Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition
Department of Refugee Affairs
July 27, 2021
The Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) reaffirms its insistence on the safe and voluntary return of IDPs and refugees to their homes as soon as possible under the supervision of the United Nations. It stresses the need to create the safe conditions for such return, foremost of which is the dismantling of the Assad murderous regime and its security apparatuses. It warns that the Russian proposals for the return of refugees are no more than a desperate attempt to circumvent UN Security Council resolutions and other international resolutions.
It is deeply ironic how those who have forced half of Syria’s population from their homes are today calling for a new conference on the so-called return of refugees. This move clearly aims to iterate the scene of fraud and lies, and conceal the fact that the criminals, the executioners and the conspirators are the ones who are showing compassion and mercy for the victims under a humanitarian guise titled ‘the return of refugees.’
This conference, along with all similar Russian attempts before it, has nothing to do with any humanitarian motives or desire for the return of refugees. It is but a publicity gimmick that is part of a fiendish plan that uses the suffering of refugees to gain more time and wreck all prospects for a political solution. It also seeks to consolidate the interests of the Russian occupation that are intertwined with the survival of the Assad regime.
It is imperative to take practical steps to impose a political transition in Syria. These Russian moves must be met with international condemnation. The international community must stand up to these illegal moves and all other attempts to circumvent international resolutions and overturn the list of priorities with the aim of undermining chances for a political solution.
