The idea of returning Syrian refugees has gained traction across the European Union, as countries take a tougher stance on migration.
ADVERTISINGEuropean Union members have this week discussed ways to increase the voluntary return of Syrian refugees to the war-torn country, an idea that has gained strength in recent months but it remains controversial.
The talks between ambassadors were promoted by Hungary, the country that currently chairs the Presidency of the Council of the EUand were based on a document presented by the European Commission, several diplomats said.
The document highlighted the role played by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in supporting the return of Syrian refugees, which the EU is trying to strengthen.
These returns would take place on a strictly voluntary basis. The bloc cannot forcibly deport Syrians because they are almost always granted asylum. Additionally, the principle of non-refoulement prohibits authorities from deporting immigrants to nations where they could face persecution, torture, or any other form of mistreatment.
59% of Syrian refugees arriving in Europe are in Germany
The ambassadors also referred to the lack of diplomatic relations with the autocratic regime of Bashar al-Assad, who has publicly asked his citizens to return, and to the tense situation in the Middle East, where hostilities between Israel and Lebanon have caused the movement of tens of thousands of people towards Syria.
The start of the Syrian civil war in 2011 prompted millions of people to flee their homes and seek international protection in neighboring countriesand many of them crossed into Europe. The UNHCR estimates that European countries welcome to more than a million asylum seekers and Syrian refugees, and that 59% of them are in Germany. Sweden, Austria, Greece, the Netherlands and France also host significant populations.
Last year, around 38,300 Syrian refugees decided to return, the agency said in an annual report, noting that conditions inside the country were “not yet conducive to facilitating large-scale voluntary returns.” in conditions of safety and dignity“.
Concerns about security, livelihoods, basic services and housing were cited as reasons for the low repatriation rate. About 90% of Syria’s population lives in poverty.
Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch has warned that “Syrians fleeing violence in Lebanon face repression and persecution by the Syrian government upon their return, including enforced disappearances, torture, and death in detention.” The Commission shares a similar assessment and has repeatedly said that the current circumstances in Syria they cannot guarantee safe repatriations and worthy.
Political will to return refugees grows
Talks between member states are expected to continue in the coming months, with no sign of no immediate progress. However, the fact that the discussion is taking place indicates a growing political will to address the controversial issue.
Earlier this month, EU leaders endorsed a stricter approach to migration management and tasked the Commission with exploring outsourcing projects and reviewing the concept of “safe third countries” to speed up deportations.
The summit in Brussels included Syria as one of the topics on the agenda. “The European Council reaffirms the need to achieve conditions for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of Syrian refugees, as defined by UNHCR,” the leaders said in their conclusions.
In July, Italy and Austria led a joint letter from eight Member States calling for a new EU strategy on Syria that should be “more active”results-oriented and operational.
The European External Action Service (EEAS), the bloc’s diplomatic arm, has confirmed that it is considering appoint a special envoy for Syriaone of Italy’s main demands.Since 2011, the EU and Member States have allocated more than 30,000 million euros in humanitarian and development aid to support Syrians in the country and the region.
