Baghdad: A survey conducted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees showed an increase in the percentage of Syrians who intend to return to their homes during the next year, to 27%, compared to only 1.7% who expressed the same desire before the fall of the Assad regime.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the commission indicated that three-quarters of Syrian refugees still do not have clear plans to return, hesitant in the absence of stability and basic services.

The reasons for refugees’ reluctance to return vary between loss of property, security concerns, lack of job opportunities, and the absence of health services and the disruption of electricity and water networks. The suffering increases in the winter with the drop in temperatures and the lack of basic heating supplies.

The Commission notes: “The increasing humanitarian needs in Syria make it difficult for returnees to secure a livelihood, especially in light of the collapse of public services and the destruction of infrastructure.”

Returnees confirm that humanitarian support and financial assistance are essential elements for rebuilding their lives.

While returnees seek to secure a steady income, they face difficulties in finding job opportunities capable of meeting their daily needs, according to what the Commission reported.