Refugee Council: Syrians have built their lives here, they may not want to return

Syrians who sought international protection in Estonia cannot be forced to return to Syria and any choice must be made independently and voluntarily, said Eero Janson, head of the Estonian Refugee Council. Last month, the foreign minister said the policy would not be extended after the fall of the Assad regime, but according to the Ministry of the Interior, no changes are planned.
Dozens of European Union countries suspended or stopped processing asylum applications from Syrian nationals at the end of last year due to the fall of the regime.
At the start of December, the Ministry of Interior said there were no plans to introduce a similar measure in Estonia. However, on December 25, Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna (Eesti 200) said Estonia would not extend international protection to Syrians.
In total, 72 Syrian nationals have been granted international protection by the Estonian government.
Janson told ERR News that, according to international refugee law, no person may be sent back to a country where their life or dignity may be under threat.
"The situation in Syria, despite the regime change at the end of last year, is still unstable and volatile. The majority of the Syrian population is dependent on humanitarian aid, people's homes, as well as the economy and infrastructure, are shattered and clean water, food security, healthcare, education and shelter are basic needs which remain unmet in many parts of the country," he said.
Janson said people may not want to or be unable to return to their country of origin.
"Over the years living here, they have become part of society: they have found homes and jobs, put their children in school and rebuilt their lives in every possible way. Return to Syria, if at all, must be their own voluntary, independent and well-calculated decision. We must also take into account that after years of living in Estonia, many, if not most of them, may not wish to return at all, taken that they have rebuilt their lives here and since there may not be any place to return to," he said.
"Estonian society has thus far shown itself to be compassionate and standing in solidarity with those who have been forced to flee due to war or persecution. We must continue to be so in face of continuing wars and conflicts around us, whether in Syria, Ukraine or beyond."
Ministry of Interior: No plans to change policy
Anneli Viks, advisor to the border guard and migration policy department of the Ministry of the Interior, told ERR News on Tuesday it does not plan to change its current policy.
"Estonia has no plans to change its current practice. In Estonia, international protection is granted to all those in need due to persecution or other serious threats. All applications for international protection submitted in Estonia, including those by Syrians, are reviewed individually and thoroughly," she said in a written comment.
"In Estonia, individuals in need of protection are granted a temporary residence permit, which must be renewed. During the renewal process, a thorough review is conducted to determine whether the need for protection still exists. Changes in the situation in Syria may influence future individual decisions."
The authority to make decisions lies with the Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) and the legality of these decisions is overseen by administrative courts, she added.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Minister's position based on hope
Asked to clarify the minister position, a spokesperson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was not a policy change.
"The minister's position is mainly based on the hope that thanks to the positive developments in Syria, refugees from Syria can soon return to their homeland. One of the goals of Estonia's foreign policy is to contribute to relevant positive developments. Naturally, Estonia will consider the assessments and recommendations of international organizations like the UNHCR and other competent authorities on the safety of the return of Syrian refugees," the spokesperson said.
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Editor: Michael Cole