In Geneva, Bassam Sabbagh, Syria’s Deputy Foreign Minister, met with Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, to discuss and enhance cooperation between Syria and the UNHCR. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the Global Refugee Forum 2023.
The discussions focused on collaborative efforts to facilitate the safe and dignified return of displaced Syrians and refugees to their homes. Topics included strengthening resilience, supporting early recovery projects, and securing the necessary funding for these initiatives.
Grandi acknowledged the positive relationship and ongoing dialogue between the Syrian government and UNHCR, which have yielded fruitful results. He emphasized the UNHCR’s commitment to continuing its constructive work with Syria and countries hosting Syrian refugees. The goal is to ease the process of Syrian refugees returning to their homes and ensure they receive adequate support.
Deputy Minister Sabbagh reaffirmed Syria’s dedication to assisting the return of its citizens. He outlined the Syrian government’s current efforts in this area, which include various facilitative measures. These measures encompass amnesty decrees, local settlements, and streamlined access to essential official documents, notably those pertaining to civil status and property ownership.
This article was translated and edited by The Syrian Observer. The Syrian Observer has not verified the content of this story. Responsibility for the information and views set out in this article lies entirely with the author.
