Is Syria Safe to return to?
Our previous blogs have touched upon the tough economic, political and social environment in Lebanon, with a focus on the impact these circumstances have upon Syrians. In spite of these conditions, Syrians settle for staying in Lebanon, as the alternative of returning back home represents numerous dangers.
In recent months, Denmark and Lebanon made the news by stating they will start deporting Syrian citizens back to Syria, to so-called “safe zones”. This counters the United Nation’s position on Syria’s safety levels. So, are there truly safe zones in Syria?
The Oxford dictionary defines “safe” as being “protected from any danger, harm or loss” and according to European Union legislation, a country is considered safe if it is free form persecution, torture, inhuman treatment or punishment and indiscriminate violence in armed conflict. It is clear that the situation in Syria fits no possible definition of “safe”. In fact, various Syrian provinces are still struck by bombs on a regular basis and since the beginning of this year, more than 100 civilians have been killed by mines and undetonated artillery.
In spite of this, Lebanon has a plan to start deporting 15,000 refugees back to Syria per month. Humans Rights Watch director of the Middle East and North Africa Division, Lama Fakih, states that “between 2017 and 2021, Syrian refugees who have returned from Lebanon and Jordan have faced grave human rights abuses and persecution at the hands of the Syrian government and affiliated militias”. Instead, madame Fakih believes that Lebanon should be receiving more economic support from the international community in order to better serve Syrian refugees. Rather than turning a blind eye to forceful or coercive returns, the international community should be coming together to better assist the Lebanese government.
As it relates to 26 Letters, some of our students or their siblings have been victims of kidnappings at the hands of the Syrian government or affiliated militias themselves. Moreover, as many of our students left Syria before turning 18, a return would signify forceful enrolment in the Syrian army, which represents a variety of risks.
“I cannot go back to Syria because there is a law in Syria that says that after we turn 18, we have to do military service and I don’t want to be in the military, so I live now in Lebanon. Also, the situation in Syria is very bad and if we go to the military, we will not have any money. The salary is very low while life there is very expensive”
