A damning report released by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) sheds light on the harrowing challenges encountered by Syrians upon their return to Syria. Detailing a grim reality of insecurity, economic turmoil, and violations of human rights law, the report underscores the dire circumstances facing returnees from neighboring countries.

Following the conclusion of the protracted civil war in Syria, many displaced Syrians made the difficult decision to return to their homeland, driven by worsening socio-economic conditions abroad. However, the report reveals that the situation in Syria remains fraught with peril, with ongoing violations of human rights and international humanitarian law exacerbating the plight of returning citizens.

Of particular concern is the "alarming" economic situation, as described by the report, with many Syrians facing a daily struggle for basic necessities such as food, shelter, and healthcare. This stark reality underscores a shift in priorities, with fear of hunger surpassing the fear of bombs for many Syrians.

Neighboring countries, such as Lebanon and Türkiye, have increasingly applied pressure on Syrian refugees, leading to arrests and deportations. Türkiye's announcement of the "resettlement" of one million Syrian refugees in May 2022 further underscores the challenges faced by Syrians seeking refuge abroad.

Despite efforts by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) to facilitate the return of Syrians to their homeland, a significant number of returnees find themselves forced to leave Syria once again, underscoring the enduring instability and insecurity in the region.

As a signatory to various human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Syria is bound to uphold the rights of all individuals within its jurisdiction. The principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits the return of individuals to places where they face persecution or threats to their life, must be rigorously upheld.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Voler Türk has voiced serious concerns regarding the treatment of returnees, calling into question the commitment of states to due process and non-refoulement. With normalization efforts between the Syrian government and neighboring countries gaining momentum, pressure on Syrian refugees to return is expected to intensify, raising further apprehensions about their safety and well-being.

The release of this report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for concerted international efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Syria and ensure the protection of the rights of all individuals, regardless of their nationality or status.