Is Syria safe to return to in 2026?
IDPs in Syria
UNHCR does not currently promote large-scale returns to Syria in 2026. Conditions across most areas remain inconsistent with the safe, voluntary and dignified return standards set by the 1951 Refugee Convention and UNHCR's protection thresholds.
UNHCR assesses return safety against four criteria: physical safety, legal safety, material safety, and the voluntary nature of the decision. As of 2026, large parts of Syria fall short on at least one of those criteria due to the ongoing Syrian Civil War that began in 2011, residual contamination from explosive ordnance, destroyed housing stock, and limited basic-service availability.
Spontaneous returns do occur, often driven by host-country pressure or fatigue rather than improvements at origin. UNHCR's role in those cases shifts from promotion to facilitation, including return-monitoring missions and reintegration support through cash grants and shelter rehabilitation. Refugees considering return should consult UNHCR country pages and the most recent IOM DTM movement intentions surveys before making any decision.
Data sources
- UNHCR
- IOM DTM
- IDMC
Figures synthesised from primary humanitarian data partners. Numbers update on monthly cycles as new field assessments and registration data are released.
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