Syria is not safe for refugees to return: HRW

QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syrian refugees who returned to Syria between 2017 and 2021 from Lebanon and Jordan faced grave human rights abuses and persecution at the hands of the Syrian government and affiliated militias, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report released on Wednesday.

“Returnees also struggled to survive and meet their basic needs in a country decimated by conflict,” it added.

The 72-page report named “Our Lives Are Like Death: Syrian Refugee Returns from Lebanon and Jordan,” found that Syria is not safe for return.

The HRW pointed out that among 65 returnees or family members interviewed, the organization documented 21 cases of arrest and arbitrary detention, 13 cases of torture, 3 kidnappings, 5 extrajudicial killings, 17 enforced disappearances, and 1 case of alleged sexual violence. 

“The harrowing accounts of torture, enforced disappearance, and abuse that refugees who went back to Syria endured should make it patently clear that Syria is not safe for returns,” said Nadia Hardman, refugee and migrant rights researcher. 

“Widespread property rights violations and other economic hardships also make a sustainable return impossible for many,” she added.

“All countries should protect Syrians from being returned to face violence, torture, and halt any forced returns to Syria, HRW noted.