Challenges and Resilience of Returning Families in Homs, Syria

In the Syrian city of Homs and surrounding areas like Al-Qusayr, families returning after years of displacement are facing significant challenges. Many homes remain destroyed or only partially repaired, and essential services such as electricity, water, and healthcare are unreliable. As winter approaches, families are struggling with inadequate heating and limited access to medical care, leading to increased illness among children. Despite these hardships, returnees like Bayan and Mohammad are determined to rebuild their lives, focusing on education and community revitalization.

International Rescue Committee

Bayan, 32, fled Al-Qusayr in 2013 due to conflict, enduring harsh conditions in a Lebanese camp where she gave birth to four children. Upon returning to her mother’s looted home in Homs, she has taken on the role of the family's sole breadwinner through sewing. "I will never leave my country again, never ever," she stated, reflecting her commitment to her homeland despite the difficulties. Meanwhile, Mohammad, 38, who also returned to Homs, has worked to restore his late brother's house and has initiated community projects, including a football field for local children. He emphasizes the need for international support for Syria, stating, "Syria now needs the whole world to stand with it."

International Rescue Committee

The return of families has led to a surge in demand for healthcare, mental health support, and protection services. Local hospitals are inadequately equipped, and many children lack safe spaces to recover from trauma. The International Rescue Committee (IRC), in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and local partners, is addressing these gaps by providing essential medical services, psychosocial support, and educational programs. The IRC operates 12 health facilities across Syria, including three hospitals and eight primary healthcare centers, aiming to meet the urgent needs of returnees.

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Despite the efforts of organizations like the IRC, the humanitarian situation remains dire. Critics point out that the funding for humanitarian responses in Syria is stagnating, with only 36% of the humanitarian response plan funded in 2025. This lack of resources hampers the ability to provide adequate support to returning families. Additionally, the ongoing volatility of the security landscape poses further risks to these communities.

International Rescue Committee

The IRC continues to engage with returnee families, providing information on accessing critical support services. With increased EU and international funding, there is potential for expanding these vital efforts to ensure that all returnees receive timely assistance. The hope remains that with sustained support, families like Bayan's and Mohammad's can realize their dreams of a stable and flourishing Syria.

International Rescue Committee

• “We had imagined one thing, but when we arrived, we found something completely different. You come in with a sense of shock. Nothing about the situation was normal,” — Bayan, Returnee

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• “Photo: Frontline in Focus for the IRC “We found this spot as the most suitable place to build a new football field.” — Mohammad, Community Leader

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• “The IRC offered programs like teaching parents how to handle their children. Many people benefited.” — Mohammad, Returnee

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• “I learned a lot from the IRC on how to deal with children, how to communicate with parents,” — Bayan, Returnee

International Rescue Committee

The resilience of families in Homs illustrates both the challenges they face and their determination to rebuild their lives amidst ongoing adversity.

International Rescue Committee