The UN refugees agency (UNHCR) announced on Tuesday the launch of the first convoy of Syrian refugees voluntarily returning from Lebanon to Syria, as part of the "Organized Voluntary Return" program.
Celine Schmitt, UNHCR spokesperson in Syria, told SANA that the convoy included 72 Syrian refugees, some of whose families headed to Homs in central Syria, while others headed to areas in the Damascus countryside, including Qatana, Zabadani, Babila, Nashabiyah, and Daraya.
Schmitt confirmed that UNHCR, in coordination with its counterpart in Lebanon and the General Authority of Syrian Land and Sea Ports, provided transportation and belongings for the returnees, in addition to providing support for their reintegration into their communities.
She noted that more than 17,000 Syrian refugees in Lebanon had registered their interest in the return program by July 14 and received counseling on the steps and consequences of the process. She explained that returnees will be connected to UNHCR-supported community centers to receive essential services, such as legal and psychological support, livelihood opportunities, and other protection services.
The crossing manager, Abdul Razzaq Al-Masry, said that the relevant authorities have worked to facilitate procedures, exempt returnees from fees, and provide them with the necessary services.
The Lebanese government estimates the number of Syrian refugees on its territory at approximately 1.8 million, of whom approximately 880,000 are officially registered with UNHCR.
Zaman Al-Wasl
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