Syria Has Historic Opportunity To Transform Displacement Into Recovery, Needs Global Support: UN ExpertGENEVA (23 July 2026) – Syria has a historic opportunity to transform one of the world's largest displacement crises into an inclusive and sustainable recovery, a UN human rights expert* said today. Since December 2024, nearly two million internally displaced persons and 1.7 million refugees have returned. Yet approximately 5.5 million people remain internally displaced, reconstruction needs are estimated at USD 216 billion, and 15.6 million people continue to require humanitarian assistance. “Internally displaced persons are among the most affected by Syria’s past, and among those who can contribute most significantly to its future,” she said. *The expert:Paula Gaviria Betancur, the Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons© Scoop Media