Executive summary

Calls for Syrian refugees to be repatriated are growing amid economic and political complications in host countries, despite the fact that conditions in Syria are incommensurate with UNHCR requirements for return. As a result, most refugees in host countries, including Lebanon, do not favor returning to Syria in the near term, and would only consider doing so if conditions in Syria improve. This paper examines barriers to a safe and dignified return facing prospective returnees, both in Syria as well as Lebanon. Among these are concerns related to retribution by Syrian security forces and local communities, military conscription, currency depreciation and economic malaise, and a loss of property rights.