UNHCR’s Salih reaffirms commitment to refugee protection and solutions in Türkiye

Ankara, Türkiye – The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih, concluded a three-day visit to Türkiye, during which he reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to supporting the country in hosting one of the world’s largest refugee populations, and to advancing solutions for refugees and asylum-seekers in Türkiye both through voluntary returns and resettlement.

“Dignity and creating pathways to self-reliance must remain at the heart of our collective response,” the High Commissioner stated as he met refugees in Ankara and listened to their experiences of displacement and resilience, as well as their hopes for the future. One moment that particularly resonated with the High Commissioner was hearing from a young Syrian refugee who has spent the past 10 years in Türkiye, completed his university education here, and now sees himself as part of a generation that will help rebuild Syria once conditions allow.

Türkiye continues to play a dual role in the Syria response: supporting refugees to continue living in safety and dignity in the country, while also facilitating voluntary returns and resettlement for the most vulnerable. Since December 2024 and the fall of the Assad regime, 600,000 Syrian refugees have returned to Syria from Türkiye. In close cooperation with Turkish authorities, UNHCR supports Syrian nationals to make free, informed, and voluntary decisions. Salih stresses that lasting peace and stability in Syria are essential to any sustainable solution. Security and meaningful recovery efforts are vital to ensure all people in Syria can rebuild their lives in safety and dignity.

At the same time, many refugees choose to remain in Türkiye, reflecting ongoing protection needs and the importance of sustained investment in inclusion, self-reliance and social cohesion. “Türkiye has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and solidarity by hosting millions of refugees for over a decade,” Salih said. “Ensuring protection and solutions for millions depends on continued and collective international support."

Salih met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, Minister of Interior Ali Yerlikaya, and Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Numan Kurtulmuş. Discussions focused on the need for a stable, peaceful and inclusive Syria, and on UNHCR’s cooperation with national institutions in strengthening protection, access to services, social cohesion and self reliance for refugees in Türkiye. He also met with the UN Country Team in Türkiye, where he underscored the value of coordinated UN action and shared responsibility in responding to forced displacement.

The High Commissioner traveled to Kilis, where he visited the Öncüpınar–Bab al Salam border crossing and observed voluntary return processing alongside the President of Migration Management, Hüseyin Kök. The visit highlighted ongoing efforts to ensure that returns are voluntary, safe, dignified, and informed, in line with international standards. “UNHCR remains committed to supporting Türkiye in ensuring that refugees can make informed decisions, while continuing to protect and support those who cannot return.” Salih said.

“The needs inside Syria remain immense,” Salih concluded as he continues his visit to the region. “Intensified international support for recovery – including schools, hospitals, housing, and basic services – is critical to ensure that returns are sustainable, while continued support in Türkiye remains essential for those who stay.”

For more information on this topic, please contact:

• In Türkiye, Selin Unal, +90 530 2827862, [email protected]