UNHCR Syria Operational Update, February 2026

Syria’s operational context reflects a dual dynamic: large-scale returns alongside persistent humanitarian needs. As of early 2026, 16.5 million require assistance, while over 1.4 million refugees and 1.7 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) have returned since December 2024. Despite these movements, internal displacement remains high (5.5 million) underscoring that returns are occurring within a still-fragile system with strained absorption capacity.

Based on actual and projected return numbers and in response to calls from Syrian refugees for UNHCR to support their return, UNHCR is facilitating voluntary return to the country.

This gradual operational shift is anchored in the voluntary character of return and refugees’ well-informed and free choices.

This effort, however, remains constrained by challenges, including funding shortfalls, limited absorption capacity in areas of return, access restrictions, and the extensive scale of humanitarian needs.

UNHCR continues to deliver protection and assistance across displacement groups, with increasing emphasis on supporting reintegration in high-return areas where service gaps and protection risks remain most acute.

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