Overview

This briefing outlines the challenges faced by Syrian asylum seekers and the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Syria. Recent Home Office decisions to pause asylum applications have compounded the vulnerabilities of traumatised individuals and violated international legal obligations. Syria remains a volatile and unsafe environment, making these policies detrimental to human rights and stability. The indefinite pause causes direct human rights violations for asylum seekers and limits their access to basic rights.

This note provides recommendations to address these issues and contextualises them within Syria’s current humanitarian, economic, and political crises.

Recommendations

1) Provide Transparent and Timely Communication:

a - Publish clear timelines for application reviews and paused cases.

b - Ensure asylum seekers have access to information on their legal status and rights to alleviate confusion and anxiety.

2) Safeguard Livelihoods and Dignity:

a- Timely Approval of Eligible Asylum Claims and grant access to the right to work, rent, housing, education, and home fee eligibility.

b- Provide financial support to prevent destitution during the suspension period.

c- Collaborate with international partners to rebuild homes, schools, hospitals, and infrastructure to stabilise Syria.

3) Uphold International Legal Obligations:

a- Lift the pause on asylum applications and resume individualised case reviews.

b- Adhere to international and EU asylum laws that mandate safe, voluntary, and dignified returns.

c- When considering asylum applications, recognise the ongoing security threats in Syria, including the UXO risks, extremist violence, and political and security instability.

Finally, we urge you to engage in meaningful dialogue with our group and other Syrian groups in the UK. By discussing these measures alongside broader efforts, including reconsidering sanctions on Syria, the UK can contribute to humanitarian and economic recovery in a way that aligns with its strategic interests. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate on practical and compassionate approaches that address these concerns.

- Impact of UK policies on displaced Syrians -

1) The suspension has denied asylum seekers basic rights such as access to work, education, healthcare, and housing, leaving them in prolonged states of uncertainty and destitution.

2) This exacerbates existing trauma, including PTSD and depression, among already vulnerable populations, increasing their mental health struggles.

- Relevant highlights from the current humanitarian and security situation in Syria -

a) Number of Syrians affected: Approx. 6,500 asylum seekers and 45,000-48,000 refugees in the UK.

b) Safety & Security: The widespread availability of weapons among the civilian population, coupled with the absence of a comprehensive security framework, has led to increased violence, including kidnappings, targeted killings, and acts of revenge outside legal structures. The illicit proliferation of arms continues to fuel instability, with no unified security force to regulate their use. Unaddressed explosive ordnance (UXO) contamination claimed 25 lives and injured 50 others in the first week of January 20254 alone. Syria remains one of the most dangerous countries for UXO and landmine-related casualties, with a record number of victims over the past four years.

c) Meanwhile, the Islamic State (ISIS) has intensified its attacks and threats, further destabilising the region. Ongoing tensions among key regional actors—such as Iran, Iraq, Turkey, and Israel—continue to fuel instability.

d) Political instability: The fall of Assad’s regime in 2024 has not ended violence. Armed groups continue to prosecute individuals, including, but not limited to, those affiliated with humanitarian and civil society organisations, individuals affiliated with specific sects, as well as women and LGBTQI+ communities The absence of a cohesive governance structure has left a security vacuum, allowing non-state actors to impose their own forms of control. The new Syrian administration is engaged in negotiations with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which is contributing to the ongoing tension. Additionally, the failure to reach a comprehensive military agreement among various armed factions risks further escalation.

e) Displacement and shelter: 627,000 people remain newly displaced within Syria. Camps are overcrowded, and children face an education crisis, with over 68,700 children out of school and 133 schools used as emergency shelters. The lack of a functioning government and the ongoing security vacuum mean that returning refugees would face homelessness, insecurity, and severe hardship.

f) Food insecurity and acute malnutrition: 65% of the population (15.5 million) require food or livelihood support. Bread prices have skyrocketed by over 700%, leaving vulnerable households unable to afford even basic sustenance.

g) Health crisis: Recurrent disease outbreaks, lack of vaccines, and waterborne diseases continue to strain an already collapsed healthcare system.

h) Poverty and economic fragility: Over 90% of the population lives below the poverty line, with little access to basic services such as water, sanitation, or electricity.

Syria’s ongoing challenges, including rampant poverty, displacement, and persecution, underscore the need for a compassionate and legally sound approach. Syrian asylum seekers possess immense potential to contribute to the UK and the rebuilding of their home country. However, without fair treatment and support, they are left in limbo, unable to integrate or plan for the future.

We urge the government to follow a humane, just, and evidence-based approach to Syrian asylum seekers, ensuring the UK upholds its international obligations while addressing the root causes of displacement.

Should you require additional information or further briefings, we are available to assist.

Contact Information:
Syria Action and Advocacy Group
SAAGUK@googlegroups.com