UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, faced backlash from human rights groups and Syrian activists for suggesting the British government was considering ‘upstream schemes’ with Syria. The idea was criticized as Syria is still unsafe due to government detainment of returnees. Director Sara Afshar and Ranim Ahmed condemned the proposal, emphasizing the right to seek asylum without punishment.
Lammy’s remarks followed Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Italy to discuss asylum strategies. Starmer highlighted Italy’s success with ‘upstream schemes’ in Libya and Albania, reducing Mediterranean crossings. European countries are reevaluating their Syria policies to encourage refugee returns, despite ongoing security risks.
Advocates like Yasmen Almashan argue that refugees fear detention and torture upon return to Syria, as documented by the UN. The debate underscores the need for safe and humane asylum policies, emphasizing the necessity to prioritize human rights over political interests.