three syrian/" class="auto-internal-link">syrian families returned on Wednesday from Lebanon to the governorates of Homs and Hama as part of the voluntary refugee return program organized by the United Nations, as per local sources. A North Press correspondent in Homs declared that buses carrying the returning families arrived earlier in the day, transporting approximately 96 individuals from refugee camps in Lebanon. Indeed, the families were received in Homs before being transferred to their respective areas in Homs and neighboring Hama governorate.

The return was carried out under the voluntary return program implemented by the United Nations High Commissioner for relocated persons (UNHCR), in coordination with its offices in both Lebanon and Syria. The program is designed to facilitate safe, informed, and dignified returns for relocated persons who choose to go back to their areas of origin. Voluntary return initiatives have persisted intermittently amid ongoing efforts by relief organizations to backing displaced Syrians seeking to return after years of displacement. as per UN agencies, such returns are conducted based on the principle of voluntariness and after refugees express their willingness to return without coercion.

Homs and Hama governorates have received multiple similar return convoys in latest months, reflecting gradual movement among some refugee families to reestablish themselves in their home areas. relief organizations have stressed the importance of persisted backing to returnees, particularly in accessing shelter, healthcare, and basic livelihoods. While challenges remain in numerous parts of the country due to infrastructure damage and economic conditions, UN agencies say they continue to coordinate with relevant bodies to monitor returns and provide aid where possible. Furthermore, no incidents were declared during Wednesday’s return, and organizers stated the process proceeded smoothly according to plan.

By Atoun Jan