About UNHCR in Syria


UNHCR established its presence in Syria in 1991 to respond to the influx of refugees seeking international protection. By the end of 2009, Syria became the third largest refugee-hosting country globally. With the onset of the crisis in Syria in 2011, UNHCR expanded the scope of its operations to respond to the growing humanitarian needs of internally displaced people (IDPs), returnees and host communities across the country in addition to refugees and asylum-seekers.

In Syria, UNHCR works with partners to protect the rights and improve the well-being of vulnerable groups, including refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and returnees. We also collaborate with local authorities to enhance living conditions for those impacted by conflict and disasters in the host community.

We have offices in Damascus, Qamishli, Aleppo, Homs, As-Sweida, Tartous, and Deir ez-Zor, covering all 14 governorates.

UNHCR is the only agency providing registration and refugee status determination services for asylum-seekers and refugees in Syria.

⚠️ Attention: All UNHCR services and those of our partners are FREE!

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Who do we Help?

  • Returnees: Returnees are former refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs) who return to their country or area of origin voluntarily in safety and dignity.
  • Internally displaced people (IDPs): Internally displace persons are people who have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, violence, persecution or disasters, however, unlike refugees, they remain within their own country.
  • Asylum-seekers: An asylum-seeker is an individual who is seeking international protection, and whose application for refugee status is still under consideration.
  • Refugees: Refugees are people who have fled their countries to escape conflict, violence, or persecution and have sought safety in another country.
  • Stateless People: Stateless people are people who do not have a nationality and may face some difficulties to realize some of their rights as a result.

How to contact UNHCR in Syria?

Related information:

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