Syrian refugees in Malaysia yearn to return home

(CLO) On December 8, the Syrian opposition captured Damascus, forcing President Assad to flee to Russia, ending a 13-year civil war that killed more than 580,000 people and forced 12 million to leave their homes.

However, the new leadership of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) – an organization formerly affiliated with Al-Qaeda – has left many like Hukaima Somar feeling uneasy about who will rule Syria and whether the successor will be better or worse?

A 34-year-old musician from the city of Suwayda, Somar fled Syria in 2017 because of the civil war and is now among 2,680 Syrian refugees registered in Malaysia, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

A Syrian refugee camp. Photo: UNHCR

Adnan Hadad, 29, a refugee living in Penang, Malaysia, echoed the sentiment. “Whatever happens, it can’t be worse than before,” he told Reuters, recalling the losses his family suffered under Assad’s regime. Still, he remains wary of returning to Syria, where the political situation remains unstable.

The United Nations has previously said that government officials – including Mr Assad – have authorised war crimes and human rights abuses.

According to UNHCR, while the change of government brings hope, the conditions for safe and voluntary repatriation are not yet in place. Malaysia, as a host country, cannot force refugees to return home in this uncertain environment.

Ammar still misses home. After 12 years away from Syria, he said that although Malaysia has been good to him and is where he met his first love, learned to drive and many other important milestones, he still misses home.

"I need to go back to know my country and see my family again. Only then can I find peace," he said.

Hoai Phuong (according to CNA, Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/nguoi-ti-nan-syria-o-malaysia-khao-khat-duoc-ve-que-nha-post328174.html