The Ministers of Local Administration, Interior and Social Affairs are discussing with Grandi ways to enhance cooperation and programs implemented with the UNHCR

Damascus-SANA

The Minister of Local Administration and Environment, Chairman of the Higher Relief Committee, Engineer Hussein Makhlouf, discussed with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi and the accompanying delegation ways to enhance joint cooperation in the areas of early recovery for areas affected by terrorism, humanitarian work and services provided to the displaced.

Minister Makhlouf stressed during the meeting that the work of the Syrian government focuses on creating conditions for the return and stability of the displaced Syrians and providing the necessary facilities for them to achieve a safe return for them from abroad, pointing out that joint cooperation with the UNHCR will later result in the possibility of rehabilitating transitional housing units for the returnees, in addition to supporting small income-generating projects. Continuing to rehabilitate damaged homes and infrastructure in the areas to which they have returned or the areas to which their residents will return.

Makhlouf called for the need to remove obstacles to those wishing to return to their homeland and work to abolish the unilateral coercive measures imposed on Syria that impede the return of the displaced and the restoration of their livelihoods.

For his part, Grandi praised the efforts of the Syrian government and the facilities provided for the return of the displaced, the most important of which is Decree No. 7 of 2022 granting a general amnesty for terrorist crimes, which had a positive impact on the return of many of them.

Grandi indicated that he will work to bring in more aid and support to achieve early recovery for the affected areas.

The Minister of Interior, Major General Muhammad al-Rahmoun, also discussed with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi and the accompanying delegation ways to enhance joint cooperation between Syria and UNHCR and facilitate the provision of humanitarian services.

During the meeting, Minister Rahmon indicated that Syria continues to develop cooperation with the UNHCR in line with its international obligations, laws and national sovereignty, as it continues to provide all facilities to all organizations and bodies of the United Nations.

The Minister of Interior explained that Syria has provided all the necessary facilities to secure the return of the displaced to their homeland, as it allowed their entry according to Syrian passports, even if they are expired, or any document proving that they are Syrian citizens. That their relatives review the civil affairs for their registration.

For his part, Grandi expressed his thanks to the Syrian state for the joint cooperation with the High Commissioner for Refugees and the efforts made by the Ministry of the Interior to provide the necessary facilities for the return of the displaced to their country.

The Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, Mohamed Seif El-Din, met with Grandi and discussed areas of joint cooperation between the two sides.

During the meeting, Minister Seif El-Din stressed that the efforts and programs implemented by the ministry aim to enhance economic and social stability for citizens and accelerate recovery in areas liberated from terrorism.

Minister Seif El-Din pointed out the importance of the responsibility of international organizations in contributing to the financing of programs designated to rehabilitate the affected areas, restore basic services there, and implement targeted projects that serve to provide job opportunities in line with national priorities and government action plans and efforts in this field.

For his part, Grandi stressed the importance of permanent coordination to serve the implementation of joint projects and their positive impact on various aspects of life.

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