Joint statement| Urgent Call for Protection of Syrian Refugees and Asylum Seekers

Recently, we have been following up with growing concern over several European countries suspending Syrian asylum applications in a hasty reaction to the fall of Al-Asad’s regime. Austria, in particular, has announced plans for deportation programs targeting Syrian refugees and asylum seekers, raising the possibility that other nations may follow suit.

These actions fail to acknowledge the complex and precarious situation within Syria, ultimately jeopardizing the safety and security of those seeking refuge. Consequently, such measures contribute to an atmosphere of fear and insecurity for the thousands of Syrians who have already faced immense suffering.

According to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, over 300,000 civilian deaths were documented between 2011 and 2021, without counting any indirect deaths that resulted from restricted access to basic services due to the war. Additionally, millions have been internally displaced, sought asylum, or become refugees worldwide. Recently, most people in Syria have been living with severe food and economic insecurity, alongside the collapse of essential infrastructure in many cities. All these tragic circumstances are a shared responsibility of all warring parties.

Despite the fall of Al-Asad’s regime, conditions in Syria remain unstable, considering the history of violent practices of various armed groups, including the group currently in power, which raises concerns about further human rights violations and places human rights defenders (HRDs), political activists, women, and many vulnerable groups at high risk.

Accordingly, we state our strong opposition to any measures that could lead to a forcible return of Syrian refugees and asylum seekers or jeopardize their safety. And we urge all governments to:

1- Uphold the principle of non-refoulement and ensure that no Syrian refugees are forcibly returned to Syria, where their safety cannot be guaranteed.

2- Recognize the current complexity and risks in Syria and ensure that asylum claims are resumed and streamlined to provide Syrian asylum seekers with pathways to safety and stability.

3- The protection and security of Syrian vulnerable groups and HRDs, particularly WHRDs, should be prioritized as they are at increased risk in the current situation.

We urge the international community to maintain its commitment to protect Syrian refugees and asylum seekers at this critical moment and to adhere to the fundamental principles of solidarity and justice that thousands of (W(HRDs have defended for decades.

Signatories: