Statement: The situation for Syrian sanctuary seekers and refugees

The Welsh Refugee Council is deeply concerned by recent developments surrounding the situation for Syrian sanctuary seekers and refugees, particularly the suspension of asylum processing in the UK. We echo the position of the UNHCR that the situation in Syria remains one of the most complex displacement crises in the world.  

The ongoing instability within Syria continues to compel hundreds of thousands of people to flee for their lives, while others attempt to return to areas that they hope are safe. Every individual caught in this cycle of displacement must be afforded the dignity, protection, and support they need.  

The right to seek asylum

People fleeing violence and persecution have the fundamental right to seek safety. This includes access to asylum procedures that are fair, thorough, and uphold international procedural safeguards. It is imperative that the rights of Syrian asylum seekers remain protected. States must ensure that:  

  • Asylum applications are fully assessed when processing resumes.  
  • Syrians awaiting decisions receive the same rights and protections as all asylum seekers, including adequate reception conditions.  
  • No individual is forcibly returned to Syria, following the principle of non-refoulement (protecting people from being sent back to places where they might face danger). 

Supporting voluntary, safe, and dignified returns

The Welsh Refugee Council joins the UNHCR in emphasising that people seeking to return to Syria must have the choice to do so in a safe and dignified manner.  Refugees must be empowered to make informed decisions without pressure, and conditions on the ground must be independently verified to support their choices. Until such conditions are universally met, efforts should focus on fostering environments of safety and dignity for displaced Syrians wherever they reside. As the crisis unfolds, we stand in solidarity with Syrians and reaffirm our commitment to advocating for the rights and dignity of all displaced individuals. 

The Welsh Refugee Council will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with our partners to support Syrian refugees in Wales and beyond.