The Lebanese Parliament has issued a recommendation to the government aimed at tackling the Syrian refugee crisis and repatriating those residing illegally within a year.
The recommendation calls for the establishment of a detailed timeline and program for refugee repatriation, the formation of a ministerial committee to engage with regional and international entities, and the provision of incentives and humanitarian aid to encourage refugees to return.
During the session, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati presented the government’s actions, including “deporting all those residing illegally back to their country and enhancing the capabilities of the army at the borders, conducting a comprehensive survey of Syrians, and compiling data on them.”
Meanwhile, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) affirmed that it does not currently encourage or facilitate the return of Syrian refugees to their country, citing the unsuitability of current conditions in Syria for safe return.
This statement comes in response to accusations that the UNHCR is reducing or cutting aid to compel refugees to return, clarifying that its position remains unchanged regarding not encouraging or facilitating returns to Syria.
The UNHCR emphasized that the decision to return to the country of origin is entirely voluntary.
In a related development, the “Al-Sharq Al-Awsat” newspaper reported that Syrians who arrived in the Damascus countryside from Lebanon two days ago will reside in tents near their damaged and affected homes until they are repaired for relocation and residence.
One returning Syrian mentioned that he left Lebanon after 12 years of refuge and does not even have $100 in his pocket due to the poor economic conditions in Lebanon.
Additionally, several departing Syrians have urged the United Nations Commission to continue assisting them in their homeland as they need it to establish a better livelihood.
