Director- IOM Chief of Mission in Syria. Opinions are my own, re-tweets are not an endorsement.
Italy
Joined November 2016
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Laurence Hart retweeted
Top reasons for return: improved security, protecting property, & difficult conditions abroad.
The data underscores a complex reality of simultaneous movement—families coming home while others are still fleeing.
Read the full report👇
syria.iom.int/sites/g/files/…
Laurence Hart retweeted
Syria's population landscape shows contrasting trends: nearly 3 million returns since Dec 2024, yet 5.96 million remain displaced.
In Dec 2025 alone:
→ 70,375 IDPs returned
→ 84,561 arrived from abroad
→ 19,579 were newly displaced
Over half of all displaced are children.
Laurence Hart retweeted
Escalation in #Aleppo has displaced over 119,000 people since 6 Jan. Despite a ceasefire and 29,000 returns, needs remain critical.
Latest IOM DTM data (11 Jan):
· 101,261 hosted in Afrin district
· 98% sheltering with families
Top needs: Cash, Food, Non-Food Items, Shelter.
Laurence Hart retweeted
We have welcomed a second group of 29 Syrians returning home from Sudan.
This continuation of our return operations was again coordinated at the request of @syrianmofaex & facilitated by @IOM_Sudan and @IOM_Syria.
Thanks to MPRR-SSA, funded by EU for the critical contribution.
Sustainable reintegration of returnees/IDPs in Syria hinges on homegrown responses, such as empowerment of local authorities and local civil society to provide service delivery. With Min. Kabawat we discussed how @UNmigration can provide its contribution to this key goal
Healing wounds and looking ahead towards an inclusive Syria. Important insights emerging from the Day of Dialogue today in Damascus
@EU4MENAGulf
Syrian diaspora is a powerful engine for recovery — skilled, poised for impact. Today’s exchange with Minister Dr. Musaab Al-Ali highlighted innovative solutions to engage medical professionals worldwide for a healthier #Syria
IOM stands ready to support and expand these efforts.
Connecting the dots between humanitarian and development actions in Syria. Thank you @LoebelElke and Ina Heusgen @AA_stabilisiert for your engagement towards meaningful impact @UNmigration @IOMGermany
Enlightening discussion today with @M_OhnmachtEU on concrete support to Syrian short and long term priorities
@UNmigration @eu_eeas @ohnmacht
Laurence Hart retweeted
Insightful meeting with H.E. Ambassador Ibrahim Olabi 🇸🇾, Syria’s PR to the UN. We discussed humanitarian priorities, regional developments, and the importance of multilateral cooperation. Emphasized the vital role of high-skilled diaspora in Syria’s recovery.
Protecting returning Syrians and leveraging on the skills the diaspora can bring to the benefit of the country. Very glad to meet Director Saad Baroud @syrianmofaex to discuss cooperation avenues with @UNmigration
Laurence Hart retweeted
Always a pleasure to meet H.E. Archbishop Gabriele Caccia @HolySeeUN to explore ways to support dignified migration management through saving lives, protection and family unity. Also discussed the need to strengthen partnerships with faith-based organisations.
Laurence Hart retweeted
OIM e @boltapp lanciano una partnership: un progetto pilota a #Malta sosterrà i lavoratori migranti nei settori mobilità e delivery.
Un esempio di come il settore privato possa promuovere percorsi migratori regolari e dignitosi. @UNmigration
italy.iom.int/it/news/oim-e-…
Laurence Hart retweeted
🤝 Concluso il roadshow #THAMMPlus: una delegazione dal Marocco in visita in tre regioni del Nord Italia per rafforzare la cooperazione e avviare percorsi di migrazione regolare per 500 lavoratori marocchini nel settore della meccatronica
Leggi
👇
bit.ly/ThammPlus
Laurence Hart retweeted
Incontro ricco di spunti oggi a Venezia tra @RegioneVeneto,@MinLavoro, istituzioni marocchine, imprese,@OIMItalia e OIM Marocco per promuovere canali regolari di migrazione lavorativa e rispondere al fabbisogno di competenze,con un forte impegno del settore privato
@EU_Commission
Laurence Hart retweeted
The IOM Med Meeting in Rome wrapped up yesterday, bringing together IOM senior officers of the region to strengthen coordinated migration responses across the #Mediterranean and #Africa. By sharing insights and aligning strategies, IOM advances safer,effective migration solutions
Laurence Hart retweeted
Proficuous meeting yesterday at @ItalyMFA between IOM senior officers from the Med & West Africa and Italy’s Directorate General for Development Cooperation.Joint efforts to advance common thinking,promote regular pathways,support a route-based approach @LuigiVignali @UNmigration
Laurence Hart retweeted
Productive exchange yesterday in Rome, with senior @UNmigration and @ItalyMFA officials on advancing solutions for safe migration across the Mediterranean and #Africa.
Grateful for Italy’s leadership in promoting migration governance that fosters local development across regions
Laurence Hart retweeted
Felice di aver ospitato l'evento di @UNHCRItalia a @CodeWayExpo. Con @Cuamm @FondAccenture @Viminale @aics_it @ItalyMFA @OIMItalia abbiamo discusso di azioni concrete necessarie per rispondere ai bisogni umanitari dei rifugiati in Italia e lungo le principali rotte di transito.
