The director of Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe, Martin Keßler, has voiced concerns regarding calls for the deportation of Syrian nationals with criminal records from Germany to their conflict-ridden homeland. Following a recent visit to Syria, Keßler expressed a fundamental opposition to deportations, particularly to nations grappling with humanitarian crises.
He emphasized that the security situation within Syria remains precarious, citing recent clashes in Suwaida, which resulted in numerous casualties and previous heavy confrontations along the coastal regions. Keßler highlighted the weakness of the Syrian state and its limited capacity to assume responsibility across the country. “From a humanitarian perspective, deportations are unacceptable” he stated.
The return of displaced Syrians is already placing significant strain on the nation’s infrastructure. Approximately 1.7 million refugees have returned to their places of origin since the fall of the Assad regime, roughly half a million of whom have returned from abroad. This has exacerbated existing challenges related to the country’s weakened infrastructure.
Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe, the humanitarian aid organization of the Protestant Churches in Germany, advocates for efforts to improve living conditions in Syria, fostering an environment where voluntary and dignified returns can occur. The organization believes that if circumstances are conducive, many Syrians will choose to return home. The organization maintains an active presence in Syria, providing humanitarian assistance.
