Over 50 Syrians deported from Lebanon on Eid holiday – AFP
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Over 50 Syrian refugees have been reported from Lebanon in the past two weeks, AFP reported. Anti-Syrian sentiment has been growing in the country as its currency has been subject to rapid devaluation.
Lebanon’s ruling class has long called for the expulsion of the more than 1.5 million Syrian refugees still living within its borders. Lebanon’s Minister of Social Affairs called for a “serious solution” last month. The country’s former president had promised to coordinate with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad over the issue in late 2022. Lebanon has been among the few states never to break off diplomatic relations with Damascus.
Human rights activists have pointed out that refugees’ returns violate non-refoulement legislation as well as the International Convention Against Torture. “Syrian refugees have regularly faced torture, sexual violence and enforced disappearance upon return to Syria,” writes the New Arab, an English-language news website focusing on the Middle East.
Some are also pointing their fingers at the international community. In 2021, the UNHCR reported a $535 million funding gap. Many Western states have washed their hands of the issue.
An increasing number of Syrians are also using Lebanon as a launching ground for smuggling roots to Europe, where they hope to find a better future. Dozens have drowned in this endeavour.