Refugee Returns to Syria Slow Due to Lack of Economic Opportunity and Security
What happened
The UN refugee agency’s representative in Iraq stated that reconstruction efforts in Syria must extend to Kurdish areas in the north-east if refugees are to return home. The representative noted that the lack of economic opportunities and security in the region remains a major obstacle to return. Iraq hosts over 300,000 Syrian refugees, eighty-five per cent of whom are in the autonomous Kurdistan Region.
From thenationalnews.com
Why it matters
The return of Syrian refugees to Syria has slowed from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey. The representative noted that continuing frictions and tensions are cited by refugees as a primary reason for not returning, which impacts regional stability and the need for reconstruction funding.
From thenationalnews.com
Who's involved
- KurdistanAutonomous region in Iraq hosting a large portion of Syrian refugees
- SyriaCountry where reconstruction efforts must extend to facilitate refugee returns
- Syrian Democratic ForcesKurdish-led militia group whose integration deal with the Damascus government affects security in the region
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.