Belgian PM emphasizes stability as key to refugee return to Syria

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – In an exclusive response to Kurdistan24, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo addressed the ongoing situation in Syria and the potential return of Syrian refugees who have been granted international protection.  

Prime Minister De Croo acknowledged that while many refugees are eager to return to their homeland, such a step depends on the stabilization of Syria. "I think that, at the moment Syria is stabilized, it's normal that people who have received international protection would go back. I hear that a lot of them are actually looking forward to coming back. That, of course, can only happen when it's stabilized, and for the moment, the situation is not stabilized," he stated.  

Highlighting Belgium’s commitment to its international obligations, De Croo emphasized the responsibility of host countries to provide security for those in need. "In countries like Belgium, we respected our international obligation to provide security for people who have the right to international protection," he said.  

However, he noted that the ultimate goal of the refugee system is for individuals to return to their countries once the circumstances allow. "When there is no need for that, of course, the flip side is that people go back to their own country. That's how the refugee system works, but it can only work when the situation is stabilized, which is not the case today," he explained.  

The Prime Minister’s comments reflect the broader challenges faced by the international community in balancing humanitarian commitments with the realities of conflict and instability in regions like Syria.