The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has expressed concern over the suspension of asylum decisions by several countries for Syrian refugees, citing the need to uphold asylum rights. The agency reported on Tuesday that it had taken note of the decision by a number of countries to suspend asylum decisions on Syrian applications. Germany’s BAMF (Federal Office for Migration and Refugees) also announced on Monday that it would temporarily stop processing Syrian asylum applications.
However, the UNHCR emphasized that “those fleeing violence and persecution have the right to seek safety and the right to apply for asylum. Therefore, it is crucial that Syrians forced to flee the country have access to the territory of the host country – everyone.”
Individuals seeking international protection must have access to asylum procedures. “Everyone seeking international protection must have the opportunity to access asylum procedures, and their application must be thoroughly and individually examined for its merits, in accordance with proper procedural guarantees” the agency urged.
Millions of Syrian refugees abroad are trying to assess the rapidly changing situation, the UNHCR said. “They are weighing the likelihood of Syria’s safety and the extent to which their rights will be respected before they can make a voluntary and informed decision to return. They need to be given the necessary space without being pressured” the agency explained.
The UNHCR also reaffirmed that “all refugees have the fundamental right to return to their country of origin at a time of their choosing, and that every return must be voluntary, dignified, and safe.”
The agency is ready to support returnees “when the conditions permit” and stresses that “Syrians in times of uncertainty should have the opportunity to assess the conditions after their return, for example, through ‘go and see’ visits” the UNHCR said.