Since 2011, over 2.4 million Syrian IDPs and refugees have spontaneously
returned to their neighborhood of origin. However, these returns have not
necessarily been voluntary, safe, or sustainable. Many of these returnees later
again fled their communities: in 2016 alone, 113,000 returnees were later again
displaced. Furthermore, it is important to note that Syrians who are still displaced -
both inside and outside of the country - far outnumber those who have returned
home. Over 11.2 million Syrians are still displaced as of January 2017.
This is a documentary film on returns, to better understand why some displaced Syrians have returned to their
locations of origin or thinking of returning, to what extent their returns were voluntary, safe, and sustainable and what factors influenced their decision-making.
The objective of this project is to generate knowledge and promote dialogue and strategic programme approaches to the long term future of Syrian refugees and internally displaced people based on international best practice and principles for preparing and supporting durable solutions for people in displacement.