Amnesty decree or deception? Reality for Syrian refugees in Türkiye

Recent developments in Syria have sparked renewed concerns for Syrian refugees in Türkiye, following Syrian President Bashar Assad’s announcement of a new amnesty decree. This marks the 24th such announcement since the revolution began in 2011, yet many remain skeptical of its authenticity.

Ahmad Baccora, a political committee member of the Syrian National Coalition (SOC), and coordinator for it’s Refugees and Displaced Working Group says the amnesty decrees have repeatedly proven to be empty promises. In an exclusive interview with Türkiye Today, Baccora highlighted the growing social pressure on Syrian refugees in Türkiye, fueled by certain media outlets and anti-refugee movements promoting this latest decree as a legitimate opportunity for Syrians to return home.

Amnesty decree: Unfounded promises, unwavering distrust

“The reality is, despite Assad’s numerous amnesty decrees, nothing has changed,” Baccora explained. “In fact, we’ve seen more deaths, more detainees, and an increasing number of forcibly disappeared individuals. Those who returned voluntarily or were forced to return to regime-controlled areas have often been arrested or even killed.”

Baccora stressed that the amnesty announcements are merely tools to manipulate public opinion and exert pressure on Syrian refugees. These proclamations create confusion, particularly in Türkiye, where Syrians already face heightened social tension. The amnesty offers no real guarantee of safety, especially for political dissidents and military defectors, who are most at risk of persecution by the Assad regime.

Syrian refugees’ distrust in Assad’s rule

Syrians have little to no trust in the Assad regime’s so-called amnesties. According to Baccora, Syrians who placed their faith in these decrees have often met tragic fates, either disappearing into the regime’s notorious prisons or returning home only to be killed. The Assad regime has not released the hundreds of thousands of forcibly disappeared individuals who have been languishing in prisons for over a decade, despite repeated amnesty decrees.

“If the amnesties were genuine, the regime would have already released detainees. The fact that they haven’t shows how hollow these announcements are,” Baccora stated.

International guarantees: The only solution

For Syrians, the concept of returning to Syria under the current regime is unthinkable without solid international guarantees. Baccora made it clear that Syrians will only consider returning if these guarantees are established under a political transition, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

“Without Assad’s removal and accountability for the war crimes committed against millions of Syrians, there can be no trust,” Baccora said. He also emphasized that Assad’s amnesty is a tactic to deflect pressure from Arab nations pushing for unconditional normalization with the regime and to deceive international opinion.

Baccora called for the international community to remain vigilant, demanding justice, accountability, and transparency in any process that involves Syrian refugees returning to their homeland. Until then, Syrians both inside and outside Syria are unlikely to find the safety and stability they desperately need.

Amidst Assad’s repeated amnesty decrees, Syrians remain steadfast in their mistrust of the regime, with political dissidents, defectors, and refugees in Türkiye continuing to face immense uncertainty. International oversight and guarantees remain essential for any potential resolution, as the international community must prioritize justice and accountability to ensure Syrians’ safety upon return.