Syrian government recruits young men deported from Lebanon
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – An exclusive source told North Press that the Fourth Armored Division of Syrian government forces released dozens of old people who have been deported from Lebanon a few days ago, and referred young men to Conscription Department to perform compulsory service.
Lebanese authorities deported in the recent days hundreds of Syrian refugees to government-held areas.
Lebanon is witnessing incitement against Syrians on social media amid spike in racist rhetoric, in addition to the perpetration of attacks and violations against them by Lebanese citizens under the pretext of the deteriorating economic situation in the country.
According to official estimates, the number of Syrian refugees residing in Lebanon is about 1.5 million, while the number registered with the UNHCR is approximately 880,000, and they go through severe and substandard conditions.
The source said that the Fourth Armored Division released about 50 people, most of them are elderly, after they have been arrested upon their deportation by the Lebanese authorities.
The division handed over dozens of young men to the Conscription Department, while it is still detaining 250 others, including dozens wanted, amid fears for their lives, the source added.
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,” the New Arab, an English-language news website focusing on the Middle East, wrote.
Amnesty International, a human rights advocacy organization, called on the Lebanese authorities to “halt illegal deportation operations of Syrian refugees” for fear that they may face “torture or persecution” by the Syrian government.