Dear friends, 

Yesterday, Amnesty released a new report on the violations against Syrian refugees returning to Syria - “YOU’RE GOING TO YOUR DEATH” 

We can't believe our eyes as we read through each page. We are horrified by the findings. 

Amnesty's research has uncovered violations committed by Syrian security forces and intelligence officers against 66 returnees (including 13 children), who have been been subjected to detention, disappearance and torture, including sexual violence. 5 detainees have died in custody. 

The report includes testimonies. One is from a woman called Noor*. 'When Noor returned from Lebanon she was stopped at the border by a security officer who said:

“Why did you leave Syria? Because you don’t like Bashar al-Assad and you don’t like Syria? You’re a terrorist … Syria is not a hotel that you leave and return to when you want.”

The officer subsequently raped Noor and her five-year old daughter in a small room used for interrogation at the border crossing.'

The disturbing evidence from this new report proves that Syria is NOT SAFE for returnees. We must send a reminder to Denmark and every other country that is considering forcing refugees back to danger, that refusing to grant or renew a refugee’s resident permit is not just a paper issue - it’s a death sentence. 

Join Amnesty’s action - click here to send a message to the Danish Minister for Immigration and Integration, Mattias Tesfaye, and tell him to reverse the decision to revoke residency for people from Syria.

Even after ten years, the regime continues to find ways to disgust us and make us weep over its actions. Our hearts go out to the victims, and to their loved ones.

Thank you - always - for your support,
Hamza

*All names have been changed.