Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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March 24, 2026 Refugees and migrants
Since early March, amid the war in the Middle East, more than 130,000 people have arrived in the Syrian Arab Republic from Lebanon, while over 1 million have fled their homes and remain in Lebanese territory. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported this today, citing new data from its population displacement monitoring system.
“The current situation is a stark reminder of how quickly instability can change population movement patterns across entire regions,” said IOM Director General Amy Pope. “Many of those on the move are already living in precarious conditions, and as pressure mounts, humanitarian needs will increase. Providing protection and assistance to people wherever they are requires sustainable international support".
Increase in the number of people arriving in Syria
Displacement related to the crisis in Lebanon continues: according to the IOM, more than 130,000 people crossed the border between March 2 and 18. Syrians account for 95 percent of them, while 5 percent are Lebanese citizens. The basic needs of those arriving include financial assistance, food, and shelter. Many are temporarily staying with relatives or friends.
The border crossings are primarily made up of families and young men who previously worked in Lebanon and are expected to return when the situation stabilizes. Rapid monitoring has documented the arrival of over 82,000 people in hundreds of locations across Syria. This underscores the broad geographic reach of the humanitarian assistance needed.
Large-scale displacement within Lebanon
In Lebanon itself, the number of internally displaced persons is growing rapidly. According to the country's authorities, as of March 22, more than 1 million people were registered as internally displaced, including more than 134,000 people housed in 644 collective centers.
Most people are staying with relatives, in host communities, or in rented accommodation. Some are forced to sleep in cars or outdoors.
The situation in the region
In other countries in the region, people are leaving their homes as a precaution, seeking safe areas while monitoring the situation, including in Iran.
No large-scale population movements have been recorded in Iraq, but small groups of arrivals have been registered at border crossings.
Meanwhile, movements from Iran to Pakistan continue: from March 1 to 16, more than 6,700 arrivals were recorded, the majority through the Taftan-Mirjaveh crossing. These were primarily returning Pakistanis, as well as Iranian citizens with valid visas or entry permits.
Risks in Afghanistan
While returns from Iran to Afghanistan remain restricted due to unstable situation in both countries, transport restrictions within Iran, and expectations of a quick resolution to the conflict. However, the situation could change quickly.
After the holiday period, a sharp increase in returns is expected due to security risks, economic pressure, unemployment, and deteriorating living conditions for undocumented Afghans in Iran. This could lead to both forced and spontaneous returns.
The crisis has also triggered the movement of third-country nationals. People from various countries are crossing borders with Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan, often with the assistance of their governments.
Humanitarian support
IOM continues to closely monitor the situation, working with national authorities and partners to inform humanitarian priorities.
The Agency also supports the UN Secretary-General's call for restraint and urgent de-escalation. It emphasizes that civilians, including migrants and displaced persons, must be protected at all times, and international humanitarian law must be strictly observed.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.