A high-level delegation from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has concluded a visit to Damascus, reaffirming the Organization's commitment to addressing humanitarian needs and advancing longer-term recovery goals in Syria in line with national priorities.
Discussions with senior officials focused on cooperation in border management and governance, support for Syrian returnees - whether internally displaced or returning from abroad - and engaging the Syrian diaspora in national recovery efforts.
"The needs in Syria are immense, both humanitarian and linked to recovery and development, and IOM stands ready to provide all its expertise in priority areas, in full coordination with the United Nations Country Team in Syria," said Othman Belbeisi, IOM's Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, who headed the delegation.
"Our discussions were very fruitful, and we agreed to clearly outline the support that IOM can provide," he added. "We look forward to strengthening our valued partnership with Syria."
Earlier this month, IOM received formal approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates to re-establish its presence in Damascus and expand humanitarian operations across the country.
The delegation met with several Syrian ministers, including the Ministers of Interior, Local Administration and Environment, Health, and Justice. IOM experts also held technical discussions with their counterparts on the type of tailored support the Organization could provide.
In addition to humanitarian assistance, IOM currently runs several operations in Syria, including data collection through its flagship Displacement Tracking Matrix, which supports the international community with planning and response, along with the provision of protection services, mental health and psychosocial support, shelter assistance, and core relief items.
