The Syrian Arab Republic’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has formally approved the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) plan to extend humanitarian activities throughout Syria and reestablish an official in-country presence.
The Syrian government has stated that it is willing to collaborate closely with IOM in order to improve the coordination systems that support and encourage the efficiency and long-term viability of its operations.
“We are grateful for this endorsement and welcome the opportunity to work closely with national counterparts to meet urgent needs and support long-term recovery,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. “This decision opens the door for IOM and our partners to scale up assistance to people and communities affected by conflict, displacement, and climate-related challenges.”
The 14-year-old conflict has left Syria with severe humanitarian, recovery, and development issues. 6.8 million internally displaced individuals are among the more than 13 million people who still require aid. There are still very few options for housing, livelihoods, education, clean water, and health care. Significant damage has been done to the nation’s infrastructure, and the consequences of economic downturn, climate shocks, and displacement are making people more vulnerable nationwide.
Since 2014, IOM has been providing life-saving aid in Syria’s northwest. These initiatives have been crucial in providing vital humanitarian assistance to populations who are at risk. In order to begin in-country activities across the country, IOM has decided to re-establish its presence in Syria in response to an official letter from the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.
This renewed presence will allow for broader, more coordinated assistance across the country. It will help address both urgent humanitarian needs and longer-term recovery goals, aligning with national priorities and supporting ongoing recovery and stabilization efforts.
In addition to humanitarian assistance, IOM plans to scale up programming in key areas as strategic priorities. These include supporting national efforts to strengthen migration governance and combat human trafficking, in full cooperation with relevant national institutions, and engaging the Syrian diaspora in national recovery and rebuilding efforts. IOM aims to expand its Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) to generate timely, reliable data on population movements and evolving needs—critical for effective planning, coordination, and targeted assistance by IOM and the wider humanitarian and recovery community. Together, these initiatives will enhance institutional capacity, promote safe and orderly migration, and contribute to Syria’s long-term recovery and resilience.
While many areas have seen increased stability, challenges remain in some parts of the country, continuing to affect the safety and well-being of civilians.
Many Syrians, both domestically and internationally, have started to show a renewed desire to return home in the face of these persistent difficulties. One of IOM’s top priorities will be to support these returns in a way that is dignified, safe, consensual, and informed. Following international guidelines and working closely with the authorities, the Organization will prioritize delivering specialized assistance to both host communities and returnees, assisting in the reconstruction of infrastructure, restoring essential services, and fostering social cohesion in return areas—putting the communities at the center of their own healing.
IOM reiterates its call to the international community to strengthen support for the country’s recovery. A principled and inclusive response, underpinned by sustained donor engagement, is essential to help Syrians rebuild their lives and communities with safety, dignity, and hope.
