About 850,000 Syrians have returned from neighbouring countries since December, the United Nations refugee agency said, as its deputy chief Kelly Clements ended a five-day visit to Lebanon and Syria.

During her visit, the UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees met Lebanese and Syrian officials, as well as refugees who recently returned home and others still considering the decision to go back.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said the agency expanded its assistance to ensure returns are voluntary, safe, and dignified.

It offered financial aid, transportation, shelter, and livelihood support in the communities of return.

“I saw up close how people have preserved their will to return, stay, and rebuild inspite the harsh reality of destruction and lack of services following 14 years of war,” Ms Clements said.

Lebanon, which continues to host hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees, has seen nearly 200,000 people return this year alone.

At the same time, new arrivals fleeing recent violence in Syria continue to enter Lebanon, underscoring the fluidity of the displacement crisis.

In Syria’s Damascus, Homs, and Idlib, Ms Clements visited returnees benefiting from housing rehabilitation and small business support.

She also inaugurated a rehabilitated Civil Registry Office in Maaret Al Nouman, Idlib, to improve access to documentation for returning families.

“The international community cannot afford to be mere observers,” Ms Clements stated.

“They must take an active role in supporting stabilisation and recovery efforts, helping Syrians rebuild and reshape their country,” she said.

(Xinhua/NAN)