Syria: Information on whether a stateless Palestinian who was born and resided in Syria is required to perform military service with the regular army or with the Palestinian Liberation Army (PLA) stationed in Syria
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 January 1998 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | SYR28484.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Syria: Information on whether a stateless Palestinian who was born and resided in Syria is required to perform military service with the regular army or with the Palestinian Liberation Army (PLA) stationed in Syria, 1 January 1998, SYR28484.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6ac7594.html [accessed 17 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. |
The following information was provided during a 6 January 1998 telephone interview with an investigative journalist who specializes on Syria and who has published two books and written articles on the Syrian régime. The journalist travels regularly to Syria and the Middle East.
The journalist stated that the issue of military service for Palestinians living in Syria is not altogether clear since a number of Palestinians are sent to the regular army and the PLA to perform their military service and the reasons behind these decisions are not known. The journalist added that in general in the last 3 years Palestinians living in Syria have been increasingly drafted into the regular Syrian army to secure a better control over the political allegiance of young Palestinian recruits. This course of action reflects the fact that the PLA is not regarded as entirely loyal to the Syrian régime with some of its pro-Arafat elements. Conscription in the regular Syrian army is therefore conducted as a matter of social integration and political control.
This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate 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.
Reference
Investigative journalist specializing on Syria, London, England. 6 January 1998. Telephone interview.
