ECRE’s policy note highlights the EU’s crucial role in supporting Syria’s transition while ensuring the protection of Syrian refugees in Europe. It advocates for coordinated treatment of refugees, timely processing of asylum applications, and allows temporary visits without loss of status, drawing lessons from the Ukrainian crisis. The importance of adhering to international laws regarding protection status is also emphasized, alongside caution against large-scale repatriations.
The European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) has published a policy note detailing the EU’s role in aiding Syria’s transition while ensuring international protection for Syrian refugees in Europe. This document advocates for coordinated EU efforts in the treatment of refugees and outlines standards for suspending asylum applications and reviewing status. It also highlights best practices from the Ukrainian displacement response, particularly regarding allowing temporary return visits for refugees without status loss.
The recent shifts in Syria, particularly the potential fall of the al-Assad regime, have brought hope to many Syrians who endured extensive violence and human rights violations. Consequently, some refugees may consider returning to Syria. In such a politically sensitive climate, EU involvement is crucial to facilitate this transition responsibly.
The EU has expressed its willingness to support the transition in Syria, contingent upon values like inclusiveness and accountability. The EU’s response should be guided primarily by the European External Action Service and the European Commission’s humanitarian efforts. However, premature calls for immediate refugee returns to Syria could create anxiety and derail the overall transition strategy, underscoring the need for policy unity that strengthens rather than hinders these efforts.
The ECRE’s policy note indicates that while many European nations have opted to postpone asylum application examinations, this practice should not be prolonged indefinitely. The ongoing volatility in Syria warrants resuming application processing. Additionally, negative decisions during this uncertain phase should be paused as advised by the UN Refugee Agency, with the European Commission’s guidance aiding a uniform approach among EU member states.
The note calls for a unified EU framework for temporary visits to Syria for beneficiaries of international protection, ensuring such visits do not negatively impact their status. The success of similar measures for Ukrainian refugees illustrates how limited visits can help maintain familial ties and property connections, facilitating better-managed returns.
Furthermore, the policy note emphasizes the necessity of adhering to both EU and international laws regarding the cessation of protection statuses. Currently, Syria does not meet the stringent criteria for such revocation, which requires fundamental and stable changes. Discussions on status reviews should include assessments of other applicable protections to avoid requiring new applications unnecessarily.
Finally, while EU member states should facilitate voluntary returns for Syrians who choose to go back, the UNHCR cautions against large-scale repatriations, promoting individualized assistance instead. The full policy note is accessible from ECRE.
The ECRE’s policy note underscores the importance of EU coordination in managing the transition in Syria while safeguarding the rights of Syrian refugees in Europe. It emphasizes the need for careful management of asylum applications and the potential for temporary visits. Moreover, adherence to legal standards regarding protected status and the provision of individualized support for returnees is paramount to ensure a balanced approach to potential repatriations.
Original Source: ecre.org
