2024 population planning figures
- Refugees and asylum-seekers in neighbouring countries (including Türkiye) : 5.2 million
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IDPs* : 6.8 million
For the reported figures consult the dedicated page on UNHCR operational data portal.
2024 situation overview
The Syria crisis, currently in its 13th year, remains the largest displacement crisis in the world, with over 12 million Syrians forcibly displaced in the region. The February 2023 earthquakes further exacerbated the situation inside the Syrian Arab Republic, affecting around 8.8 million people and destroying homes and vital infrastructure. Refugee-hosting countries, which have shown incredible hospitality for over a decade, are suffering from layers of crises, which has led to an increasingly challenging protection environment with heightened pressures for refugees to return to their country of origin.
In 2024, UNHCR will continue to co-lead with UNDP the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP) in response to the Syria crisis, coordinating the work of more than 270 partners in support of national efforts in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Türkiye.
The 3RP is the platform to connect the response with longer-term national strategies for inclusive growth and sustainable development. Amid growing needs and elusive opportunities for solutions, a new 3RP Advocacy Working Group will explore strategic joint advocacy and resource mobilization opportunities to promote the socioeconomic inclusion of refugees in host countries.
Refugee returns to Syria continue to remain low, with approximately 24,400 returns verified by UNHCR in the first eight months of 2023. UNHCR’s latest return intention survey conducted in early 2023 indicated that while 56% of Syrians wished to return one day, only 1.1% planned on doing so in the next 12 months.
Resettlement and complementary pathways remain the most viable durable solution for Syrian refugees who continue to represent the refugee population with the highest global resettlement needs. Over 753,000 Syrian refugees are projected to be in need of resettlement in 2024.
Inside Syria, significant humanitarian needs will persist. Prior to the earthquakes, 15.3 million Syrians were already in need of humanitarian assistance, the highest number since the start of the crisis. UNHCR will further enhance its engagement with partners to facilitate solutions for IDPs and for those who have spontaneously returned, including through the UN's area-based return support approach, in order to strengthen humanitarian early recovery and resilience of communities, and thus the sustainability of return and reintegration. UNHCR will maintain its readiness to respond to new and protracted emergencies and preparedness to scale up cross-line assistance. Furthermore, UNHCR will increase its efforts in refugee protection, integrate refugees into services like livelihood support, and advocate for solutions.
UNHCR will continue to co-lead the Protection, Shelter, and Camp Coordination and Camp Management cluster responses.
For the most recent stories, press releases and briefing notes, please visit the Emergency page on unhcr.org dedicated to Syria.