Some Syrian refugees intend to return home within the next year due to a lack of job opportunities and other reasons, including security, the UN representative in Syria said on Tuesday.

“Most Syrian refugees still hope to return someday, and a significant number hope to return within five years,” Geir Pedersen said at a briefing at the UN Security Council. He cited the recently published annual survey of refugees in Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Egypt, conducted by the United Nations refugee agency, UNHCR. “Only a small proportion have stated their intention to return in the next 12 months.”

Refugees also cited a lack of livelihood due to not returning, as well as inadequate basic services, military service, recruitment at the border, fear of arrest, detention, persecution and reprisals, he said.

“We continue to support and promote the safe, dignified and prompt return of refugees,” Pedersen said.

According to the UNHCR, there are 1.9 million Syrian refugees in Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon, and 3.76 million Syrians in Turkey.

“It is vital that recent diplomatic moves are met with real action,” he said.

“Despite the fact that they have observed recent diplomatic developments, they have not yet noticed any improvement in the reality of their lives, whether they live in Syria or outside of it,” he added.

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Eddie Hudson is an Entertainment News Reporter and Fashion Stylist. Graduated with a degree in Television Production from Howard University. He is an award-winning entertainment news reporter at 24PalNews and credits his upbringing and passion for helping others as the foundation for his success.

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