Refugee return, reintegration, and citizenship practices in post-conflict Syria

Abstract

The return of Syrian refugees and internally displaced persons is occurring despite the absence of economic, political, social, and security infrastructures necessary for a voluntary, safe, and dignified return. Drawing from desk research and interviews conducted with 87 returnees in 2024, this paper explores the interactions between return processes and the Syrian government's citizenship policies. The evidence suggests that the Syrian regime has strategically promoted the right to return and selective readmission of Syrian refugees to gain international legitimacy and facilitate post-war reconstruction. Empirical findings indicate that returnees have not yet attained all citizenship rights, particularly in ensuring safety, accessing government services, participating in cultural and political life, and fostering a sense of belonging. Furthermore, the lack of conducive conditions for the reintegration of returnees, coupled with the persistent characteristics of the pre-war and conflict-era concentric citizenship regime and a lack of political trust, impedes enjoying the rights and protections that should be afforded to them as citizens. This paper contributes to discussions on the politics of repatriation in origin countries and the diverse, path-dependent factors shaping the reintegration of displaced persons in complex post-conflict situations.