Coordinator of the Refugee and Displaced Persons Working Group in the Syrian Opposition Coalition’s (SOC), Ahmad Baccora, expressed deep concern over recent reports from various countries, including Lebanon, Austria, and Cyprus, suggesting Syria’s classification as a safe country and advocating for the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland.
Baccora emphasized in a press statement that such reports have detrimental psychological effects on Syrians worldwide, particularly given the enduring psychological trauma resulting from over a decade of brutal war waged against them by the Assad regime and its backers.
He highlighted that security should not be politicized but rather treated as a multifaceted technical concept encompassing various security, social, and legal dimensions. Instead of pursuing collective action to alleviate the suffering of the Syrian people, unilateral steps are being taken, exacerbating their plight and threatening regional stability.
Baccora underlined that achieving political transition is essential for fostering peace in Syria, necessitating serious international commitment from all parties involved.
Moreover, he emphasized that forcibly returning refugees to an unsafe country constitutes a blatant violation of international law, including the United Nations Charter and the 1951 Refugee Convention. Returning Syrian refugees under current circumstances is not a viable solution but rather defers a serious problem, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and further destabilizing the region.
Baccora asserted that overlooking the plight of the Syrian people and disregarding their safety and security not only breaches humanity but also sets the stage for potentially catastrophic long-term consequences affecting the entire region.
He held the international community accountable for safeguarding refugees and ensuring their safe and voluntary return under suitable conditions. Baccora urged all countries to uphold international law and human rights, taking effective measures towards the rigorous implementation of UN Resolution 2254 and achieving a comprehensive political transition that secures lasting peace in Syria.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
