Coordinator of the Syrian Opposition Coalition’s (SOC) Department of Refugee Affairs, Adnan Rahmoun, stressed that the latest report by the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria confirmed the serious danger of forcible return of Syrian refugees. The report stressed that the upsurge in fighting and the return to violence are cause for alarm, making the country not fit for safe and dignified returns of refugees.
The report stressed that war crimes, crimes against humanity and violations of the basic human rights in Syrians continue unabated. It also stressed that the war on Syrian civilians continues, and it is difficult for them to find security or safe haven in this war-torn country.
“Incidents of arbitrary and incommunicado detention by Government forces continue unabated. The Commission has continued to document not only torture and sexual violence in detention but also custodial deaths and enforced disappearances.”
“Shockingly, the past months have seen the return of sieges and siege-like tactics, in Dar’a, Quineitra and Rif Damascus governorates. Three years after the suffering that the Commission documented in eastern Ghouta, another tragedy has been unfolding before our eyes in Dar’a Al-Balad”, Commissioner Hanny Megally said.
Rahmoun stressed the importance of the UN report in supporting accountability for the criminal regime in the future, stressing that the return of refugees to Syria is still very difficult and dangerous in light of the ongoing crimes by the regime and its backers.
Rahmoun also stressed that the UN High Commissioner for Refugees must assume its responsibility for ensuring that international standards are met to ensure the security and protection of refugees until the time for a safe and voluntary return comes.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
