Syrian Arab News Agency S A N A
Geneva, SANA- Ambassador Haydar Ali Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Syria to the UN in Geneva, stressed that the return of refugees is a key target of the Syrian state that issued several amnesty decrees and other measures on facilitations and overcoming the obstacles hindering their dignified return.
However, this necessitates support from the international community to the humanitarian and early recovery programs, the ambassador highlighted in the 74th session of the UNHCR Executive Committee.
Ahmad added that Syria excreted every possible effort during the war years to restore the stability to the entire country along with re-establishment of State authority. The country adopted the conciliation for settlement of any dispute which aims at ending any obstacle been encountered.
Ambassador Ahmed explained that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates will continue the existing cooperation and coordination with the UNHCR to effectively address the basic concerns of refugees, within the framework of full respect for Syria’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, and non-interference in its internal affairs.
Syria’s permanent representative stated that the areas of cooperation with UNHCR include strengthening the communication and consultation channel established between the Ministry and the Commission, which can be quickly referred to on issues related to the return of refugees, and achieving greater and broader humanitarian access and a flexible presence by UNHCR, especially in the major return areas and border points, in coordination and cooperation with the Ministry.
“ Issues related to recruitment and military service are carried out in a non-discriminatory manner, with returnees benefiting from relevant amnesty decrees, as military service is a constitutional duty for all Syrian citizens without any discrimination,” Ahmed stressed.
He pointed out that the returning Syrian refugee, like other Syrians, enjoys all the rights and duties guaranteed by the constitution, laws and regulations to all citizens without any discrimination, and their life, freedom and human dignity are protected from being exposed to any discriminatory treatment or violations of their basic rights guaranteed by the Syrian Constitution and laws.
Ambassador Ahmed went on to say that cooperation with the High Commissioner also includes access to documents, authentication of civil and academic documents granted to refugees abroad, and simplification of regulations and procedures related to housing, land and property.
