Investing in Syria’s Future: A Key to Preventing Further Displacement, Says UN Migration Chief

March 19, Syria: The conversation around Syrian refugees returning home needs to be about more than just logistics it’s about rebuilding lives, communities, and hope. That’s the message from Amy Pope, the director-general of the UN’s International Organization for Migration (IOM), who sat down with Euronews to discuss the future of Syria and its displaced population.

With over a decade of conflict, Syria’s story has been one of devastation and displacement. But as the country begins to pick up the pieces, Pope is urging the international community to step up and invest in Syria’s recovery. Why? Because without meaningful investment in peacebuilding, humanitarian aid, and economic revitalization, the cycle of displacement will only continue.

“If people go home and they’re subjected to violence, or they don’t feel safe, or they don’t have a future, then they’ll migrate out again,” Pope explained. “Our goal is to make sure that the conversation about the return of Syrians isn’t happening in isolation. It needs to happen in the context of the investment required not just financial, but political too.”

This call to action comes as the European Union and its partners pledged nearly €5.8 billion in aid for Syria during a recent donor conference. While this funding is a step in the right direction, Pope emphasizes that it’s not just about money it’s about creating a sustainable future for Syrians.

The issue of refugee returns has become a hot topic in Europe, with some countries like Austria exploring plans for “orderly repatriation” of Syrians. Meanwhile, others, including France, are considering “go-and-see” visits short-term trips that allow refugees to assess conditions in Syria without losing their protected status in host countries.

Pope sees these visits as a positive step. “It’s helpful for people to go back and see what challenges they might face or what the situation on the ground looks like,” she said. But she also warns that these visits must be paired with real investment in Syria’s recovery. “If people go home and see that there’s nothing left for them no humanitarian assistance, no rebuilding of communities—it’s likely to discourage others from returning.”

The numbers tell a compelling story. According to the UN’s refugee agency, 80% of Syrian refugees want to return home someday, with 27% expressing an immediate intention to do so within the next year. Another 60% are interested in short-term visits to assess conditions. These figures highlight the deep connection Syrians feel to their homeland, but also the uncertainty they face about what awaits them.

For Pope, the path forward is clear: invest in Syria now to prevent further displacement later. “This is why the investment is so critical,” she stressed. “It’s not just about rebuilding infrastructure it’s about rebuilding lives and giving people a reason to stay.”

As the international community grapples with the complexities of migration and displacement, Pope’s message is a reminder that the human element must remain at the heart of the conversation. For millions of Syrians, the dream of returning home is alive but it’s up to the world to ensure that dream doesn’t turn into another chapter of hardship.

In the end, it’s about more than just politics or economics. It’s about people. And for Syria’s future, that means investing in hope, safety, and the chance to rebuild what was lost.

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