Update: Durable Solutions for Syrian Refugees, March/April 2018

The March/April update on durable solutions for Syrian refugees focuses on UNHCR's Comprehensive Protection and Solutions Strategy for Syrian refugees, and on resettlement for Syrians.

Introduction and Intentions

Ongoing hostilities in Syria continue to drive the largest displacement crisis in the world. There are over 5.6 million refugees across the region and over 6.6 million people remain internally displaced. While fighting continues in parts of Syria, recent developments on the ground have also meant that people have returned to areas where fighting has receded.

Across the main refugee-hosting countries in the region, refugees' intentions vis-a-vis durable solutions continue to demonstrate that the great majority wish to one day return to Syria — and to their areas of origin. However, an even greater majority — despite their wish to return one day - does not plan to return within the next 6-12 months. In all countries, refugee intentions surveys are being updated — and early results show relative consistency with previous surveys. Safety and security in Syria remain the top drivers for decision making — cited as the key consideration for those who plan to return (improved security) and those who state they will not return (too much insecurity). Status of property/housing, family unity, and access to livelihoods and basic services were the other key reasons driving an intention to return and not to return.