Western countries are obstructing the return of Syrian refugees, effectively keeping them abroad, according to Russia's Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Maria Zabolotskaya.
“The tendency towards politicization is clearly visible in the issue of the voluntary return of Syrian refugees. The West is actually blocking this process, not only denying assistance to those wishing to return but also hindering the implementation of projects essential for the early restoration of civilian infrastructure, which is key to secure and dignified repatriation,” - she stated during a UN Security Council meeting on refugee issues. - “Instead, the West prefers to keep Syrian refugees abroad by all means and increase sanctions against Damascus, which primarily affect ordinary Syrians.”
Zabolotskaya also highlighted the politicization of funding for humanitarian programs aimed at assisting refugees. “Western countries, which have instigated many global conflicts, are extremely reluctant to fund the programs of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees aimed at assisting refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, Sudan, and other conflict-torn countries,” - she emphasized. - "Moreover, it is Western countries that most actively force asylum seekers arriving in their territories to return to developing countries."
She also addressed the dire refugee situation in the Mediterranean region. “Year after year, the Mediterranean remains a mass grave for many trying to reach Europe. The number of victims is steadily increasing, with horrific tragedies of deaths at sea recurring regularly. Despite this, we continue to see no attempt to provide assistance or response from Western Europe. The situation is intolerable from both an international law perspective and a simple humanitarian standpoint. People are dying, but no one is held accountable,” Zabolotskaya stressed, urging the UNHCR to keep the region in focus and continue to press the EU to fulfill its international obligations.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation/Creative Commons 2.0
Based on materials from TASS