# Syrian refugee repatriation and reconstruction efforts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/syrian-refugee-repatriation-and-reconstruction-efforts
> Updated: 2026-08-13T18:26:04.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Following the end of the Bashar al-Assad regime in December 2024 and the subsequent transition to a caretaker administration led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, Syrian authorities and the UNHCR have begun coordinating on refugee repatriation.

In August 2026, President al-Sharaa met with UNHCR High Commissioner Barham Salih in Damascus to discuss mechanisms for the voluntary and safe return of citizens. The discussions focused on supporting livelihoods and early recovery to facilitate the return of the approximately 15 million Syrians living abroad.

Following a mission to Damascus, Idlib, and Aleppo, High Commissioner Salih described Syria as being at a ‘historic turning point,’ noting that over 3 million people have returned from abroad or internal displacement since late 2024. However, the UNHCR warned that the Syrian government requires significant international aid to address reconstruction, economic opportunities, and the restoration of essential services. The government is reportedly working with UN agencies on a ‘No tents, no camps’ strategy to reintegrate internally displaced persons and close displacement settlements.

## Claims

- Salih visited Damascus, Idlib, and Aleppo during his one-week mission in Syria. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Syria is at a historic turning point. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- More than 3 million Syrians have returned from abroad or from displaced areas since December 2024. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Approximately 4 million Syrian refugees are located in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- About 5.5 million people remain internally displaced within Syria. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Any return of refugees must be safe, voluntary, and dignified. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The international community must increase support for Syria to facilitate reconstruction and stability. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Syrian government is implementing a strategy called ‘No tents, no camps’ to close displacement settlements. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-13: UNHCR calls for international aid as Syrian refugee returns increase

UNHCR High Commissioner Barham Salih urges international aid for Syria as over 3 million refugees and displaced persons have returned to their communities since December 2024.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/unhcr-calls-for-international-aid-as-millions-return-to-syria

### 2026-08-10: Syrian President and UNHCR chief discuss refugee return

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and UNHCR High Commissioner Barham Salih met in Damascus to discuss the safe, voluntary return of refugees and support for early recovery projects.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/syrian-president-and-unhcr-chief-discuss-refugee-return

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Cite as: Syrian refugee repatriation and reconstruction efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/syrian-refugee-repatriation-and-reconstruction-efforts