NGO calls on Lebanon to stop deporting Syrian refugees
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Amnesty International, a human rights advocacy organization, called on the Lebanese authorities on Monday to “halt illegal deportation operations of Syrian refugees” for fear that they may face “torture or persecution” by the Syrian government.
The organization added, in a press release, that the call came due to the deportation of more than 50 Syrians to their war-torn country amid growing anti-Syrian sentiment in Lebanon, which were exacerbated by the economic crisis.
“No refugee should be returned to a place where their life is at risk,” Aya Majzoub, Deputy Director of Amnesty International’s Regional Office for the Middle East and North Africa.
“It is extremely alarming to see the army deciding the fate of refugees, without respecting guarantees of legal process,” Majzoub said.
“Instead of living in fear, refugees living in Lebanon should be protected from arbitrary raids and illegal deportations,” Majzoub concluded.
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.
Hector Hajar, Minister of Social Affairs of Lebanon, called for looking for serious solutions for the file of Syrian refugees in his country, as they should return home or they should be resettled in a third country.