Press release
Syrian Opposition Opposition
Department of Media and Communications
June 20, 2024
On the occasion of World Refugee Day, the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) emphasizes that Syria remains unsafe and that there is no conducive environment for the return of refugees, particularly since the reasons driving Syrians to seek refuge still exist. These reasons have even become more diverse, deeper, and widespread. Chief among these causes is the Assad regime’s ongoing repression, killing, and detention by various means, as documented by multiple international and Syrian organizations.
The SOC stresses that the return of refugees is contingent upon achieving political transition in Syria in accordance with UN Resolution 2254 and creating a safe and neutral environment following the formation of the Transitional Governing Body as stipulated in the said resolution.
The SOC asserts that the refugee crisis, along with the crisis of internally displaced persons who suffer from dire conditions, are the result of the actoins of the Assad regime and its backers. The regime bears direct responsibility for these crises, along with the numerous other crises afflicting Syria and the region. The international community, the United Nations, and its organizations must stand effectively by the Syrians, as these humanitarian crises and the violations and crimes committed against them inside and outside Syria exceed their capacity to confront them alone.
The international community’s ongoing approach of managing the Syrian people’s tragic situation and the Syrian cause as a series of crises, rather than resolving them decisively, will not solve the refugee crisis or the broader crises affecting Syrians. The international community must change its strategy and adopt more resolute methods to strictly implement UN Resolution 2254 (2015), as the humanitarian crises in Syria are rooted in political causes. Sustainable solutions to these crises cannot be reached without addressing their root causes.
The SOC thanks the host countries for refugees, which provide a suitable environment and necessary care for Syrians, and affirms that Syrians highly appreciate the efforts and humanitarian contributions of these countries. It also emphasizes the responsibility of these countries in protecting refugees and reiterates the refugees’ and internally displaced persons’ right to voluntary, safe, and dignified return to their original homes in their homeland.
