BRUSSELS (Washington Insider Magazine) – Despite mounting criticism from legislators, civil society organizations, and human rights organizations, Denmark remains steadfast in its attempts to return refugees to war-torn Syria, arguing that the situation in Damascus is safe.
Syrians who went home after seeking refuge abroad have unfortunately been exposed to torture, kidnapping, and sexual abuse by Syrian security forces, who have targeted even children. According to Amnesty International, several detainees died in captivity after returning to Syria, while the whereabouts of others who were unjustly disappeared are unclear.
Denmark is not only the worst country in Europe, but it also demonstrates a lack of solidarity with some other European nations that refuse to split the burden.
Speaking to the Brussels Morning Newspaper on the plight of refugees in Denmark, a European Commission Spokesperson began by saying that the EU is not opposed to Syrians returning to their homeland, but that this can only happen if the necessary conditions are in place.
He lauded the EU’s commitment to providing humanitarian aid in refugee-hosting countries including Syria in response to growing needs.
If there is to be a return, it must be voluntary, dignified, and long-term, in accordance with international law and related rules. Meanwhile, refugees’ rights, such as the right to paperwork, reasonable access to essential services and good living circumstances should be protected, he stressed.
“Let me first stress that, in my view, nobody could be forced to return to Syria, Commissioner Johansson added. And when I heard this new approach from the Danish authorities, of course, I reached out to the Danish Minister to discuss this. And he convinced me that there will be no forced returns to Syria. But let me also say that when it is not possible to return people, you can also make a question mark whether it is the right way to take away the possibility for people to go to their job or continue with studying or learning the [a] language. So I think this is something that concerns me.” The spokesman endorsed.
