Human Rights Watch report denounces refoulement of Syrian migrants arriving in Cyprus
A new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) alleges that Cyprus and EU-funded Lebanese security forces are complicit in the illegal return of Syrian refugees to their war-torn country. Lebanese authorities receive EU funding for border control. But according to this report, they have been involved in abusive practices including forced deportations, arbitrary detention, and physical mistreatment of refugees. This violates international law. HRW warns that many returnees face severe punishment, torture, or death upon their arrival in Syria.
HRW’s findings indicate that Cyprus, an EU member state, is implicated for its collaboration with Lebanon. Cyprus authorities usually intercept and hand back Syrian refugees attempting to reach their shores. In these cases, they hold the refugees in inhumane conditions before being sent back to Syria. And once there, their safety is at significant risk. The HRW report emphasizes that such actions contravene both EU regulations and international refugee protection standards.
EU funding criticized for lack of oversight
The European Union has pledged over €1 billion to Lebanon for border management and humanitarian aid. But HRW criticizes the lack of oversight on how these funds are used. The report calls on the EU to ensure that its funding is not being misused. They fear that, in the end, they carry out actions that violate human rights. It urges Cyprus and the EU to halt these forced returns, and prioritize human rights protections for refugees.
HRW also recommends that Cyprus establish a proper asylum process for those arriving on its shores. They assert this is better than facilitating deportations. The organization demands the EU take responsibility for ensuring that Lebanese forces, benefiting from EU funding, do not participate in illegal deportations.
The consequences of forced returns
The report highlights the grave dangers Syrian refugees face when sent back to their home country, where many are arrested or tortured by the Assad regime. International law prohibits returning individuals to a country where they could face persecution, a principle known as “non-refoulement.” However, the HRW report shows that despite this obligation, refugees continue to be forcibly returned to Syria, placing their lives at great risk.
By drawing attention to these abuses, HRW hopes to pressure both Cyprus and the EU to reassess their policies and ensure that refugees are treated with dignity and in accordance with international human rights laws.
