Summary
Imagine if your neighborhood suddenly became safe after years of violence, and you were asked if you wanted to move back. That’s the question being posed to Syrian refugees in Europe after the fall of the Assad regime. However, it’s like being invited to a dinner party in a house that’s still on fire- the UN warns Syria remains unstable and the ‘host’ in Syria isn’t even clear yet, with multiple rebel groups claiming control. It’s a complex situation that’s causing a real stir across Europe.
Key Points
• European governments, including Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the UK, are considering whether to return Syrian refugees to their homeland following the fall of the Assad regime.
• The Austrian Chancellor has suspended asylum procedures for Syrian refugees in Austria and offered support to those who wish to return home.
• The UN has urged caution given the unstable situation in Syria, with the British Foreign Office describing conditions as “unpredictable”.
• The EU had previously discussed the possibility of declaring part of Syria safe for returns, which would have required an agreement with President Assad.
• Despite the uncertainty, France and Germany have expressed readiness to work with Syria’s new rulers, even as it remains unclear who they are.
Background
• The Syrian civil war, which began in 2011, led millions of Syrians to flee abroad. The largest group of asylum seekers arriving in the EU were Syrians, at a rate of over 10,000 per month.
• The EU had been considering the possibility of declaring parts of Syria safe for returns and had been under sanctions since May 2011. The recent fall of the Assad regime has sparked renewed discussions about the return of refugees.
Future Implications
• The potential return of Syrian refugees could have significant implications for European migration policies. However, the volatile situation in Syria and the lack of clarity over its new rulers make this a complex issue.
• The future of Syria and its refugees will likely be a major topic at the upcoming EU interior ministers meeting in Brussels. The EU has stated that returns must meet UNHCR conditions for a safe and dignified return, indicating the situation is far from resolved.
