UN Refugee Commissioner Visits Maarat al-Nuuman to Review Recovery
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Barham Saleh, conducted an official visit to the city of Maarat al-Nuuman in the southern countryside of Idlib this Wednesday to evaluate the status of essential services and recovery programs currently underway. The visit aimed to foster cooperation with United Nations agencies operating in the area to improve the infrastructure necessary for the stability of returning families.
Saleh initiated his visit with an inspection of the Real Estate Interests Department in Maarat al-Nuuman. During this tour, he reviewed the operational mechanisms and property documentation services provided to returnees. Local officials emphasized that ensuring secure property rights and efficient documentation processes serves as a critical pillar in facilitating a voluntary and dignified return for displaced residents.
Following the inspection, the Director of the International Cooperation Directorate in Idlib, Abdul Qader Al-Youssef, stated that discussions focused on the necessity of linking humanitarian aid with sustainable recovery initiatives. He highlighted that restoring essential services, including legal documentation, is foundational for residents seeking to resume their lives in the city. Al-Youssef further noted that the visit provided an opportunity to present the governorate’s infrastructure priorities to the Commissioner, specifically those related to health, education, and utilities, for which the UNHCR has pledged ongoing support to accelerate the return process.
The Director of the Maarat al-Nuuman district, Kifah Jaafar, reported that the region has seen the return of thousands of families over the past months. He detailed that the local administration is working to address urgent needs in water, electricity, and the educational sector. A specific focus was placed on the ongoing automation of real estate records to simplify administrative procedures for citizens, an area identified as a priority for international technical support.
Beyond infrastructure and service delivery, the visit included a tour of the Maarat al-Nuuman Museum. Saleh inspected the site to assess the extent of damage sustained over the recent years of conflict. The director of the local Department of Antiquities and Museums, Abdul Salam Hammo, emphasized that the museum stands as a significant cultural landmark for the region. Plans for restoration were discussed, with the goal of rehabilitating the center to serve as a hub for tourism and cultural preservation, thereby contributing to the recovery of the city’s identity.
This visit follows high-level discussions held on Tuesday between the Governor of Idlib, Mohammad Abdul Rahman, and the UNHCR delegation. Those talks focused on bolstering joint efforts to improve living conditions in temporary shelters and camps, ensuring that upcoming returns remain voluntary, safe, and sustainable for all affected families.
