Homes Destroyed, Aid Reduced: No Relief for Syrian Returnees

Homes Destroyed, Aid Reduced: No Relief for Syrian Returnees

In a dramatic turn of events, international aid cuts have led to a significant reduction in services for Syrian refugees in Damascus and across the region. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has announced plans to cut 30% of its staff in Syria and shrink its livelihood programme that supports small businesses by 20%, unless new funding is found.

The UNHCR-funded community centre in Damascus, a vital resource for many, is facing closure. Mimas, a supervisor with GOPA-DERD, expressed that if the centre closed, the loss to the community would be enormous. For refugees like Odette Badawi, who returned to Syria five years ago after fleeing to Lebanon during the war, the centre is crucial for her well-being.

The community centre offers essential services such as educational support, medical equipment, mental health and counselling sessions that families cannot get elsewhere in Syria. Ayoub Merhi Hariri, who moved back to Syria at the end of 2024, was counting on support from the livelihood programme to pay off the money he borrowed to set up a business.

The international aid squeeze, caused by US President Donald Trump's decision to halt foreign aid, has disrupted essential services worldwide, forcing humanitarian organizations to shut down or downsize critical programs. In the case of Syria, this means reduced access to healthcare, education, food, and shelter for refugees in Damascus and those displaced within the country.

The removal of aid has left millions of potential returnees and those still in Syria in limbo, unable to access the services needed for safe and sustainable return. The vacuum created by reduced official aid is being filled by non-state actors and competing powers, increasing the risk of exploitation and instability for refugees and host communities.

Syrian caretaker authorities are overwhelmed by competing priorities and lack the resources to manage the ongoing humanitarian crisis, further jeopardizing the well-being of displaced Syrians. The international aid squeeze is expected to persist, with humanitarian agencies warning that the gap between needs and available resources will likely double in the coming years.

For Syrian refugees in Damascus and across the region, this means continued hardship, increased risk of exploitation, and a diminished likelihood of safe, voluntary return until adequate funding is restored. Fatima al-Abbiad, a mother of four, expressed her fear and need for support due to the lack of income and the resulting violence at home. The UNHCR will only help those who absolutely want to go home and simply do not have any means to do so.

The cuts will close nearly half of the UNHCR centres in Syria, affecting around 500,000 people who will lose assistance and reducing aid for another 600,000 that benefit from the remaining centres. Already, the centre's educational programmes, which benefited 900 children last year, are at risk of being affected by the cuts.

Despite these challenges, the community centre in Damascus continues to be a beacon of hope for many. Around a dozen Syrian women gather at the centre to share stories and seek support. A visitor, Nour Huda Madani, received support for her autistic child at the centre, which taught her how to deal with him. For the 68-year-old individual at the centre, it makes them feel like they are part of society.

As the international community grapples with the consequences of aid cuts, it is clear that the impact on Syrian refugees in Damascus and across the region is significant and far-reaching. The urgent need for new funding and a renewed commitment to humanitarian aid is more pressing than ever.

1. The UNHCR's plan to cut 30% of its staff in Syria may lead to the closure of essential community centers supporting Syrian refugees.
2. The UN-funded community center in Damascus plays a vital role in providing services unavailable elsewhere in Syria, including educational support, medical aid, mental health counseling, and more.
3. A healthy proportion of the center's users are refugees who have returned to the country after fleeing during the war.
4. The operational disruption of international aid, stemming from President Trump's decision to halt foreign aid, has caused essential services to crumble worldwide.
5. In Syria, this disruption leads to diminished access to healthcare, education, food, and shelter for refugees.
6. The removal of aid from Syria has left millions of potential returnees and remaining refugees without the necessary services for safe and sustainable living conditions.
7. The decrease in official aid has resulted in a power vacuum, which is being filled by non-state actors and competing powers, increasing the risk of exploitation and instability.
8. Syrian caretaker authorities face an overwhelming humanitarian crisis and lack the resources to properly address it, worsening conditions for displaced Syrians.
9. Humanitarian agencies predict an increase in the gap between needs and resources in the coming years, making safe, voluntary returns for refugees unlikely.
10. Fatima al-Abbiad, a mother of four, fears for her family's well-being due to the lack of income and the resulting increase in violence at home.
11. The cuts will close nearly half of the UNHCR centers in Syria, affecting over 500,000 people who will lose assistance and reducing aid for another 600,000.
12. Already, the center's educational programs, which benefitted 900 children last year, are at risk due to the cuts.
13. The community center in Damascus serves as a source of hope for its users, providing a space for community engagement, storytelling, and support.
14. Nour Huda Madani received support for her autistic child at the center, which taught her valuable coping strategies.
15. For the 68-year-old individual at the center, it offers a sense of belonging and inclusion.
16. The international community must address the significant and far-reaching impact caused by aid cuts and commit to providing renewed support for Syrian refugees.
17. Rejuvenating funding for humanitarian aid in Syria is essential to provide refugees with the crucial resources needed for safe, voluntary returns.
18. Alongside humanitarian aid, investing in renewable energy sources across affected industries, such as manufacturing, can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering dependency on oil and gas.
19. Developing innovative solutions, fostering entrepreneurship, and promoting technology advancements in the aerospace, retail, public-transit, transportation, and automotive sectors can spur economic growth and job creation, serving as viable paths for refugees seeking self-sufficiency.
20. Prioritizing diversity and inclusion within these vibrant sectors can engender a collaborative, innovative, and resilient society, enabling refugees to integrate and thrive in their new environments.
21. Establishing leadership development programs focused on training, mentoring, and networking can empower refugees to fill decision-making roles and become active contributors to the business world.
22. Policies aimed at supporting small businesses, providing access to financing, wealth management, and financing networks can help refugees gain financial footing and foster local economic growth.
23. Moreover, addressing cybersecurity concerns, insuring homes and small businesses, and expanding the reach of financial technology (Fintech) can help the newly established businesses navigate the challenges of global finance and insurance markets.

Read also: