Syria Notes
@syrianotes.bsky.social
Informing UK policy debates on Syria. Focused on human rights and accountability.
Web: https://www.syrianotes.org/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/SyriaNotes/
YouTube: http://youtube.com/@syrianotes5908
Web: https://www.syrianotes.org/
Facebook: http://facebook.com/SyriaNotes/
YouTube: http://youtube.com/@syrianotes5908
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Syria Notes
@syrianotes.bsky.social
· Jun 1
Syria Notes
Freedom’s price Syria Notes no. 30, spring 2025. On the 8th of December, Bashar al-Assad fled to Moscow, ...
www.syrianotes.org
Aid cuts hit Syrian independent media just as they are most needed
We talked to Ahmad Primo of Verify Syria, Yara Bader of Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression, Kholoud Helmi of Enab Baladi, and Camilla Bruun Randrup of International Media Support.
www.syrianotes.org/2025/05/free...
We talked to Ahmad Primo of Verify Syria, Yara Bader of Syrian Center for Media and Freedom of Expression, Kholoud Helmi of Enab Baladi, and Camilla Bruun Randrup of International Media Support.
www.syrianotes.org/2025/05/free...
Reposted by Syria Notes
Our new analysis shows once the system is fully operational, 1.66-1.9m reviews of refugee status would need to be done over the first decade, resulting in a total cost of between £1.1 - 1.27bn, depending on how many people lose their protection at review.
November 24, 2025 at 8:09 AM
Our new analysis shows once the system is fully operational, 1.66-1.9m reviews of refugee status would need to be done over the first decade, resulting in a total cost of between £1.1 - 1.27bn, depending on how many people lose their protection at review.
Reposted by Syria Notes
The government’s plan to review refugee status every 30 months is unworkable and extremely costly - and applying it retrospectively to people already granted protection will make an unmanageable system even worse.
November 24, 2025 at 8:09 AM
The government’s plan to review refugee status every 30 months is unworkable and extremely costly - and applying it retrospectively to people already granted protection will make an unmanageable system even worse.
Reposted by Syria Notes
This is an insane way to be making policy clarifications, but the Home Sec has tweeted that the increases to settement for illegal entry will not be applied to refugees
h/t @jonfeatonby.bsky.social for flagging this up
h/t @jonfeatonby.bsky.social for flagging this up
November 24, 2025 at 2:01 PM
This is an insane way to be making policy clarifications, but the Home Sec has tweeted that the increases to settement for illegal entry will not be applied to refugees
h/t @jonfeatonby.bsky.social for flagging this up
h/t @jonfeatonby.bsky.social for flagging this up
Tension prevails in Homs province in central Syria following the murder of a couple in their home in Zaydal, south of Homs city, and the writing of sectarian slogans in their blood, prompting intervention by the army and internal security forces.
— Enab Baladi
www.enabbaladi.net/785088/
— Enab Baladi
www.enabbaladi.net/785088/
حمص.. تدخل أمني لاحتواء تداعيات جريمة بطابع طائفي
تحقيقات موسعة في حمص بعد مقتل زوجين وسط اتهامات طائفية. ما هي المعلومات المتاحة حول الحادث؟
www.enabbaladi.net
November 23, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Tension prevails in Homs province in central Syria following the murder of a couple in their home in Zaydal, south of Homs city, and the writing of sectarian slogans in their blood, prompting intervention by the army and internal security forces.
— Enab Baladi
www.enabbaladi.net/785088/
— Enab Baladi
www.enabbaladi.net/785088/
In Raqqa, the Syrian army and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have reached a truce providing for a complete ceasefire and an end to mutual targeting in the eastern countryside of Raqqa, following a week of clashes between the two sides.
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Syrian army and SDF reach truce in Raqqa - Enab Baladi
The Syrian army and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have reached a truce providing for a complete ceasefire and an […]
english.enabbaladi.net
November 23, 2025 at 2:22 PM
In Raqqa, the Syrian army and the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have reached a truce providing for a complete ceasefire and an end to mutual targeting in the eastern countryside of Raqqa, following a week of clashes between the two sides.
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Reposted by Syria Notes
Asylum is not "illegal migration"
Let's start from here theconversation.com/asylum-is-no...
Let's start from here theconversation.com/asylum-is-no...
Asylum is not illegal migration – why the UK government shouldn’t conflate the two
The new proposals transform settlement into something that must be continually earned. The path has become longer, more conditional and far more easily disrupted.
theconversation.com
November 20, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Asylum is not "illegal migration"
Let's start from here theconversation.com/asylum-is-no...
Let's start from here theconversation.com/asylum-is-no...
Lina was arrested in 2013 with her husband and children after a neighbour filed a report.
Many victims’ families shared similar stories about “report writers”: neighbours or colleagues who often fabricated evidence for money, revenge, or both.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/analysis/syr...
Many victims’ families shared similar stories about “report writers”: neighbours or colleagues who often fabricated evidence for money, revenge, or both.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/analysis/syr...
Syria’s disappeared: The long road to justice after Assad
Over a decade after Syria’s prison atrocities were exposed by whistleblower ‘Caesar’, families of the missing still search for answers and a grave to mourn at
www.newarab.com
November 20, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Lina was arrested in 2013 with her husband and children after a neighbour filed a report.
Many victims’ families shared similar stories about “report writers”: neighbours or colleagues who often fabricated evidence for money, revenge, or both.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/analysis/syr...
Many victims’ families shared similar stories about “report writers”: neighbours or colleagues who often fabricated evidence for money, revenge, or both.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/analysis/syr...
Jihad A, Mahmoud A, Mazhar J, Sameer S, and Wael S. on trial in Koblenz, Germany, charged with murder, war crimes, crimes against humanity, as part of violent suppression in the Yarmouk District of Damascus between 2012 and 2014.
@sjac-info.bsky.social
syriaaccountability.org/the-opening-...
@sjac-info.bsky.social
syriaaccountability.org/the-opening-...
The Opening of the Yarmouk Trial in Koblenz, Germany
On November 19, 2025, the trial of Jihad A., Mahmoud A., Mazhar J., Sameer S., and Wael S. opened before the Higher Regional Court of Koblenz, Germany. The five accused are charged with murder, war cr...
syriaaccountability.org
November 20, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Jihad A, Mahmoud A, Mazhar J, Sameer S, and Wael S. on trial in Koblenz, Germany, charged with murder, war crimes, crimes against humanity, as part of violent suppression in the Yarmouk District of Damascus between 2012 and 2014.
@sjac-info.bsky.social
syriaaccountability.org/the-opening-...
@sjac-info.bsky.social
syriaaccountability.org/the-opening-...
Reposted by Syria Notes
🧵 More than 11 months on, Israel’s occupation of parts of Syria’s southwestern Quneitra province seemingly has no end in sight.
🔗 bit.ly/4nXwPvx
🔗 bit.ly/4nXwPvx
November 14, 2025 at 2:44 PM
🧵 More than 11 months on, Israel’s occupation of parts of Syria’s southwestern Quneitra province seemingly has no end in sight.
🔗 bit.ly/4nXwPvx
🔗 bit.ly/4nXwPvx
Charges against former regime remnants include inciting discord, hatred, fomenting sectarian war, joining armed gangs, attacks against govt forces.
Charges against govt-affiliated forces: premeditated killing, committing additional acts against civilians.
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Charges against govt-affiliated forces: premeditated killing, committing additional acts against civilians.
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Trials begin for suspects in Syrian coastal-region violations - Enab Baladi
The Palace of Justice in Aleppo witnessed today, 18 November, the first public hearing for defendants accused of violations and […]
english.enabbaladi.net
November 19, 2025 at 9:14 AM
Charges against former regime remnants include inciting discord, hatred, fomenting sectarian war, joining armed gangs, attacks against govt forces.
Charges against govt-affiliated forces: premeditated killing, committing additional acts against civilians.
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Charges against govt-affiliated forces: premeditated killing, committing additional acts against civilians.
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
First trial of coastal massacre suspects underway in Syria’s Aleppo
Seven men, including former military personnel, accused of attacking government forces, and seven members of the forces loyal to the new authorities, appeared in court.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/news/first-t...
Seven men, including former military personnel, accused of attacking government forces, and seven members of the forces loyal to the new authorities, appeared in court.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/news/first-t...
First trial of coastal massacre suspects underway in Syria
The beginning of a trial of suspects accused of involvement in massacres on the Syrian coast last March has been broadcast on national television
www.newarab.com
November 19, 2025 at 8:49 AM
First trial of coastal massacre suspects underway in Syria’s Aleppo
Seven men, including former military personnel, accused of attacking government forces, and seven members of the forces loyal to the new authorities, appeared in court.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/news/first-t...
Seven men, including former military personnel, accused of attacking government forces, and seven members of the forces loyal to the new authorities, appeared in court.
@thenewarab.bsky.social
www.newarab.com/news/first-t...
Syria begins its Coastal Massacre trial
In a moment long demanded by victims’ families, a live-broadcast reckoning has brought alleged perpetrators of violence on both sides of the uprising in March before the same judge.
@newlinesmag.bsky.social
newlinesmag.com/spotlight/sy...
In a moment long demanded by victims’ families, a live-broadcast reckoning has brought alleged perpetrators of violence on both sides of the uprising in March before the same judge.
@newlinesmag.bsky.social
newlinesmag.com/spotlight/sy...
Syria Begins Its Coastal Massacre Trial
In a moment long demanded by victims’ families, a live-broadcast reckoning has brought alleged perpetrators of violence on both sides of the uprising in March before the same judge
newlinesmag.com
November 19, 2025 at 8:47 AM
Syria begins its Coastal Massacre trial
In a moment long demanded by victims’ families, a live-broadcast reckoning has brought alleged perpetrators of violence on both sides of the uprising in March before the same judge.
@newlinesmag.bsky.social
newlinesmag.com/spotlight/sy...
In a moment long demanded by victims’ families, a live-broadcast reckoning has brought alleged perpetrators of violence on both sides of the uprising in March before the same judge.
@newlinesmag.bsky.social
newlinesmag.com/spotlight/sy...
Reposted by Syria Notes
On the sidelines of the #Damascus Day of Dialogue conference, nine organizations outlined their vision to strengthen #Syria's transitional phase
Read the joint paper here:
syriaaccountability.org/joint-positi...
Read the joint paper here:
syriaaccountability.org/joint-positi...
November 18, 2025 at 3:01 PM
On the sidelines of the #Damascus Day of Dialogue conference, nine organizations outlined their vision to strengthen #Syria's transitional phase
Read the joint paper here:
syriaaccountability.org/joint-positi...
Read the joint paper here:
syriaaccountability.org/joint-positi...
Danish asylum policy a zero-sum game:
While the Social Democrats won over voters from right-wing parties by going anti-immigration, it also repelled pro-immigration voters who instead defected to other left-wing parties.
ukandeu.ac.uk/denmarks-mig...
While the Social Democrats won over voters from right-wing parties by going anti-immigration, it also repelled pro-immigration voters who instead defected to other left-wing parties.
ukandeu.ac.uk/denmarks-mig...
Denmark’s migration policy – an example to follow? - UK in a changing Europe
Kristina Bakkær Simonsen explains why countries feel they have something to learn from Denmark's strict migration policy, but argues that there are many key pitfalls.
ukandeu.ac.uk
November 18, 2025 at 9:26 AM
Danish asylum policy a zero-sum game:
While the Social Democrats won over voters from right-wing parties by going anti-immigration, it also repelled pro-immigration voters who instead defected to other left-wing parties.
ukandeu.ac.uk/denmarks-mig...
While the Social Democrats won over voters from right-wing parties by going anti-immigration, it also repelled pro-immigration voters who instead defected to other left-wing parties.
ukandeu.ac.uk/denmarks-mig...
Israel continues to detain three civilians in Quneitra province, southern Syria.
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Israel continues to detain three civilians in Quneitra - Enab Baladi
An Israeli army unit advanced on the evening of Saturday, 15 November, north of the town of Khan Arnabeh (in […]
english.enabbaladi.net
November 17, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Israel continues to detain three civilians in Quneitra province, southern Syria.
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Home Secretary says 100,000 people now in asylum accommodation, and many remain unemployed several years after being granted protection, but this is result of poor processing of claims and the ban on work for those in the system, @freemovement.bsky.social writes.
freemovement.org.uk/home-secreta...
freemovement.org.uk/home-secreta...
Home Secretary announces major asylum and other changes in new policy paper: "Restoring Order and Control" - Free Movement
Following a plethora of media briefings and coverage over the past few days, the Home Secretary has officially published her policy paper on "Restoring Order
freemovement.org.uk
November 17, 2025 at 7:14 PM
Home Secretary says 100,000 people now in asylum accommodation, and many remain unemployed several years after being granted protection, but this is result of poor processing of claims and the ban on work for those in the system, @freemovement.bsky.social writes.
freemovement.org.uk/home-secreta...
freemovement.org.uk/home-secreta...
Reposted by Syria Notes
The Home Secretary says "we have become the destination of choice in Europe, clearly visible to every people smuggler and would-be illegal migrant across the world"
That is a factually untrue claim: the Home Office shows that the UK is fifth, getting 1/10 claims, while Germany gets 1/5 claims
That is a factually untrue claim: the Home Office shows that the UK is fifth, getting 1/10 claims, while Germany gets 1/5 claims
November 17, 2025 at 3:51 PM
The Home Secretary says "we have become the destination of choice in Europe, clearly visible to every people smuggler and would-be illegal migrant across the world"
That is a factually untrue claim: the Home Office shows that the UK is fifth, getting 1/10 claims, while Germany gets 1/5 claims
That is a factually untrue claim: the Home Office shows that the UK is fifth, getting 1/10 claims, while Germany gets 1/5 claims
Reposted by Syria Notes
Asked about Tommy Robinson supporting her asylum plans Shabana Mahmood replies that "Tommy Robinson doesn't even think I'm actually English, so he will certainly not be supporting anything I've got to say."
But he is supporting what she's got to say. That was the point of the question
But he is supporting what she's got to say. That was the point of the question
November 17, 2025 at 6:41 PM
Asked about Tommy Robinson supporting her asylum plans Shabana Mahmood replies that "Tommy Robinson doesn't even think I'm actually English, so he will certainly not be supporting anything I've got to say."
But he is supporting what she's got to say. That was the point of the question
But he is supporting what she's got to say. That was the point of the question
Syrian British SBC on UK asylum policy
Syrian asylum seekers remain stranded awaiting decisions on claims.
Many others have been waiting for more than a year for rulings on their applications for permanent residency after their five-year refugee period ended.
syrianbritish.org/statement-re...
Syrian asylum seekers remain stranded awaiting decisions on claims.
Many others have been waiting for more than a year for rulings on their applications for permanent residency after their five-year refugee period ended.
syrianbritish.org/statement-re...
Statement: Recent Amendments to the UK Asylum Policy – Syrian British Consortium
syrianbritish.org
November 17, 2025 at 6:20 PM
Syrian British SBC on UK asylum policy
Syrian asylum seekers remain stranded awaiting decisions on claims.
Many others have been waiting for more than a year for rulings on their applications for permanent residency after their five-year refugee period ended.
syrianbritish.org/statement-re...
Syrian asylum seekers remain stranded awaiting decisions on claims.
Many others have been waiting for more than a year for rulings on their applications for permanent residency after their five-year refugee period ended.
syrianbritish.org/statement-re...
Fact-finding committee announces start of trials for suspects in Syria’s coastal-region violence
Previously reported that 298 people accused of attacks on civilians and 265 accused of attacks against Public Security were referred to judiciary.
