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The Accelerating Tragedy of Syria’s Displaced: Failed Commitments, Forced Returns, and the Normalization of International Crimes
Drawing from data and testimonies of Syrians both inside the country and in the diaspora collected by civil society organizations, this report looks at the justice needs of Syrian victims of human rights violations in the context of ongoing debates on refugee returns. It critically examines forced returns and the legal frameworks enabling them and recommends a path forward to address the justice needs of Syria’s many victims and advance accountability, truth, and reform.
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The over 50-year-long authoritarian rule of the Assad family and the 14 years of conflict in Syria were characterized by repression, widespread human rights atrocities, and a culture of impunity. Few if any Syrians have not been brutalized in some way.
The Syrian refugee crisis, now in its second decade, and the legacy of atrocities committed over decades stands as one of the most enduring and complex humanitarian challenges of our time.
This report delves into the ethical, legal, and practical challenges surrounding the repatriation of Syrian refugees and discusses the broader justice needs of those returning and those who remained inside Syria. It argues that any repatriation process must be informed, dignified, safe, and voluntary, strictly adhering to international norms that safeguard the rights of refugees. It also scrutinizes what “safety” and “security” mean for Syrians and what durable peace requires.
The analysis extends to key regional contexts, including Lebanon, Turkey, Jordan, and the European Union, to highlight the diverse challenges and risks faced by Syrian refugees. In these regions, refugees encounter various forms of pressure, ranging from economic hardship and restrictive legal environments to forced returns, that are misrepresented as voluntary repatriations.
The report advocates for a rights-based approach, one that prioritizes the safety, dignity, and well-being of displaced Syrians and the many other victims of the conflict and authoritarian rule. It calls for a comprehensive political solution, particularly the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 2254, and emphasizes the need to address the root causes of the Syrian conflict and to establish a framework for accountability and justice for victims. It identifies steps for addressing violations in connection with forced return and forced displacement; for shedding light on the legacy of violations and harms that Syrians have experienced in Syrian and as refugees; for supporting existing and long-term accountability processes; and for advancing legal, constitutional, and institutional reform.
