A leading figure within Germany’s conservative Union faction has suggested the possibility of deportations to Syria, specifically for Sunni Arab individuals. Alexander Throm, the parliamentary spokesperson for internal affairs, stated in interviews with RTL and n-tv that the current security situation allows for consideration of returns, asserting that for this particular demographic, “there is no danger” in Syria.
Throm also questioned the continued granting of subsidiary protection status – a form of protection unique to the European Union and exceeding the standards outlined in the Geneva Refugee Convention. He argued that given the global increase in crises and conflicts, particularly in Africa, the expanded protections previously adopted, notably by a previous German government in the 2000s, are no longer justifiable. He emphasized that subsidiary protection is not intended for individuals facing direct personal threats.
According to Throm, the original grounds for protection, namely the Assad regime, effectively ceased to be a relevant factor at the end of last year, opening avenues for deportations. He indicated that initial deportations would prioritize individuals with serious criminal records or those deemed a security risk, suggesting they have forfeited their right to remain in Germany. While acknowledging the complexity of the situation, he repeated his opinion that deportations to Syria, specifically for Sunni Arab individuals, are feasible and pose no discernible threat.