Migration motivation and psychosocial issues of Internally Displaced People: A close-up from Homs, Syria

Abstract

The Syrian conflict led to a countrywide realignment in both territorial and demographic traits with catastrophic consequences for the population. More than 6,6 million people were forced to leave their homeland, and a further 6,9 million became Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Lately, a subsequent consolidation of the population ensued, which witnessed a partial self-repatriation of IDPs. Here, we report the preliminary results of a study to explore migration motives in the framework of the repatriation aid programme provided for these IDPs. The programme was coordinated by the Melkite Greek Catholic Archeparchy of Homs in and around the city of Homs. Moreover, we provide an overview of the geographic territory covered by the initiative and of the relevant events of the conflict which affected IDPs from the region. Key results from our analysis include the observation that individual experiences of traumatization and deterioration of social status are major contributing factors that fuel resettlement. Our work provides timely guidance for other ongoing struggles and emerging crises by highlighting the causes and circumstances of internal migration.