Syrian refugees stuck in limbo at Seoul airport

The men sleep where they can on airport benches, while others stand or crouch in every corner. Small suitcases and plastic bags filled with treasured possessions fill in the gaps until there is no more floor space to be seen. This waiting room at Seoul's Incheon airport is not for a delayed flight. Instead, it's a temporary home for 28 Syrian men waiting to hear if they can enter South Korea or will be deported back to the war-torn country they have fled. Lawyers say the Syrians are among 180 would-be refugees who are packed into airport facilities that should, at most, hold 50. South Korea's Justice Ministry says only 116 people are there. There are no beds, no windows and only one shower each for men and women. The Syrians are limited to three meals a day of burgers and Coke. Most of them eat just the bread as the meat is not halal, or permissible for Muslims under Islamic law. The refugees get occasional monitored walks through the duty-free store to stretch their legs.<br/>The Justice Ministry refused CNN access to what they call the "repatriation waiting room," citing security concerns. When asked about the conditions, Justice Ministry officials said the refugees' situation was the responsibility of a committee overseeing airline operations. But the committee said they have asked the government to take responsibility. With everyone passing the blame, lawyers fear conditions will simply not improve.<br/>