Voluntary repatriation of refugees to Syria under conflict

Abstract

In this study we examine factors that have stimulated some refugees to return from Turkey to Syria during the previous years, despite the fact that the war has not ended yet. Through a review of previous literature, we found that they focus on the return of refugees in the post-conflict period, after securing a safe environment for returning under formal procedures, often supported by the United Nations. We attempted to answer the basic question of: What factors stimulate the Syrian refugees to return to Syria despite the fact that the conflict has not ended yet? A sample of refugees who returned to northern Syria (the Euphrates Shield area) was studied to explore the factors that contributed to their return despite the security risks they might face there. The study suggested a set of conclusions and recommendations that may help host countries and international organizations concerned with refugee issues improve their strategies towards contributing to the return of refugees to their country of origin and ending the refugee crisis.