Syrians fleeing Lebanon face detention, abuse upon return to Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Syrians escaping violence in Lebanon face serious risks if they return to Syria, including arbitrary detention, abuse, and possible death in custody, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported on Wednesday.
Many who flee Lebanon are compelled to return to Syria due to worsening conditions in Lebanon, despite Syria’s continued instability and lack of safety guarantees for returnees.
HRW highlighted the case of five recent detainees who were arrested upon arrival, with no information given to their families on their whereabouts or charges.
Adam Coogle, HRW’s Deputy Middle East Director, emphasized that these returns are not an indication of improved conditions in Syria but rather reflect the lack of safe options for Syrians in Lebanon.
He noted the heightened risk of abuse and persecution for those who return, as well as the challenges facing humanitarian and human rights organizations, which are largely blocked from accessing detention facilities in Syria.
With approximately 50,000 new arrivals in northeast Syria and 6,600 in northwest Syria as of late October, a significant number of them being women and children, the HRW urged host countries to cease forced returns.
It stressed that Syria remains unsafe for those returning, with risks that continue to threaten returnees’ basic rights to freedom and physical safety.