UN suggests repatriation of 30k Syrian refugees from Lebanon

A plan to repatriate 30,000 Syrian refugees from Lebanon is nearing finalization, as reported by Lebanon’s official National News Agency (NNA). Despite concerns raised by rights groups, the UN has described this move as a positive shift in handling the repatriation issue by the Syrian regime.

EU Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to Lebanon on May 2 resulted in a substantial aid package announcement worth one billion euros, incentivizing Lebanon to manage its refugee crisis and prevent illegal migration to Europe.

Lebanon’s parliament, on May 8, urged the government to address the issue of “illegal” Syrian residents. This marked a political consensus on the matter for the first time.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) is working on a plan for the voluntary repatriation of the refugees, drawing mixed reactions. Human rights organizations have documented abuses by the Syrian regime, raising concerns about the safety of returning refugees.

While the UNHCR deems Syria safe for returns, activists argue otherwise, citing ongoing human rights violations and safety risks, emphasizing the need for objective criticism and international law compliance.