UNICEF chief urges putting children at heart of Syria's recovery

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Executive Director Catherine Russell called for putting children at the center of Syria's recovery, according to a UNICEF statement on Thursday.



During a three-day visit to Syria, Russell said supporting children and families should be a key priority as large numbers of Syrians return from abroad and internal displacement.



She urged investment in health, education and water services to support returning children and families as they rebuild their lives.



Russell also held talks with Syrian officials and other partners on the needs of returning families, the restoration of essential services and increased investment in children and adolescents, while reaffirming UNICEF's commitment to supporting children and young people across the country.



According to UNICEF, an estimated 1.67 million Syrian refugees have returned from neighboring countries since December 2024, while another 1.9 million internally displaced Syrians have returned, mostly to their areas of origin. Millions of people, however, remain displaced.