Syrian refugees have vacated a compound in Koura, Lebanon, in compliance with a decision by Lebanese General Security, according to Lebanese media reports. Earlier, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported the arrival of a new batch of displaced Syrians returning from Lebanon through the Al-Zamarani border crossing in the Damascus countryside.
The same source mentioned the return of another batch of displaced Syrians coming from Lebanon through the Jousieh border crossing in the Homs countryside. At the border, they were provided with health services and necessary vaccinations for children.
Lebanese Minister of Displaced Persons, Issam Sharafeddine, announced earlier the resumption of “voluntary return” trips for Syrian refugees from Lebanon to Syria. According to the official website of the Lebanese Kataeb Party and other Lebanese media, Sharafeddine stated that the first of these trips would commence today, Saturday, and would consist of 2,000 refugees, followed by a second convoy a week later.
Sharafeddine also expressed his willingness to visit Syria if officially tasked with discussing the return of displaced and refugee Syrians.
Al-Jadeed TV quoted sources in Lebanese General Security stating that the “displaced” (referring to the refugees) would return to Syria with their livestock, and that the convoys of returning “displaced” to Syria consist of between 200 and 300 individuals, refuting claims of 2,000 returnees.
Lebanon has faced significant pressure to address the presence of a large number of Syrian refugees. In 2023, the Lebanese government intensified efforts to facilitate the voluntary return of Syrian refugees. These efforts included coordinating with the Syrian government to ensure safe and organized returns, as well as providing necessary health services and documentation for returnees.
Despite these efforts, the repatriation process has faced criticism from various human rights organizations. Concerns have been raised about the safety and conditions in Syria, with some arguing that the returns may not be entirely voluntary due to the challenging living conditions in Lebanon. Reports of coercion and lack of adequate support for returnees have also surfaced, prompting calls for greater transparency and international oversight.
The United Nations and other international organizations have been involved in monitoring the repatriation process. The UNHCR has provided support to ensure that the returns are conducted safely and voluntarily, offering assistance such as transportation, documentation, and reintegration support in Syria. The international community continues to advocate for the protection of refugee rights and the provision of adequate resources to support their return and reintegration.
