ECRE’s policy note discusses the EU’s responsibility in supporting Syria’s transition while ensuring ongoing international protection for Syrian refugees in Europe. It recommends postponing negative asylum decisions and resuming application processing while allowing temporary visits to Syria for refugees. The note stresses adherence to legal standards for protection status cessation and cautions against large-scale repatriations to Syria.
The European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) has released a policy note concerning the EU’s role in supporting Syria’s transition while ensuring international protection for Syrian refugees in Europe. This note advocates for EU coordination in the treatment of Syrian refugees, outlines pertinent international and European standards regarding asylum applications, and presents best practices for refugee management, particularly referencing successful responses to the displacement caused by the Ukraine crisis.
The fall of the al-Assad regime in Syria has sparked hope among millions of Syrians who have faced violence and persecution. Many refugees may now consider returning, underscoring the need for external actors, including the EU, to facilitate this sensitive transition. It is crucial that EU foreign policy, primarily led by the European External Action Service, aligns with humanitarian efforts to ensure a cohesive response.
While many European countries have opted to postpone asylum applications, this indefinite delay could prove detrimental. The ECRE note emphasizes the necessity for EU member states to resume processing applications promptly to avoid leaving refugees in uncertainty. Furthermore, negative decisions regarding asylum should be suspended in accordance with UNHCR recommendations, mirroring prior successful practices used in similar uncertain circumstances. A unified approach facilitated by guidance from the European Commission could enhance consistency across member states.
The ECRE recommends that the European Commission develop a common framework regarding temporary visits to Syria for beneficiaries of international protection. Such visits should not alter an individual’s protection status and would allow refugees to reconnect with family and property, thus fostering a more organized return in the future.
The policy note reiterates that both EU and international law impose stringent criteria for the cessation of protection status. The current conditions in Syria do not warrant a revocation of protection status, as any changes must be rigorous, durable, and stable. The note advises that any reviews of status include evaluations for other forms of protection without necessitating new applications.
While it acknowledges the need for measures supporting voluntary return for Ukrainians, the ECRE warns against large-scale repatriations to Syria. Overall, the paper underscores the importance of a cautious, well-coordinated approach in addressing the future of Syrian refugees.
In summary, the ECRE policy note emphasizes the EU’s critical role in facilitating a protected transition for Syrian refugees amidst ongoing instability in Syria. It advocates for swift application processing, temporary visit frameworks, and strict adherence to legal requirements regarding protection status, while simultaneously warning against hasty measures that could lead to widespread alarm among Syrian populations in Europe. It is crucial for EU member states to foster an environment that prioritizes humanitarian responses and supports the long-term goals of stability and safety for refugees.
Original Source: ecre.org
