SACD Review

Briefing: Normalisation of Horror – Security and Living Conditions in Assad-held Syria

Ten years into the Syrian conflict, the Syrian society is disintegrating further and deeper with each passing day of the continuing displacement of more than half of its population, the continuing and increasing repression and corruption of the Syrian regime, fragmentation of the country as various state and non-state actors seek to cement their presence and influence, and the complete collapse of the political process.

The Syrian Association for Citizen’s Dignity publishes a briefing on its latest report on security and living conditions in Assad-held Syria, which is yet another attempt to shrink the space for denial of the reality of the dire state of affairs in Syria among the relevant policymakers. It is the fourth such report that offers an insight into the views and perceptions of Syrians on some of the most relevant issues that must shape any conversation on the possibility of a safe, voluntary and dignified return of displaced Syrians and the eventual political solution that could offer a hope of a lasting peace in Syria.

Denmark’s policy fails to document and relay the real threats facing Syrian refugees

Contrary to information on the ground by a large number of Syrian and international organizations, the Danish government claims that Damascus and its countryside are safe for Syrian refugees to return.

This policy targeting Syrian refugees is based on the incorrect assessment of the Danish Immigration Service (DIS) that “the security situation in Damascus and rural Damascus has improved significantly”, resulting in cancellation of the protection of Syrians originally from Damascus, leaving them with a choice of internment or return to an unsafe Syria.

The Syrian Association for Citizen's Dignity has shown in its latest survey report, Normalization of Horror, that areas under Assad control are very far from being a safe. While Denmark’s policy failed to document and relay the real threats facing refugees if they were to return, it is forcing Syrians to make the choice of returning back to an unsafe Damascus. However, safety in Syria cannot be compartmentalized. Nowhere in Syria is safe. 

Report: Normalisation of Horror – Security and Living Conditions in Assad-held Syria

The intention to leave the Syrian regime-controlled areas is growing rapidly, says the latest report by the Syrian Association for Citizens’ Dignity titled “Normalisation of Horror: Security and Living Conditions in Assad-held Syria.” This 91-page report sums up the outcomes of 533 interviews with Syrians living under Assad in different governorates and it comes as the fourth such report tracking perceptions and attitudes of both displaced Syrians and those who never left their areas.