Theo James, British actor and Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, visits Syria to meet refugees who returned to the country

DAMASCUS – Theo James, British actor, producer and Goodwill Ambassador for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, visited Syria this week to witness UNHCR’s work to support Syrian families, especially displaced people who recently returned to their home country, following the fall of the Bashar al-Assad government. While in Syria, Theo visited Damascus, Zabadani and Eastern Ghouta, meeting families who have recently returned home. He spent time with returnees receiving shelter and livelihood support from UNHCR and joined discussions with women focused on their challenges and hopes to rebuild their lives and communities after years of displacement.

Theo’s visit follows more than a decade of advocacy and public support for Syrians forced to flee, including visits to refugees in Greece, France and Jordan, where he helped raise awareness of the importance of supporting those fleeing the conflict. The actor has a personal connection to Syria as his grandfather fled Greece during the Second World War before finding safety in Damascus.

Commenting on his visit, Theo James said: “I am hopeful for the future after meeting with Syrians who chose to return to their homes – though for many people, not much is left of their homes. Among the people I met was a family who returned after living for years in Zaatari refugee camp in Jordan – I met with refugees in Jordan in 2023. Learning more about their journey and wishes for the future makes me optimistic. At the same time, I have seen that the humanitarian crisis isn’t over. So much of the infrastructure has been destroyed, access to basic services is hard, schools and hospitals have been damaged and finding work is a struggle. That’s why UNHCR’s work in Syria is critical to ensure that those who return receive support.”

UNHCR Representative in Syria, Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, said: “Theo James’ visit to Syria is a powerful gesture of solidarity with refugees and displaced families who have endured years of hardship. By meeting people and listening to their stories firsthand, he helps shine a light on both their resilience and the continued need for international support.”

Over the past weeks, fighting erupted in northeast Syria, which has forced thousands of Syrians to flee their homes, looking for safety. UNHCR is on the ground providing support to the most vulnerable, but what people need most is safety and security so they can return home.

Around 16.5 million people in Syria – almost 90 per cent of the population – still require humanitarian assistance, while nearly 1.4 million refugees have returned to the country since December 2024. UNHCR is supporting displaced people and returnees through shelter assistance, including help with repairing homes, as well as legal protection and livelihoods support. Despite the scale of needs, severe funding cuts are impacting UNHCR’s humanitarian assistance in Syria.

“As I stand here in Damascus, I think of the journey my grandfather made after escaping war in Greece. He was welcomed by the people of Syria and found shelter in this historic city. Without their support in time of need, I wouldn’t be here today. His experience instilled in me that all of us – anyone, anywhere – can become a refugee. It’s a reminder that we all have the choice to provide safety to those fleeing conflict and persecution,” concluded Theo.

The British actor and producer, star of dramas The Gentlemen and The White Lotus, has been supporting the work of UNHCR since 2016 and was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador in 2024.

Media contacts:

• In London: Colin Kampschoer, [email protected], +44 7395 798527