The ECRE policy note discusses the EU’s essential role in supporting Syria’s transition and ensuring international protection for Syrian refugees in Europe. It presents guidelines on asylum application management, highlights practices from the Ukraine response, and stresses the need for temporary visit frameworks for protected individuals, all while adhering to international legal standards.
The European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) has released a policy note analyzing the European Union’s (EU) role in supporting Syria’s transition while ensuring international protection for Syrian refugees in Europe. It emphasizes the necessity for EU coordination concerning the treatment and asylum applications of Syrian refugees and highlights adherence to international and European standards. The note also draws upon effective practices from the Ukraine displacement response, advocating for temporary return visits for refugees without jeopardizing their protected status.
The potential fall of the al-Assad regime has brought hope to many Syrians who have suffered atrocities and violence. Those who previously sought refuge abroad may now consider returning home. In this delicate political atmosphere, the EU and European governments bear a significant responsibility in facilitating a sustainable transition in Syria.
The EU has expressed its willingness to engage in the transition process, contingent upon inclusive and accountable practices. The response must align with the European External Action Service’s diplomatic efforts and the European Commission’s humanitarian strategies. However, premature declarations regarding the return of refugees could incite unnecessary concern and hinder the EU’s supportive goals. Policies concerning refugees must align with the broader objectives promoting a sustainable transition.
The note indicates that while many European countries have postponed asylum application examinations, this situation should not persist indefinitely. The ongoing volatility in Syria necessitates the resolution of applications without allowing asylum seekers to remain in prolonged uncertainty. As endorsed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), negative decisions regarding these applications should be deferred. Clear guidance from the European Commission would aid in standardizing responses across member states.
Moreover, the European Commission should establish a common framework for temporary visits to Syria for those with international protection. Such provisions should not impact refugees’ protection status nor be used as grounds for future status changes. The response to Ukrainian displacement demonstrated that allowing short return visits fosters connections with family and property, thus enhancing the prospects for safe returns.
The notes reinforce that both EU and international regulations regarding the cessation of international protection status must be strictly observed. The circumstances in Syria do not fulfill the criteria necessary for revoking protection, and discussions around status reviews are considered premature. Any forthcoming reviews should automatically assess the applicability of other protective statuses, rather than necessitating new applications.
Finally, while the policy note advocates for supportive measures for Syrians wishing to return voluntarily through individual assisted repatriation, it alerts against mass repatriation, as indicated by the UNHCR’s concerns.
The ECRE policy note emphasizes maintaining international protection for Syrian refugees during Syria’s transitional phase. It underscores the importance of EU coordination in handling asylum applications, highlights good practices from previous displacement responses, and calls for frameworks that facilitate temporary visits. Strict adherence to legal standards on protection status cessation is essential, and measures must be put in place to support the safe voluntary return of Syrians, avoiding large-scale repatriations.
Original Source: ecre.org
