All articles tagged with #syrian refugees
German politician Friedrich Merz stated that Syrian refugees in Germany should return home now that the war in Syria is over, or face deportation, despite the limited prospects for safe return due to destroyed infrastructure. His comments reflect a hardline stance on migration and have sparked controversy within Germany.
A study on Syrian refugee children reveals that war exposure leads to unique DNA methylation changes, affecting genes related to brain development and stress response. These epigenetic changes, more pronounced in girls, suggest long-term health impacts distinct from other traumas. The research highlights the biological cost of war on children, indicating slower epigenetic aging and potential developmental effects.
One year after a devastating earthquake in southern Turkey and northern Syria, survivors continue to struggle with the aftermath, including slow rebuilding efforts, housing shortages, and difficulties for Syrian refugees. Many families are still searching for missing loved ones, while others are coping with trauma and displacement. The government's response and cooperation with local authorities have been criticized, and concerns about future earthquakes persist, particularly in Istanbul.
One year after a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey and northern Syria, over 52,000 people were killed, with hundreds still missing and 4 million buildings damaged or destroyed. The region continues to grapple with the aftermath, as families live in tents or containers, and Turkish citizens and Syrian refugees struggle to find adequate shelter and support. The rebuilding process is slow, with concerns about the lack of government aid and the environmental impact of growing mounds of rubble.
The European Court of Justice has dismissed a case brought by a Syrian refugee family against the European border agency Frontex. The family argued that Frontex should be held accountable for their deportation from Greece to Turkey in 2016 without the opportunity to apply for asylum. The court ruled that Frontex does not have the power to assess return decisions or applications for international protection, and therefore cannot be held liable. The family's lawyers plan to appeal the ruling, stating that individuals should be able to hold Frontex accountable for its treatment of them. The case raises questions about how Frontex should monitor respect for fundamental rights in its activities.
The EU General Court has dismissed a landmark case brought by a Syrian refugee family against Frontex, the EU's border guard agency. The family sought damages after being deported to Turkey from Greece in 2016. The court ruled that Frontex cannot be held liable for damages as it does not have the power to assess asylum applications. The ruling has raised concerns about Frontex's mandate and accountability, with experts suggesting it contradicts human rights provisions. The family's lawyers plan to consider further legal steps, and human rights activists hoped the case would set a precedent. This comes as asylum claims in the EU have risen by 30% in the first half of 2023.
Ken Loach's latest film "The Old Oak" is a sincere account of solidarity against anti-refugee racism in a small ex-mining town in the north of England. While lacking in artistry and three-dimensional characterization, the film's tendency to use characters exclusively as mouthpieces is dramatically tedious. Nonetheless, the chemistry between the two leads leads to a relationship rarely seen in cinema: a platonic friendship between an older man and a younger woman born of mutual respect.
British director Ken Loach's latest film, "The Old Oak," tackles the issue of Syrian refugees arriving in a failing blue-collar town in northern England and the anger it provokes among certain residents looking for a scapegoat to pin their problems on. The film follows the friendship between Yara, a young Syrian refugee, and TJ, an aging local who's given up hope in a place on the brink of collapse. Loach's natural intimacy and slow-burn narrative build up to emotional high points, showing how culture can bring people together.
Turkish President Erdogan is facing his toughest election battle in years due to a struggling economy and criticism of his government's response to recent earthquakes. While some earthquake survivors are considering voting for Erdogan, others are turning away from him and the opposition alliance has promised to rebuild ties with the US, EU, and NATO. Erdogan may have the support of Turkey's Syrian population, but both presidential hopefuls running against him have promised to send them back. The struggling economy is the single-most important reason for Erdogan's potential defeat, according to experts. Many earthquake survivors have been displaced and may not be able to vote.
The Arab League's decision to readmit Syria has raised concerns among Syrian refugees that they may be forced to return to their home country despite potential threats to their lives. More than 14 million Syrians fled their homes following the civil war between President Bashar al-Assad and opposition forces. Advocates of Syria's re-admission to the Arab League argue that it is part of an attempt to find an "Arab solution" to the Syrian crisis. However, human rights organizations have repeatedly warned that Syrian refugees risk facing forced returns home amid concerns for their safety.
Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad has arrived in Saudi Arabia for talks with his Saudi counterpart, marking the first visit by a Syrian foreign minister to the country since 2011. The talks will focus on finding a political solution to the Syrian crisis, facilitating the return of Syrian refugees, and securing humanitarian access to affected areas. The visit is a sign of a potential restoration of relations between the two countries, which have been strained since the start of the Syrian war.