The United Nations high commissioner for refugees calls for “patience and vigilance” in returning Syrian refugees to Syria after the ouster of President Bashar al-Assad.
Filippo Grandi said in a statement on Monday that the process must be “voluntary” and “safe” as the situation in Syria remains “uncertain”.
Grandi’s comments came after several European countries said they would suspend asylum decisions for Syrians after al-Assad’s fall.
“Patience and vigilance will be necessary, hoping that developments on the ground will evolve in a positive manner, allowing voluntary, safe and sustainable returns to finally occur – with refugees able to make informed decisions,” Grandi said.
The former Syrian president was toppled on Sunday in a lightning offensive by opposition fighters that put an end to more than half a century of the al-Assad family’s rule and came after 13 years of war.
The conflict killed hundreds of thousands of people and forced millions to flee Syria, sparking one of the worst refugee crises in modern history. Many have claimed asylum in Europe, citing fear of government persecution.
Just a day after al-Assad’s fall, Germany, France, Austria, Belgium and several other European countries announced suspensions of their decisions on asylum requests from Syrians.
But the likelihood of returns is dependent on whether Syria’s new leaders prioritise law and order, Grandi said.
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