Syria, IOM Discuss Facilitating Voluntary Return of Refugees

The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates held an official meeting in Damascus on Tuesday to address the ongoing situation regarding Syrian refugees. The session brought together Nahla Othman, Director of the Ministry’s Expatriates and Refugees Department, and Ash Carl, Head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) mission in Syria.

The discussions focused on enhancing coordination mechanisms between the two sides and identifying the practical steps required to secure and facilitate the voluntary return of Syrian refugees to their homeland. Both parties emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration to foster an environment conducive to the safe and stable return of Syrian citizens who were displaced during previous years.

During the deliberations, the Syrian side highlighted the extensive national efforts undertaken by the state to provide the necessary facilities for the return of displaced persons. It was noted that securing the requirements for return and establishing the foundational elements for the stability of returnees remain top priorities in current diplomatic and field-level actions.

The meeting also examined the potential role of the IOM in supporting these efforts. This support is intended to align with goals aimed at alleviating the suffering of Syrian refugees in neighboring countries and abroad, as well as overcoming obstacles that prevent their return to their original areas.

This dialogue takes place as Syrian authorities continue to engage with relevant international organizations to consolidate the path of voluntary return. The objective is to ensure that the necessary support is provided to regions receiving returnees, thereby contributing to the acceleration of societal recovery following years of crisis. Both parties concluded by affirming the necessity of maintaining close and direct coordination in the coming period to follow up on all details concerning this vital humanitarian file.