Migrant justice has always been connected to politics and what is going on in the world. It is with this in mind that we extend our solidarity to the Syrian people, including Syrians in our community, in their ongoing struggle for freedom. We are relieved and thankful to hear of those who have been reunited with their family members, and share in the Syrian people’s hopes for a better future free from all forms of oppression.
However, news that the Government has suspended the processing of applications for people seeking asylum from Syria is horrifying, and an example of the rampant dehumanisation that Syrians, and other racialised refugees, have faced. Despite the end of Assad’s cruel regime, there are a number of imperialist forces, such as Israel, the US and Turkey, that continue to inflict violence and suffering on the Syrian people. For those wishing to leave, the announcement that the UK, and multiple countries across Europe, will not process their applications, is utterly cruel. Alongside the mental anguish and distress this will cause, it also infringes on their right to seek asylum.
At a time like this, it is important to question mainstream narratives about “safety”, and what “safety” actually means for people who have been forcibly displaced. There are obvious problems with applying the blanket label of “safety” to an entire country. It is not up to us, living in the West, nor up to our Governments, to make the assumption that Syria is now automatically a “safe country” (safety is relative, and no place is ever 100% safe). That decision should remain with the people of Syria. Yet less than 12 hours after the fall of the regime, the UK Government announced its intention to pause Syrian asylum claims.
We should also consider the fact that no one can truly be safe without stability. For those who previously fled Syria, the massive disruptions to their lives that moving to a new country entailed should not be forgotten. They are part of our communities, and should not be expected to “go back home” at the drop of a coin.
If the UK Government truly cared about Syrians, it would allow them the dignity of choice: to decide on their own terms where they want to live- whether that be the UK, Syria, or somewhere else.