A new chapter has opened in the history of Syria following a rapid and dramatic shift of power. This is a crucial moment, with immense opportunities and risks for the population of Syria, exhausted by 13 years of war. This is also the occasion for the international community to strengthen diplomatic engagement to support peace dialogues and increase humanitarian assistance to respond to immediate needs while paving the road for recovery and reconstruction. Our hope is that the armed conflicts, which are still ongoing, will be resolved. Whatever the scenario, INTERSOS, which has been active on the frontline to respond to humanitarian needs for the last five years, is fully operational in the country and has started to cooperate with all relevant stakeholders to stand and deliver in its sectors of expertise: health, protection, basic needs provision, and education in emergencies.
Following the dramatic turn of events in Syria, it seems that many refugees hope to be able to go back to Syria. However, it remains to be seen whether and when the conditions for voluntary, safe and dignified return will be met. The context remains extremely volatile. For this reason, INTERSOS asks member states, especially those that host large numbers of refugees from Syria, to avoid hasty decisions in this matter and prioritise ensuring the respect of the International Refugee Law. For the same reasons, we appeal to the hosting countries, such as Turkey, Lebanon, and Jordan, and countries in the European Union to continue providing the required assistance to the refugees from Syria. Finally, as this will not happen without a massive mobilisation of the entire international community, we hope that increased efforts will be made to provide sufficient, predictable, flexible funding.