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Previously reported that 298 people accused of attacks on civilians and 265 accused of attacks against Public Security were referred to judiciary.
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Fact-finding committee announces start of trials for suspects in Syria’s coastal-region violence - Enab Baladi
The head of the National Committee for Investigation and Fact-Finding into the coastal events, Jomaa al-Anzi, announced the start of […]
english.enabbaladi.net
November 17, 2025 at 6:15 PM
Fact-finding committee announces start of trials for suspects in Syria’s coastal-region violence
Previously reported that 298 people accused of attacks on civilians and 265 accused of attacks against Public Security were referred to judiciary.
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Previously reported that 298 people accused of attacks on civilians and 265 accused of attacks against Public Security were referred to judiciary.
— Enab Baladi
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Syrian state-run news agency (SANA) quotes Foreign Ministry source saying there is no truth to an AFP report that the Syrian govt is to hand over Uyghur fighters to China.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi today.
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi today.
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Syrian Foreign Ministry denies handing over Uyghur fighters to China - Enab Baladi
The Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has denied handing over Uyghur fighters to China. State-run Syrian Arab News […]
english.enabbaladi.net
November 17, 2025 at 6:07 PM
Syrian state-run news agency (SANA) quotes Foreign Ministry source saying there is no truth to an AFP report that the Syrian govt is to hand over Uyghur fighters to China.
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi today.
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi today.
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
More than a dozen Labour MPs have expressed criticism of changes to Britain’s asylum system proposed by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
The new measures could see fast-tracked deportations, and a quadrupling of the time it might take to achieve permanent status.
labourlist.org/2025/11/asyl...
The new measures could see fast-tracked deportations, and a quadrupling of the time it might take to achieve permanent status.
labourlist.org/2025/11/asyl...
Asylum reform: Full list of MPs opposing government's immigration proposals - LabourList
Shabana Mahmood has proposed sweeping new reforms to the UK asylum system today, which has quickly led to a visceral backlash from many Labour figures.
labourlist.org
November 17, 2025 at 5:37 PM
More than a dozen Labour MPs have expressed criticism of changes to Britain’s asylum system proposed by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood.
The new measures could see fast-tracked deportations, and a quadrupling of the time it might take to achieve permanent status.
labourlist.org/2025/11/asyl...
The new measures could see fast-tracked deportations, and a quadrupling of the time it might take to achieve permanent status.
labourlist.org/2025/11/asyl...
Damascus and its countryside contains eight military airfields. Following a Reuters report that the US is looking to establish a new air base in Syria, Enab Baladi has details on these eight.
Syria’s Foreign Ministry denies the establishment of a new US base.
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Syria’s Foreign Ministry denies the establishment of a new US base.
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Eight military airfields around Damascus, what are they? - Enab Baladi
A Reuters report revealed the U.S. intent to use an air base in Syria to help enable a security agreement […]
english.enabbaladi.net
November 15, 2025 at 8:46 AM
Damascus and its countryside contains eight military airfields. Following a Reuters report that the US is looking to establish a new air base in Syria, Enab Baladi has details on these eight.
Syria’s Foreign Ministry denies the establishment of a new US base.
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Syria’s Foreign Ministry denies the establishment of a new US base.
english.enabbaladi.net/archives/202...
Reposted by Syria Notes
This won’t stop people seeking protection in the UK. It will make it harder for refugees to rebuild their lives, feel secure and contribute to their communities. It will create a load more work for the Home Office, reviewing claims every three years.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
UK set to limit refugees to temporary stays
Shabana Mahmood is expected to say the era of permanent protection for refugees is over, in major changes to the UK's asylum and immigration system.
www.bbc.co.uk
November 15, 2025 at 7:55 AM
This won’t stop people seeking protection in the UK. It will make it harder for refugees to rebuild their lives, feel secure and contribute to their communities. It will create a load more work for the Home Office, reviewing claims every three years.
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
