Returning Syrian children and families: Premature and irresponsible discussions
Geneva, Switzerland
06 January 2025
Defence for Children International (DCI), a leading global children’s rights movement, urgently calls on European States and the European Union to halt any discussion of returning Syrian children to their home country. Instead, they must continue guaranteeing these children’s protection, accommodation, and fundamental rights while strictly adhering to their obligations under International Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law.
Recent announcements by European states to suspend international protection procedures and consider returns are alarmingly premature and highly irresponsible. Efforts to shift the burden as quickly as possible do not comply with international and moral obligations. These actions jeopardise the safety and dignity of vulnerable children and families who sought refuge in Europe.
The Situation in Syria Remains Unsafe
It is far too early to consider any return of Syrian refugees. The situation in Syria remains highly unstable and unsafe, with active conflict persisting in numerous regions.
Serious doubts persist regarding the capacity of the current regime to uphold basic human rights, including democracy, the rule of law, and individual freedoms such as the right to expression. Historical precedents highlight the dangers of poorly organised returns, often leaving families in uninhabitable areas without access to essential resources for rebuilding their lives. The conditions necessary for safe and dignified returns are simply not in place.
The Framework for Safe and Organised Returns
Any discussion of returns must only occur after significant improvements in conditions on the ground. A rigorous, independent assessment must confirm the safety and sustainability of any return process. Only then can a voluntary and organised return policy be designed, grounded in strong guarantees for the rights and well-being of returnees, with due focus on individual assessment of children’s rights.
Returns should:
- Prioritise the Best Interests of Children: Children’s rights, safety, and well-being must be central to every decision. Each case must be evaluated individually to ensure that their physical and emotional security is not compromised, and that return can be considered as a durable solution for individual children. Such processes must safeguard their mental and emotional health by being child-centered, respectful of their needs, and supported with adequate care. A safe and dignified return is essential to protect their rights and promote their long-term well-being and resilience.
- Be Conducted Only to Safe and Secure Regions: Returnees must have access to and enjoy their fundamental rights upon return, including education, healthcare, proper housing, and resources to rebuild their lives.
- Be Voluntary and Dignified: Families must retain the right to decide if and when to return, with their choices fully respected. Returnees must never be forced or rushed.
- Involve Comprehensive Planning and Support: Returns must be meticulously prepared and supported through robust European programmes aimed at Syria’s reconstruction and development. Substantial financial investment is critical to ensure returning children and families are equipped with the tools and opportunities needed to thrive.
Addressing the Plight of Detained Children in NE Syria
Around 20,000-25,000 children are still detained in Northeast Syria. European Member States must prioritise the safe return of children who are their nationals. These children are arbitrarily and unlawfully detained in a form of collective punishment. They are more at risk than ever as governments and armed groups vie for control. The only durable child rights-based solution is to urgently repatriate children and (re)integrate them in their or their parents’ countries of origin, building on good practice implementation by countries in Europe and further afield.[1]
Conclusion
The international community, and Europe in particular, bears a moral and legal responsibility to ensure that the return of Syrian children and families is handled with the utmost care, respect, and adherence to international human rights standards, including the rights of the child. Premature or poorly managed returns risk catastrophic consequences. The focus must remain on creating a future where every child can live in dignity and safety.
For more information:
Alex Kamarotos, Executive Director, Defence for Children International
+33 60 70 28 641 (mobile or WhatsApp) or +41 76 625 82 44
director@defenceforchildren.org, communications@defenceforchildren.org
X (former “Twitter”): @DCIsecretariat, @DCIdirector
Khaled Quzmar, president@defenceforchildren.org
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Read the full press release here.
Click here to read the press release in Arabic.
This post is also available in: FR, ES
[1] HRW, 2022 “My Son is Just Another Kid” “My Son is Just Another Kid”: Experiences of Children Repatriated from Camps for ISIS Suspects and Their Families in Northeast Syria | HRW