Discussions surrounding the return of Syrian refugees have raised significant attention recently, with calls for these conversations to be contextualized within the broader economic and political framework of Syria's future. Amy Pope, the director-general of the International Organization of Migration (IOM), emphasized this need during her recent interview with Euronews.
Pope urged global states to invest actively in the revitalization of Syria, particularly following the toppling of Bashar al-Assad’s regime. “What we're encouraging states to do is to really invest in this peacebuilding process, invest in the revitalization of Syria, invest in humanitarian assistance,” Pope stated. Her comments came as EU foreign ministers gathered for discussions related to Syria alongside the ninth iteration of the EU donor conference.
During this important meeting on March 17, 2025, the European Union pledged nearly €2.5 billion in additional support for Syrians, bringing the total donations from the EU and other partners to approximately €5.8 billion.
The IOM director-general made clear the stakes involved, noting, "If people go home and they're subjected to violence or they don't feel safe, or they don't have a future, then they'll migrate out again." The necessity of linking refugee returns to broader humanitarian support was repeatedly underscored by Pope, who advocated for fostering stable living conditions to ease the repatriation process.
Her comments resonate with the prevailing sentiment among asylum seekers. According to data from the UN refugee agency, around 80% of Syrian refugees have expressed some desire to return to their homeland at some point. Interestingly, 27% indicated they have plans to return within the next year, and approximately 60% are open to undertaking short-term visits to assess conditions on the ground.
Highlighting the need for carefully structured return processes, the French Interior Ministry revealed plans earlier this year to allow some Syrian refugees special permits for three-month exploratory visits without jeopardizing their legal status. This initiative, if it materializes, could be pivotal for Syrians wishing to evaluate improvements at home before making the significant decision to return permanently.
Meanwhile, amid these hopeful discussions, political shifts within Syria are underway. On March 13, 2025, Ahmed al-Sharaa, the newly appointed interim President, signed a significant 53-article constitutional declaration. This declaration emphasizes Islamic jurisprudence, stating the country’s president must adhere to the Muslim faith, and sets forth plans for a five-year transitional period.
Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson to the UN Secretary-General, remarked, “This is a process moving forward, and we want to make sure the Constitution is developed inclusively, taking the concerns of all communities within Syria.” This point aligns with the UN’s overarching goals to promote inclusivity and protect minority rights throughout the transition process.
Christina Markus Lassen, the president of the UN Security Council and Denmark’s representative to the UN, noted the importance of including all communities during Syria's transformative phase. “That is something the Security Council is expected to set itself on very clearly,” she stated, advocating for equitable representation throughout the drafting and enactment of this new constitution.
Despite the promise of political reform, there have been voices of dissent among minority groups, who claim recent measures lack representation. Concerns have been raised particularly from segments such as the Kurds, Druze, and Yazidis, about potential sidelining during constitutional and political developments.
Returning back to Pope's insights, she reiterated the necessity of investment, arguing, “This is why the investment is so-critical... If people go home and see there's nothing left for them... then it's very likely to discourage people from going back home.” Her perspective highlights the dire conditions many refugees face, which could perpetuate cycles of migration if not addressed simultaneously with conversations about returning.
With the future of Syria hanging in the balance, the coordinated efforts of states and international bodies are more pressing than ever. Funding commitments and engagement, as outlined by the EU and the IOM, are imperative for ensuring stability and security for the millions who have fled the violence. The road to rebuilding Syria may be long and fraught with challenges, but it remains clear: the conversation about the future of refugees cannot be isolated from the pressing need for political and humanitarian investment.
