spotlight 1 and context-dependent factors. 68 Safety and security emerge as fundamental preconditions, without which voluntary return is unlikely to occur, yet economic opportunities in both countries of origin and the current host country are also pivotal. In addition, documented property rights and titles in the home country are strongly associated with a higher likelihood of return. The research also highlights the importance of social and emotional ties to both home and refugees’ current host communities, which can exert competing influences on return intentions. The next round of UNHCR’s return intention surveys will be conducted jointly with the World Bank. They will include broader socio-economic assessments conducted in host countries and within Syria to better identify the main drivers and obstacles for return. International support is paramount to create an environment for sustainable return Refugees have the fundamental right to return to their country of origin at a time of their choosing. At the same time, UNHCR continues to urge States not to forcibly return Syrians due to persistent challenges within the country.69 It is critical that refugees continue to have access to asylum and protection in host countries. While UNHCR is not promoting returns to Syria, it is now facilitating voluntary, safe and dignified returns in response to increasing requests from refugees themselves. This shift is guided by UNHCR’s Operational Framework for the voluntary return of Syrian refugees and IDPs, which emphasizes that all returns must be gradual and in phases. Returns must also be based on the informed and free choice of individuals. UNHCR has begun limited return preparedness activities in neighbouring countries, including strengthened protection counselling, assessments to confirm the voluntary nature of returns, transportation and cash grants. UNHCR is also scaling up communication with refugee communities, including through helplines, intention surveys and websites,70 to both inform refugees of their rights and options and to better understand their aspirations and concerns. To allow refugees to make informed decisions on their returns, UNHCR is strengthening its protection monitoring system inside Syria. At this pivotal time, it is vital to support Syria’s recovery to ensure the sustainability of returns. Furthermore, to ensure that refugee returns are voluntary and take place in dignity and safety, it is essential that UNHCR, governments and partner organisations continue supporting host countries, such as Türkiye, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Egypt, to preserve the protection space, legal stay and access to essential services for refugees hosted in these countries.71 There is also a pressing need for increased investment inside Syria to support recovery, reconstruction of vital infrastructures and scaling up of public services such as schools and hospitals to create more favourable conditions for those refugees and IDPs who choose to return. During the Ninth Brussels conference held in March 2025, 5.8 billion EUR were pledged and this commitment now needs to be realised. The recent announcements on lifting EU and US sanctions are positive steps towards helping Syria progress towards recovery. However, with more refugee returns anticipated over the coming year, much more funding will be needed for Syria and its neighbouring countries, who will continue to host millions of refugees. 68 See: Alrababah, Ala and Marine Casalis, (2024). “Understanding Refugee Return: Key Findings, Gaps, and Future Research”; World Bank – UNHCR Joint Data Center. Quarterly Digest on Forced Displacement, Tenth Issue. Washington, D.C.: World Bank Group. 69 Syria continues to be affected by attacks and violence in parts of the country; large-scale internal displacement; contamination of many parts of the country with explosive remnants of war; a devastated economy and a large-scale humanitarian crisis, with over 16 million already in need of humanitarian assistance before the recent developments. In addition, and as noted above, Syria has also sustained massive destruction and damage to homes, critical infrastructure and agricultural lands. Property rights have been greatly affected, with widespread housing, land, and property violations recorded over the past decade, leading to complex ownership disputes that will take time to resolve. See Position on Returns to the Syrian Arab Republic, December 2024, UNHCR. 70 See Syria is home, UNHCR. 71 See 2025 Regional Strategic Overview, 3RP. UNHCR > GLOBAL TRENDS 2024 17