18
L.M. AND OTHERS v. RUSSIA JUDGMENT
from Syria by EU Member States in 2014, in comparison to 2013, when most
EU Member States predominantly granted subsidiary protection to Syrians. ...
Returns, Moratorium on Forced Returns and Consideration of Sur Place Claims
30. As the situation in Syria is likely to remain uncertain for the near future,
UNHCR welcomes the fact that several Governments have taken measures to suspend
the forcible return of nationals or habitual residents of Syria, including those whose
asylum claims have been rejected. Such measures should remain in place until further
notice. ...
31. In light of the developments and changed circumstances in Syria, it may be
appropriate to reopen case files of Syrians whose asylum claim were rejected in the
past, to the extent that has not yet been done, so as to ensure that those who as a result
of changed circumstances have a valid sur place claim have it appropriately
adjudicated, enabling them to benefit from protection and entitlements flowing from
refugee recognition.”
78. The UNHCR report of 1 July 2014 entitled “Syrian Refugees in
Europe: What Europe Can Do to Ensure Protection and Solidarity” says:
“The conflict in Syria has now entered its fourth year, and as the humanitarian
situation continues to deteriorate, the number of people forcibly displaced has reached
record levels. More than 2.8 million refugees are registered or awaiting registration in
Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey, and over 6.5 million people are internally
displaced in Syria. It is one of the largest humanitarian crises in recent history and
more support will be needed as the countries hosting the vast majority of refugees
struggle to deal with the impact of caring for so many. ...
Although, as noted, the responses and practices in relation to Syrians arriving in
Europe have varied, some key trends can be identified. UNHCR has welcomed the
positive protection practices of many European States with respect to Syrian nationals,
including a de facto moratoria on returns to Syria, the decision to process Syrian
claims in most countries, and high protection rates. ...
The protection and humanitarian situation of Palestinian refugees in Syria has
continued to deteriorate, as nearly all the areas hosting large numbers of Palestinian
refugees are directly affected by the conflict. Prior to the conflict, approximately
540,000 Palestine refugees were in Syria. UNRWA estimates that 63 percent of
registered Palestinian refugees have been displaced either in Syria or to neighbouring
countries. UNHCR has characterized the flight of civilians from Syria as a refugee
movement and considers that Palestinian refugees who had their former habitual
residence in Syria require international protection.”
79. The Human Rights Watch World Report 2014 (31 January 2014)
reported on Syria:
“Since the beginning of the uprising security forces have subjected tens of thousands
of people to arbitrary arrests, unlawful detentions, enforced disappearances, illtreatment, and torture using an extensive network of detention facilities throughout
Syria. Many detainees were young men in their 20s or 30s; but children, women, and
elderly people were also detained.”
80. The report “Country Information and Guidance, Syria: Security and
humanitarian situation” published by the UK Home Office in December
2014 states:
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