Iraq: Information on the treatment of Syrians living in Iraq before and after the Persian Gulf War, the treatment of Syrians living in Iraq who supported the right wing of the Syrian Baath Party before its split, the legal status of Syrians in Iraq and whether they can obtain Iraqi citizenship, and whether Iraq issues passports to Syrians who reside in that country but who are not Iraqi citizens
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 June 1994 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | IRQ17666.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Iraq: Information on the treatment of Syrians living in Iraq before and after the Persian Gulf War, the treatment of Syrians living in Iraq who supported the right wing of the Syrian Baath Party before its split, the legal status of Syrians in Iraq and whether they can obtain Iraqi citizenship, and whether Iraq issues passports to Syrians who reside in that country but who are not Iraqi citizens, 1 June 1994, IRQ17666.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6acf964.html [accessed 30 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
A representative of the Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic in Washington, DC declined to comment on the treatment of Syrian nationals living in Iraq before and after the Persian Gulf War, or whether these persons can obtain Iraqi citizenship.
A representative of the Embassy of the Republic of Iraq in Ottawa declined to provide information on the status of Syrians residing in Iraq.
Reporting on the general situation of detainees in Iraq, Amnesty International Report 1993 refers to two former detainees who stated that along with Egyptians, Syrians and Iranians, they had been detained, "beaten and subjected to electric shocks, and that they had heard the screams of others being tortured" (1993, 165).
USA Today quotes the chairman of Amnesty International USA as stating that "Iraq, under Saddam Hussein since 1968, has had one of the worst records of abuses of human rights in that region and in the world. ... There has been persecution of ethnic minorities, such as the Kurds, and of Syrians."
According to a professor of political science specializing in Middle Eastern affairs at McGill University, the treatment of Syrians living in Iraq who supported the right wing of the Syrian Baath Party before its split, depends on their level of importance (16 June 1994). Generally speaking, low-level members of the Syrian Baath Party probably do not face major difficulties, but high-level supporters of that parties might face "problems" (ibid.). The specifics of each case would determine the type of problem.
The professor adds that many Middle Eastern countries including Iraq issue passports to persons who are not their nationals. These persons, who have been in favour of the Iraqi regime, receive passports as rewards for their past or present favours (ibid.).
Sources currently available to the DIRB do not provide additional information on the above subjects.
This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
Amnesty International. 1993. Amnesty International Report 1993. New York: Amnesty International USA.
Embassy of the Republic of Iraq, Ottawa. 16 June 1994. Telephone interview with representative.
Embassy of the Syrian Arab Republic, Washington, DC. 16 June 1994. Telephone interview with representative.
Professor of political science specializing in Middle Eastern affairs at McGill University, Montreal. 16 June 1994. Telephone interview.
USA Today [Arlington]. 12 February 1991. Final Edition. Mary-Ann Bendel. "The Gulf War; Cease-Fire Would Help to Bring Peace in Gulf." (NEXIS)
Attachment
USA Today [Arlington]. 12 February 1991. Final Edition. Mary-Ann Bendel. "The Gulf War; Cease-Fire Would Help to Bring Peace in Gulf." (NEXIS)
Sources Consulted
Amnesty International country file (Iraq).
Amnesty International Report 1993. 1993.
Amnesty International Report 1992. 1992.
Amnesty International Report 1991. 1991.
Amnesty International Report 1990. 1990.
Amnesty International Report 1989. 1989.
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1993. 1994.
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1992. 1993.
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1991. 1992.
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1990. 1991.
Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 1989. 1990.
Keesing's Record of World Events [Cambridge]. 1989-1990.
Middle East International [London]. 1990-1994.
News From Middle East Watch [New York]. 1990-1994.
On-line search.
