The UN security council resolution 2254 (2015) has stated the need to build conditions for the safe and voluntary return of refugees to Syria, yet how this will actually be implemented is unclear. There is much talk of safe zones and voluntary return, but all hinge on what assistance and protection the refugees might have access to and whether conditions are conducive to a return especially with regards to security and economic concerns.

The workshop seeks to discuss the diversity of perspectives on the issue of return and to determine the Western position with the aim to clarify understanding of existing policies and strategies and to consider potential pathways that will contribute towards security and stability

The specific objectives of the workshop are to:

• Present an overview of the situation of the refugees in neighboring countries
• Discuss the implications of safe return in the current politico-economic -security conditions.
• Clarify understanding of the UN resolution and various policies on the safe return of the Syrian refugees.
• Give an international overview of perspectives on policies and implementation plans adopted on the issue of return.