Number of refugees returning from Turkey to Syria announced: 'Syria is not ready'

UNHCR High Commissioner Filippo Grandi paid an official visit to Turkey following his visits to Lebanon and Syria. Answering questions from journalists at a hotel in Ankara, Grandi responded to the question, "What are your thoughts on Syria when considering women's rights and minorities?" as follows:

"I have received a commitment from the leader of the current administration, Ahmed Hussein al-Shara. All communities will be welcomed. Syria is a very diverse country in ethnic and religious terms. The Governor of Aleppo approached me with the same positivity. I also met with representatives of the aforementioned communities. Of course, there is fear, but the leaders of the communities say, 'This country needs you. Do not leave, stay.' The leadership in the administration is giving the same message. There are tensions at the lowest level and stage, but what is important is that the authorities condemn this. I had mentioned that security forces are limited. This is my main concern. If we want order and stability to be established, security needs to be supported. Then we can prevent violence against any group."

"80 THOUSAND PEOPLE HAVE RETURNED IN 6-7 WEEKS"

Responding to a journalist's question, "What kind of plan should be made for the return of Syrians and how will you contribute to this as the UN?", Grandi said:

"There are two sides to every return. The return itself and the subsequent integration of people into society. This is needed for returns to every country. As you mentioned, you said 'No statement was made.' I don't know how much of a statement they are making about this, but the Head of the Presidency of Migration Management has a very good plan.

It is so good that a book could even be written about it. It is strictly by the rules, there is voluntariness. We are independently verifying that everything is going well. On the other hand, there are also checks. Other countries are also moving forward to prepare a plan.

There is Jordan, Lebanon has lagged a bit behind in this process. They are also working on these plans. These countries should talk to each other and share their practices.

Especially, they have a lot to learn from Turkey. The Presidency of Migration Management has an extremely advanced plan. The Interior Minister informed me that 80,000 people have returned in 6-7 weeks. 80,000 is not a figure to be underestimated."

"SYRIA IS NOT READY"

Pointing out that returns from Turkey to Syria will increase during the summer holiday period, Grandi noted the following:

"80,000 is the number of those who have returned since December 8. Therefore, a new authority and leaders have come to power in Syria. The Interior Minister told me this half an hour ago. I am sure the figures are like this. 1,500 and 2,000 people are returning every day through 5 border gates. We need to follow some moments, such as Eid al-Fitr. The holiday period could initiate a return process. The school term will also be an important moment. Returns can be made as the weather warms up. I do not think there will be a massive influx. I do not think people will go in droves. This is actually better, because Syria is not ready for a rapid influx. It will be better if it happens in stages. We are also grateful that Turkey is not applying pressure. The situation there is also expected to improve."

News Source: 12punto