Egyptian Treats Palestinian-Syrian Refugees Worse Than Ever
UFree Network: Egyptian Treatment of Palestinian-Syrian Refugees At Its Lowest Ever
UFree Network to defend the rights of Palestinian political prisoners and detainees expresses its concern over the worsening situation of Palestinian refugees who fled from Syria to Egypt. The network is deeply worried over the inhumane treatment of the Egyptian authorities to those refugees including children and elderly people.
Well-informed sources confirmed to UFree Network that arrest campaign still taking place in Egypt against Palestinian refugees from Syria as well as not giving them permit to stay legally nor receiving proper education and health treatment.
The sources revealed that a family of 9 people (including 4 children) were arrested as Egyptian authorities raided their house in Al Arish city. The family was released after 8 hours of interrogation.
Reports have confirmed that Egypt deported different Palestinian families who came from Syria. Families comprised of children, elderly people and women. Egyptian authorities did not treat them in accordance with International law in regard of “refugees’ treatment” or “asylum seekers” rights.
UFree Network learnt that around 60 persons were deported to Lebanon, Syria, Turkey and other countries despite the fact that such step risks their lives, especially those returned “unwillingly” and “forcibly” to Syria. The families were in an attempt to leave Egypt to Europe as the ill-treatment against them escalated over the past 2 months.
UFree Network calls on the Egyptian authorities to abide by International law in that regard and to respect the rights of refugees and asylum seekers. Egypt should meet its obligations in accordance of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1969 Convention Governing the Specific Aspects of Refugee Problems in Africa.
The network request that Egyptian government secure a safe haven for those refugees and allow them to access the service of UNHCR as they are classified within its mandate.
Chairman of UFree Network Mohammad Hamdan stated in press statement dispatched to the Press, “The Egyptian authorities are responsible for the safety of Palestinian refugees from Syria and all other refugees. Hamdan called on the United Nations intervene and protect refugees where Egypt failed to do so.
ENDS