Osnabrück/Berlin, November 6, 2025 – The children's rights organization Terre des Hommes warns against deporting Syrian refugees to Germany. Syria is still far from a normal daily life and stability, and the security situation remains tense. Following the fall of the dictatorship, the country is undergoing profound change; the needs in all areas of life are immense, and many parts of the country are devastated.
Joshua Hofert, spokesperson for the board of Terre des Hommes , said the following after his recent visit to Syria for talks with partner organizations: “Adequate provision of aid to the population within Syria is currently not possible; many people are dependent on humanitarian assistance. The situation is particularly catastrophic for children: Over two million children are not attending school, around 7,250 schools have been destroyed, and there is a shortage of teachers. My interlocutors on the ground have repeatedly emphasized that it is currently not possible to provide sufficient support to the people in the country.”
The current public debate in Germany about possible returns and deportations, according to Joshua Hofert, is naturally also being followed in Syria. The involuntary and sudden return of a large number of people threatens to overwhelm local infrastructure such as schools, medical centers, electricity and water networks, and housing. The consequence would be further destabilization of the country.
“I share Foreign Minister Wadephul’s assessment of the dramatic situation and the massive destruction in Syria. In many places, a return is currently inconceivable,” emphasizes Joshua Hofert. “Therefore, Terre des Hommes appeals to the German government to suspend return agreements or deportations to Syria as long as the conditions for a safe, humane return are not met. Instead, the international community should provide significantly stronger support for the reconstruction of Syria than it has so far.”