France: Security and political reasons prevent Syrian refugees from returning to their country

France’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Nicolas de Rivière, said: “Syrian refugees refrain from returning not only for economic reasons, but also for security and political reasons.”

Rivière’s statement came during a UN Security Council session on the political and human situation in Syria.

Rivière added: “His country continues to support millions of Syrian refugees in the region and the countries that host them.”

Rivière made it clear: “Progress in the political process is a condition for lifting sanctions and financing the rebuilding, and that UN Resolution 2254 is the only way to achieve just peace in Syria.”

Rivière pointed out: “His country will continue its work with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in order to create the appropriate conditions for a safe return, calling on the Assad regime to commit in good faith to providing all necessary guarantees for the safe return of refugees.”

Rivière added: “The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, and only 21% of the response plan has been funded.”

At the conclusion of his speech, de Rivière welcomed the extension of UN humanitarian aid delivery through the Bab al-Hawa border crossing with Turkey until January 2025, stressing the need to “maintain this route as long as necessary.”