Saudi Arabia Reiterates Commitment to Syria’s Reconstruction and Refugee Repatriation

• Kingdom collaborates with UNHCR to rehabilitate homes and offer shelter to refugees before winter
• Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief integrates humanitarian aid with development programs to foster lasting stability in Syria

Updated 56 sec ago

October 15, 2026 06:16

GENEVA: Saudi Arabia has reiterated its support for Syria’s recovery and reconstruction, including measures to enable the voluntary return of refugees, according to statements reported by the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA).
Speaking at the 77th session of the UNHCR Executive Committee, Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the United Nations and other international organizations in Geneva, Ambassador Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila, affirmed that the Kingdom backs efforts to create conditions allowing Syrians displaced by years of conflict to return home voluntarily and safely, as reported by SANA.
The ambassador highlighted the partnership between the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) and UNHCR in rehabilitating homes and providing shelter assistance for returning families ahead of the winter season. He also emphasized the need to sustain returns by expanding livelihood opportunities and strengthening long‑term recovery programs, according to SANA.
Bin Khothaila reiterated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to international cooperation on refugee issues, stressing the importance of supporting host nations, sharing humanitarian responsibilities, and pursuing durable solutions that uphold refugees’ dignity and rights.
He noted that Saudi Arabia ranked second worldwide and first among Arab states in humanitarian and relief assistance in 2025, underscoring the Kingdom’s approach of linking humanitarian aid with development initiatives to promote lasting stability and recovery, SANA reported.
Rehabilitation support for 49 schools and orphan care
Saudi Arabia has become one of the most active supporters of Syria’s new government following the ouster of former president Bashar al‑Assad, coupling diplomatic outreach with a comprehensive humanitarian and recovery assistance program.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), KSrelief this month finished rehabilitating 49 damaged schools in the Aleppo, Rif Dimashq, Homs and Idlib governorates, benefitting over 50,000 students within a broader initiative to restore 60 educational facilities. The effort encompasses classroom refurbishment, solar power installations, educational equipment, and the supply of classroom units.
On October 2, KSrelief signed a cooperation agreement via video conference to launch an orphan care project in Syria.
Ahmed Al‑Baiz, assistant supervisor general of operations and programs at KSrelief, signed the agreement, which pledges monthly financial assistance to orphans to cover their basic needs for food, housing, healthcare, and education.
The project will also feature recreational activities and the distribution of toys, school bags, and stationery, directly benefiting 1,000 orphans in the Deir ez‑Zor, Homs and Hama governorates.
Furthermore, KSrelief delivered ambulances and personal care kits.
SPA also reported that KSrelief delivered ten fully equipped ambulances to Syria’s Ministry of Health to strengthen healthcare services strained by years of conflict and humanitarian challenges.
In additional initiatives reported by SPA, the Saudi aid agency distributed 2,450 personal care kits to families in Homs governorate and signed an agreement to provide financial, educational and healthcare support for 1,000 orphans in Deir ez‑Zor, Homs and Hama.
These initiatives are part of Saudi Arabia’s wider assistance program in Syria, aimed at restoring essential services, bolstering healthcare and education infrastructure, and supporting vulnerable communities as the nation advances toward recovery and reconstruction.

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