Ruba Habboush, Vice-President of the Syrian Opposition Coalition, has emphasized that deportation of asylum seekers to their countries of origin without proper legal safeguards are in violation of international law.
Habboush pointed out that asylum seekers, who often embark on perilous journeys to reach safe countries, would not have taken such risks if their circumstances in their home countries were not dire. Their willingness to endure such hardships underscores the urgent need for safety and protection.
Furthermore, Habboush voiced concerns about the potential dangers associated with the return of Syrian refugees to Lebanon. This is particularly troubling considering the previous instances of harassment that dozens of Syrian refugees faced at the hands of the Hezbollah militia and its allies in Lebanon.
Habboush also highlighted the inherent risks linked to the deportation of Syrian asylum seekers from Cyprus to Lebanon. This move could potentially result in their extradition to the Assad regime in Syria, from which they initially fled due to the oppressive actions of its security forces and agencies.
Media reports have indicated that Cyprus has repatriated over 100 Syrian asylum seekers to Lebanon, a majority of whom were subsequently deported to Syria following investigations by the Lebanese army.
Expressing apprehension, the United Nations refugee agency recently voiced its concerns over the deportation of more than 100 Syrian asylum seekers from Cyprus to Lebanon. The deportations did not take into account whether these individuals require legal protection or if their return to their home country might put their safety at risk.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
