Iraqi authorities in Baghdad and Erbil have been detaining and deporting Syrian refugees to Damascus and northeastern Syria, according to a report by Human Rights Watch.
This practice has continued despite some Syrians possessing valid Iraqi documents or being registered as asylum seekers with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
“Iraq should immediately end its distressing campaign of arbitrary arrests and deportations of Syrians who have fled to Iraq for safety,” said Sarah Sanbar, Iraq researcher at Human Rights Watch.
The report highlights that these deportations violate Iraq’s obligations under the UN Convention Against Torture and the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning people to countries where they face a risk of persecution.
Despite a ban by Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council in August 2023 on deporting Syrian refugees, a crackdown began in March 2024 targeting foreigners violating residency rules. Many Syrians were detained and deported after raids on homes and workplaces.
The Kurdistan Regional Government also suspended issuing visas to Syrians, reportedly at the request of the federal government.
Human Rights Watch interviewed several affected individuals, including a 43-year-old Syrian man detained at a checkpoint south of Baghdad, who was fined and ordered deported despite presenting his UNHCR certificate. His appeal against the deportation has slim chances of success.
Another interviewee, Nawal, and her son were detained by Kurdish security forces and forced to leave Iraq, ultimately seeking refuge in Lebanon.
The report underscores the fear and instability faced by Syrian refugees in Iraq. Many are afraid to leave their homes or go to work due to the risk of arrest.
The Iraqi government’s actions have left these refugees in a precarious situation, with no safe refuge to turn to.
Human Rights Watch calls on Iraq to halt these deportations and to develop a fair system for determining refugee status. International donors are urged to advocate against these forced returns, which breach international obligations and endanger lives.
