Our statement on the UK governments decision to pause processing asylum applications for Syrians.

Many Syrians are celebrating the end of an authoritarian regime, but the country remains deeply unstable – it’s infrastructure is in ruins, armed groups control large territories, and many still live in fear. Past failures in Libya and Iraq show the danger of western governments prematurely declaring a country safe. We must learn from this.


Over 6,000 Syrians are waiting for their asylum applications to be processed in the UK, many for months or even years. Freezing these claims leaves them in limbo, prolonging their fear and uncertainty. Behind each application is an individual or family seeking safety, carrying scars and trauma that cannot simply vanish in a day. The reasons for fleeing Syria are complex, involving not only the Assad regime but also sectarian militias, illegal occupation and foreign exploitation of Syrian resources.


We urge the UK government to resume processing Syrian asylum claims immediately. Syrians, Kurds and other ethnic and religious minority groups deserve compassion and protection, not indefinite uncertainty in a system meant to safeguard their lives.