After years of displacement, over 1.87 million Syrians have returned home following the downfall of Bashar al-Assad. Many, like Aref Shamtan, chose to settle in makeshift tents near their devastated homes instead of remaining in crowded camps. Despite severe destruction in their villages, returnees confront the lack of economic opportunities and essential services as they attempt to rebuild their lives. Shamtan, who began planting wheat on his land, represents the resilience of many who refuse to remain in displacement camps, hoping for support to restore their communities in the future.
"I feel good here, even among the rubble," Shamtan said, sipping tea at the tent near his field, contrasting his current situation with life in camps.
Shamtan explained, "We cannot stay in the camps, even though the village is all destroyed and life is non-existent, lacking fundamental services and infrastructure."
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