Reconstruction in north-east Syria key to refugee returns from Iraq, UNHCR official says
Reconstruction work in Syria must extend to Kurdish areas in the north-east if refugees are to return home, the UN refugee agency’s representative in Iraq has told The National . Toby Harward said the lack of economic opportunities and security in the region remained a major obstacle. “We see a lot of MoUs [memorandums of understanding] signed in Syria, we see a lot of agreements being signed,…
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has stated that reconstruction efforts in Kurdish regions of north-east Syria are crucial for the return of Syrian refugees from Iraq. Toby Harward, UNHCR representative in Iraq, highlighted that economic opportunities and security concerns remain major obstacles to refugee returns.
While agreements and plans for reconstruction are being signed, these initiatives must extend to Kurdish areas to generate interest among Syrian refugees in Iraq to return. According to UNHCR data, over 300,000 Syrian refugees reside in Iraq, with 85% currently in the autonomous Kurdistan Region, predominantly Syrian Kurds.
Refugee returns have slowed since the fall of the Assad regime and the integration deal between the Damascus government and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in the north-east. The UNHCR representative noted that the primary reason for non-return is the persistent tensions and frictions among Arabs and Kurds. A recent demonstration in Hasakah exemplified the volatile security situation in the region.
To address this, UNHCR is prioritizing employment opportunities to foster greater independence among refugees in host countries. Despite the challenges, Harward expressed optimism but cautioned that even a single revenge kidnapping or killing on social media could undermine progress.
Economic and security uncertainty in Syria also contributes to the slowdown in returns. Some refugees have found better opportunities in Iraq, particularly in the Kurdistan Region, where policies like access to services and livelihoods have improved their living conditions. Harward acknowledged the positive efforts by Iraqi and Kurdish governments but stressed that refugees still experience stigma and prejudice, hindering their integration.
The UNHCR aims to generate employment opportunities to encourage more refugees to return. Additionally, UNHCR supports internally displaced communities, including Yazidis who fled ISIS in northern Iraq, advocating for durable solutions to ensure their safe return and integration.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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