Back Syrian refugees: a neglected human rights crisis in Europe

Strasbourg, 20/12/2013 – One of the world's biggest refugee crises of recent times is unfolding on Europe's doorstep, but most European governments have reacted with complete indifference. Close to 4 million people are internally displaced in Syria and almost 3 million have left the country since the beginning of the conflict.  The vast majority of the refugees benefit from the hospitality of Syria's neighouring countries, including Turkey, which have taken the brunt of this humanitarian crisis.  As for the rest of Europe, the response has so far been limited to providing humanitarian assistance to some of these countries. However, when it comes to actually receiving refugees, Europe has been much less generous and often negligent in abiding by its human right obligations. (more)