ECRE Policy Note on Maintaining International Protection for Syrian Refugees in Europe
The ECRE policy note discusses the EU’s pivotal role in Syria’s transition while maintaining protection for Syrian refugees in Europe. It advocates for coordinated guidelines on refugee treatment, postponing asylum applications, and emphasizes effective practices from the Ukrainian response, especially concerning temporary return visits. It cautions against premature status reviews amid ongoing instability in Syria, urging the EU to ensure protection statuses remain intact until conditions improve.
The European Council on Refugees and Exiles (ECRE) has published a policy note analyzing the European Union’s (EU) role in supporting Syria’s transition while ensuring that international protection for Syrian refugees in Europe is maintained. This document advocates for the EU’s coordination and guidance regarding the treatment of Syrian refugees, emphasizing the relevant international and European standards regarding asylum applications, including guidelines for their postponement or cessation. It also highlights positive practices from the European response to Ukraine’s displacements, such as permitting temporary return visits without jeopardizing refugee status.
The fall of the al-Assad regime generates optimism among Syrians who have suffered years of conflict and human rights violations. Many displaced individuals may be inclined to return home. This complex political environment necessitates that external entities, particularly the EU and its member states, play a pivotal role in facilitating this transition.
The EU has demonstrated readiness to support Syria’s transition, contingent upon principles of inclusivity and accountability. The European External Action Service must lead with a diplomatic strategy, complemented by humanitarian efforts from the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations. However, premature discussions regarding the immediate repatriation of refugees could raise concerns and jeopardize the EU’s overarching strategy for sustainable transition in Syria.
While the postponement of asylum application reviews is a prevalent approach among EU member states, it is critical that such delays do not persist indefinitely. The EU should act decisively to resume processing asylum applications expeditiously, as the situation in Syria remains unstable. Negative asylum decisions should be put on hold, as recommended by the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), promoting a cohesive response across member states guided by the European Commission.
Furthermore, the European Commission ought to formulate a unified EU framework concerning temporary visits to Syria for international protection beneficiaries. These visits should not influence their asylum status or future cessation reviews. Allowing short trips without status loss helps maintain family and property ties, facilitating better-managed returns, as evident from the Ukrainian displacement response.
The ECRE policy note underscores that both EU and international regulations mandate strict adherence to conditions governing the cessation of international protection status. The situation in Syria remains insufficient to warrant the revocation of such statuses. Premature discussions on status reviews may instill fear within the Syrian refugee community in Europe. Once assessments of statuses occur, the process should inherently consider alternative protection options without necessitating new applications.
In conclusion, the ECRE policy note emphasizes the importance of EU coordination in providing support during Syria’s transition while safeguarding the rights and protection of Syrian refugees in Europe. Immediate asylum processing and a coherent policy on temporary visits are crucial aspects to facilitate the return process without jeopardizing refugees’ rights. Furthermore, the EU must adhere to legal standards regarding status cessations, ensuring that any protective status remains intact until the situation in Syria is stable and secure. The EU’s approach should not only aim for effective transition support but also foster trust among those displaced by conflict.
Original Source: ecre.org
