Merz Calls for Deportations to Syria, Igniting Legal and Ethical Debate
Berlin, November 3, 2024 – Friedrich Merz, leader of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has publicly advocated for the deportation of failed asylum seekers to Syria, despite the ongoing civil war and documented human rights abuses within the country. The proposal, made during a party conference, immediately drew condemnation from human rights organizations and sparked a fierce debate over Germany’s obligations under international law.
The call to expand deportations to include Syria represents a significant hardening of the CDU’s stance on immigration and asylum policy. Merz argued that individuals whose asylum claims have been definitively rejected should be returned to their countries of origin, nonetheless of the prevailing conditions. This position challenges existing legal precedents and raises serious questions about the safety and well-being of those potentially deported.The move comes amid increasing pressure on chancellor Olaf Scholz’s coalition government to address concerns about rising migration numbers and strains on social services.
Currently, Germany maintains a general policy of suspending deportations to Syria due to the volatile security situation and widespread violence. Though, Merz contends that this blanket suspension is no longer justifiable, suggesting that regional stability allows for the safe return of individuals to certain areas. He did not specify which regions he considered safe.
The German asylum system processed approximately 157,000 initial asylum applications in the first three quarters of 2024, with recognition rates varying significantly based on country of origin. According to the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), the recognition rate for Syrian asylum seekers remains high, reflecting the ongoing dangers faced by those fleeing the conflict.
Legal experts have swiftly criticized merz’s proposal, citing Germany’s obligations under the Geneva Refugee Convention and the European Convention on human Rights.Both treaties prohibit the return of individuals to countries where they face a real risk of persecution,torture,or other serious harm. deporting individuals to Syria, they argue, would constitute a violation of these international legal norms.
The debate is expected to intensify in the coming weeks as the CDU seeks to capitalize on public anxieties surrounding immigration. The issue is likely to become a central point of contention in upcoming state elections and could significantly influence the future direction of Germany’s asylum policy.
