Kathmandu: More than two million Syrian refugees and displaced persons have returned to their homeland following the overthrow of former President Bashar al-Assad, according to Filippo Grandi, head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

During a visit to Lebanon, Grandi stated on Thursday that the return of Syrians—displaced by over a decade-long civil war—offers a “sign of hope” amidst growing regional instability. “This proves that we need a political solution, not another wave of instability and displacement,” he posted on social media.

The Syrian civil war, which erupted in 2011 after Assad’s violent crackdown on anti-government protesters, had displaced over half of the country’s population, both internally and across international borders. However, following Assad’s ouster by Islamist factions on December 8 last year, there has been a shift in the political landscape, reviving hope for millions of Syrians scattered worldwide.

Despite the positive momentum, returnees are confronting a harsh reality: many of their homes and properties have been damaged or destroyed during the 14-year conflict. Reconstruction is expected to be an enormous task. According to UN estimates, rebuilding Syria will require over $400 billion in aid and investment.

The lifting of Western sanctions on Syria after Assad’s removal has further raised expectations for international support in the rebuilding process. Earlier this month, the UN projected that by the end of 2025, up to 1.5 million Syrian refugees abroad and 2 million internally displaced persons may return home.

This mass return of civilians marks a new chapter in Syria’s history, with the international community watching closely as efforts to rebuild and stabilize the war-torn nation gain momentum.