Johansson criticizes Danish government’s treatment of Syrian refugees

Asked about the decision of the Danish government to return refugees to Syria, Home Affairs Commissioner Ylva Johansson said that nobody should be forced to return to Syria.

Johansson said that when she heard that the Danish authorities were proposing to do this she immediately reached out to the Danish minister responsible for the proposal. Johansson suggested listening to the advice of the UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency) and EASO (European Asylum and Support Office) on the situation in Syria and their view that no one should be forced to return. 

The commissioner was reassured in her talks with the Danish minister that there would be no forced returns, but she raised concerns that Syrian refugees could lose access to the job market and education, specifically language learning. Denmark has targeted those refugees who are from Damascus and Rif Damascus, which their authorities deem to be “safe”. 

Denmark has opted out of the European Union’s asylum acquis and is not obliged to follow the EU’s rules in this area. 

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