Egypt Starts Deportation of Syrians Celebrating Assad’s Fall

Egypt is deporting three Syrians who were detained for celebrating the fall of President Assad. Approximately 30 Syrians were arrested during celebrations in Cairo amid heightened political tensions. The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights condemned the actions taken by authorities and emphasized the risks of deportation back to Syria, urging compliance with international refugee rights obligations.

Egypt has initiated the deportation of three Syrian nationals who were detained during celebrations in Cairo regarding the reported fall of President Bashar al-Assad. According to the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (Eipr), approximately 30 Syrians were detained on 8 and 9 December as they celebrated the Assad regime’s end after over five decades of rule. Although the celebrations were brief and peaceful, authorities responded by dispersing the crowd and arresting participants. Eipr noted that while some detainees with residency permits were released, those with temporary asylum seeker cards remained in custody.

Following their detention, these individuals faced the risk of deportation. On 11 December, the remaining detainees were moved to the passport and immigration authority, heightening fears of forced returns to Syria, a country deemed unsafe by the UNHCR for refugees. Eipr condemned the excessive actions taken by the Egyptian security forces, urging the government to reconsider deportation orders amidst the ongoing instability in Syria. Furthermore, they called attention to Egypt’s obligations under international law regarding the protection of refugees and asylum seekers, whose unsafe conditions in their home country should prevent their forced return.

The current political climate in Syria remains tumultuous, with ongoing conflict since the civil war began in 2011. The UNHCR and various human rights organizations have raised concerns over the safety of Syrian refugees returning to Syria, particularly given the potential for persecution or violence related to their political beliefs or associations. In Egypt, the Syrian refugee population has grown significantly, prompting legal and humanitarian discussions about their status and protection within the nation. As the government responds to political events, actions taken against refugees reflect broader themes of nationalism, security, and human rights.

In conclusion, the deportation orders against the detained Syrians highlight the complex and often precarious situation that refugees face in host countries such as Egypt. The Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights continues to advocate for the protection of these individuals, urging Egyptian authorities to comply with international refugee protection standards. The ongoing instability in Syria further complicates the situation, making forced returns highly dangerous for those who fled. Immediate action is required to ensure the safety and rights of refugees currently residing in Egypt.

Original Source: www.middleeasteye.net