This is a summary of remarks made by Shabia Mantoo, Global Spokesperson for UNHCR (the UN Refugee Agency), at the regular UN Press Briefing in Geneva.
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency
As events have just unfolded over the past few days, the situation is rapidly changing and displacement dynamics continue both within the country and across borders, in a context that has produced one of the world’s largest displacement situations.
Amid the fluidity of the current situation, individual circumstances will vary, including the drivers of displacement. While thousands have already returned, hundreds of thousands of others are fleeing for their lives inside the country. Both need protection and support.
Those fleeing violence and persecution have a right to seek safety and the right to seek asylum. It is therefore critical that Syrians who are compelled to flee the country are given access to territory – anyone seeking international protection must be able to access asylum procedures and have their application examined fully and individually on its merits, in accordance with appropriate, procedural safeguards.
UNHCR takes note of the decision by a number of States who have suspended asylum decision-making on Syrian claims for international protection, until such time as the situation in the country has stabilized and reliable information about the security and human rights situation is available to assess the international protection needs of individual applicants.
In light of the uncertain and highly fluid situation the suspension of processing of asylum applications from Syrians is acceptable as long as people can apply for asylum and are able to lodge asylum applications.
Once conditions in Syria are clearer, UNHCR will also provide guidance to States on the international protection needs of relevant profiles of Syrians at risk.
Syrian asylum-seekers who are waiting for a resumption of decision-making on their claims should continue to be granted the same rights as all other asylum-seekers, including in terms of reception conditions. No asylum-seeker should be forcibly returned, as this would violate the non-refoulement obligation on States.
UNHCR continues to call on all states to ensure access to territory, asylum and protection for individuals who seek safety. This also includes respect for the principle of non-refoulement.
After 14 years of conflict, recent developments bring hope that the suffering of the Syrian people may finally end, and that the world’s largest forced displacement crisis can move towards just solutions.
As the UN High Commissioner for Refugees emphasized, UNHCR’s advice is to remain focused on the issue of returns, with patience and vigilance necessary, with the hope that developments on the ground will evolve in a positive manner, allowing voluntary, safe and sustainable returns to finally occur. Refugees must be able to make informed decisions.
Millions of Syrian refugees who remain outside, are trying to assess what the rapidly changing situation means. They are considering how safe Syria will be and how far their rights will be respected before they can make an informed voluntary decision to return home. They must be given the space to do so without any pressure.
UNHCR reiterates that all refugees have the fundamental right to return to their country of origin at a time of their choosing, and all returns must be voluntary, dignified and safe. UNHCR stands ready to support refugee returnees as conditions allow, while underlining that during such times of uncertainty Syrians should be afforded the flexibility to assess the conditions upon return, such as through Go and See visits.
As the situation evolves, we will monitor developments, engage with refugee communities, and support States in any organized voluntary returns.
UNHCR is aware of reports of Syrians returning from Lebanon to Syria, with some movements reported through the Masnaa border crossing in the Bekaa. We understand that official border crossings in northern Lebanon are currently closed, while returns are being reported via unofficial crossings in areas such as Wadi Khaled. According to the Lebanese General Security Office (GSO), measures have been announced to facilitate returns to Syria.
It is important to note that immigration structures on the Syrian side are reportedly not currently functioning.
We are also aware of Syrian refugees continue returning from Türkiye through Bab al-Hawa and Bab-al Salam border crossing in north-west Syria (NWS).
UNHCR is also aware of thousands of Syrians fleeing Syria into Lebanon.
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