Austria Defies International Law: ECtHR Decision Paves Way for Deportations to Syria
Today’s ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) authorizing the Austrian government to deport a man to Syria is a deeply concerning development. it disregards clear guidance from the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) advising against all forced returns to the country, adn ignores the very real dangers faced by individuals sent back. As Executive director of Amnesty International Austria, Shoura Zehetner-Hashemi, stated, this decision “sets an extremely worrying precedent.”
This isn’t simply a legal matter; it’s a question of human rights and safety.
A Reckless Policy with devastating Potential
The ECtHR’s decision to lift it’s previous interim measure – which had halted the deportation – effectively greenlights a reckless and premature deportation policy. Austria is now poised to send individuals back to a country riddled with instability and ongoing human rights abuses. Your safety, and the safety of anyone seeking protection, must be the paramount concern.
Here’s what you need to understand about the situation:
* Syria Remains Highly Dangerous: the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs itself designates the entire country as a “highest threat level.” This isn’t speculation; it’s a formal assessment of the risks.
* violations are Rampant: Amnesty International has documented widespread unlawful killings and abductions within Syria. Recent investigations reveal evidence of extrajudicial executions of dozens of Druze people in Suwayda, and the ongoing abduction of Alawite women and girls.
* The Principle of Non-Refoulement: International law, enshrined in the 1951 Refugee Convention, the UN Convention against Torture, and the European Convention on Human Rights, explicitly prohibits returning individuals to countries where they face a risk of persecution, torture, or other serious harm. This principle, known as non-refoulement, is a cornerstone of human rights protection.
A Disappearing Act: The Case of the First Deportee
This decision isn’t happening in a vacuum. On July 3rd, 2025, Austria deported a Syrian man – the first such deportation in 15 years. Disturbingly, reports indicate he has since disappeared, and his current whereabouts remain unknown. This chilling outcome underscores the very real and immediate dangers faced by those returned to Syria.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you are seeking asylum or protection in Austria, or are concerned about the fate of individuals facing deportation to Syria, it’s crucial to be informed. The UNHCR continues to strongly oppose forced returns, and Amnesty International is actively advocating for a halt to this dangerous policy.
The Austrian government must heed its own warnings and prioritize the safety of vulnerable individuals. it’s time to follow the UNHCR’s advice and immediately halt all forced returns to syria.
Further Information:
* Amnesty International: Syria – Authorities must investigate abductions of Alawite women and girls
* UNHCR Position on Returns to Syria
* Infomigrants: European Court halts Austria’s deportation plans to Syria for now
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