The Dangerous Illusion of Safety: Why Syria is Still not a Viable Option for Refugee Returns

## No, Syria Is Still Not Safe for Refugee Returns: A Dangerous and Unrealistic Suggestion by the Cypriot Leader

#### By

September 29, 2023

In a recent statement, Cyprus Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou argued that European Union member states should reconsider whether Syria is safe for refugee returns. Ioannou’s suggestion comes on the heels of the United Nations Human Rights Chief’s warning of worsening security in Syria due to ongoing fighting in the northeast of the country. While Ioannou’s proposal may seem tempting to some, it is both dangerous and unrealistic.

### The Reality on the Ground

The UN Refugee Agency has maintained that conditions in Syria are not conducive to promoting or facilitating refugee returns. Human Rights Watch has documented the arbitrary detention, kidnapping, torture, and killing of refugees who have returned to Syria between 2017 and 2021. In fact, as recently as July, Human Rights Watch found that returnees had been subjected to torture and conscripted into Syria‘s military reserve force. These findings illustrate a consistent pattern of abuse and persecution that continues to persist within the country.

### The Partial Picture

Ioannou’s argument hinges on the European Union Asylum Agency’s assessment that certain parts of government-controlled Syria, including Damascus, are no longer experiencing generalized violence. However, it is imperative to not overlook the agency’s observation that people being returned to Damascus could still face the risk of persecution. The EUAA warns that sending individuals to Damascus who are not at risk of persecution would only be justifiable in “exceptional cases.” Therefore, claiming that the absence of indiscriminate violence in one part of a country makes the entire country safe is misguided and ignores the complex, socio-political landscape of Syria.

### Fear of Persecution and Nonrefoulement Obligations

Governments eager to deport Syrian refugees must consider their nonrefoulement obligations. Nonrefoulement prohibits the return of individuals to situations where they may face persecution or harm. Given the Assad government’s long-standing intolerance and suppression of dissent, as well as its suspicion and hostility towards those who opposed it, fear-of-persecution claims by individuals who fled Syria should be taken seriously. It is crucial for governments to fully and fairly examine both the threat of generalized violence and insecurity in many parts of Syria, as well as the countrywide threat of persecution for anyone suspected of dissenting from the controlling powers.

### The Illusion of Safety

The idea that certain parts of Syria are safe for refugee returns is an illusion. The reality is that the Assad government’s intolerance of dissent and suppression of opposition is still prevalent. Even locations where bullets are not flying may not be free from danger, as persecution and abuse can persist. Expecting refugees to return to a country where their fundamental rights and safety cannot be guaranteed is not only morally wrong but also legally questionable under international human rights standards.

### Editorial: A Responsibility to Protect

The current plight of Syrian refugees calls for the international community to reflect on its responsibility to protect those who are fleeing violence, persecution, and grave human rights abuses. Instead of entertaining dangerous ideas of refugee returns to an unsafe country, it is crucial for governments to focus on providing robust humanitarian support to Syrian refugees and exploring durable solutions, such as resettlement in safe countries or integration in host communities.

### Advice: Prioritizing Human Rights

It is incumbent upon governments to prioritize human rights, not only when it comes to their own citizens but also when dealing with refugees. The principle of nonrefoulement serves as a crucial safeguard against returning individuals to unsafe situations. Governments must trawl through the complexities of the Syrian conflict and engage in comprehensive assessments before considering any returns. Failing to do so exposes refugees to grave risks and undermines the very principles of human rights and international law upon which the international community is built.

In conclusion, Cyprus Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou’s suggestion that Syria is safe for refugee returns is both dangerous and unrealistic. The ongoing abuses and persecution endured by those who have returned to Syria, as well as the Assad government’s intolerance of dissent, make it clear that the country is not safe for refugees. Governments must prioritize the principles of nonrefoulement and human rights, focusing on providing robust humanitarian support and exploring durable solutions instead of jeopardizing the lives and well-being of vulnerable individuals.

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