Brussels (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – EU nations discussed expanding voluntary returns of Syrian refugees, emphasizing UNHCR’s role while addressing diplomatic challenges and ongoing regional tensions.
European Union nations states examined on 30 Oct 2024 ways to expand the voluntary return of Syrian refugees to the war-torn nation. The discussions among ambassadors were promoted by Hungary, the country currently heading the EU Council’s presidency, and were based on a document submitted by the European Commission, several diplomats expressed.
how are EU nations addressing refugee returns diplomatically?
The document highlighted the role played by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in helping the return of Syrian refugees, which the EU is looking to maintain. These returns would take place on a precisely voluntary basis. The union cannot forcibly deport Syrians because they are almost always given asylum. Also, the principle of non-refoulement prohibits authorities from deporting migrants to countries where they could face persecution, suffering or any other form of ill-treatment.
How could regional tensions impact refugee return plans?
European Ambassadors also examined the lack of diplomatic ties with the autocratic regime of Bashar al-Assad, who has publicly called on his nationals to return, and the fraught circumstances in the Middle East, where animosities between Israel and Lebanon have started the movement of tens of thousands into Syria.
Discussions are expected to continue among member nations in the coming months, with no quick breakthrough in sight. However, the fact the meeting is happening at all signals a growing political readiness to address the controversial matter.
What are the challenges in achieving voluntary refugee returns?
Earlier this month, EU leaders approved a hardened approach to migration governance and tasked the Commission with investigating outsourcing projects and examining the concept of “safe third countries” to speed up deportations.
The meeting in Brussels featured Syria as one of the items on the plan. “The European Council reaffirms the need to achieve conditions for safe, voluntary and dignified returns of Syrian refugees, as defined by UNHCR,” leaders stated in their findings. In July, Italy and Austria led a joint letter of eight member states asking for a new EU strategy on Syria that should be “more active, results-oriented, and operational.”
The European External Action Service (EEAS) has verified it is considering designating a special envoy for Syria, one of Italy’s fundamental demands. Since 2011, the EU and member states have assigned more than €30 billion in humanitarian and development assistance to support Syrians in the country and the area.
