Decree 59 Creates Committee for Voluntary-Return Areas

Syria's Minister of Emergency and Disaster Management, Raed al-Saleh, said that investing in Syrians and safeguarding their right to live in safety is the foundation of national security. He spoke in an interview with Al Jazeera Net on the sidelines of the Global Security Forum 2026 in Doha, held from 19 to 21 October.

Survey and Needs Assessment

Al-Saleh said the government's first steps were a comprehensive field survey and needs assessment across Syria. He stated that the country had no unified national response system and no multi-sector early warning network.

He added that the ministry adopted an executive plan with two parallel tracks, along with a study of the country's geography that classified areas by environmental risk indicators. On that basis, the number and type of centres were set and divided into 3 operational categories, differing in staffing, training level, specialised equipment and response system.

Mine Action Work

The minister explained that the ministry runs a round-the-clock response system for incidents and natural disasters, alongside a long-term plan to clear mines and war remnants and remove rubble. To institutionalise this work, the National Mine Action Centre was established, with these tasks:

• Setting the approved national strategy and standards.
• Technical and field oversight of local and international organisations.
• Oversight of companies working in this field.

Presidential Decree No. 59

Presidential Decree No. 59 formed a senior government committee chaired by the Minister of Emergency and including the relevant ministers and governors. Its task is to rehabilitate infrastructure in areas of voluntary return.

The Syria Without Camps Goal

Al-Saleh stressed that these efforts are the practical path to ending displacement and returning families from camps to their cities and villages, under the announced vision of "Syria without camps". He said the priority combines responding to emergencies today with preparing prevention plans and rebuilding what the war destroyed.

The interview also covered what the minister called "disaster diplomacy", a tool for building partnerships and humanitarian cooperation. He said public demands for a faster pace are natural because they stem from Syrians' love of their country.