2024-05-05 03:47:40
Paula Astih wrote in Asharq Al-Awsat:
تتعاظم التحديات التي تواجها مفوضية شؤون اللاجئين في لبنان ، مع تصاعد الدعوات الرسمية لإعادbility معظم المناطق اللبنانية إلى بلدهم ، وكذلك مع ازدياد الشرخ بين المجتمعين السوري اللاجئ واللبنان صادية والمالية الصعبة التي يعاني منها لبنان ، والills Jobs.
A large part of the Lebanese did not welcome with much enthusiasm the announcement by the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides of European support amounting to a billion dollars . Instead, they expressed fear that this amount amounted to a “bribe”. to keep Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
The Lebanese authorities are counting on the eighth Brussels conference to “Support the future of Syria and the region”, organized by the European Union on May 27, to arrive at measures aimed at accelerating the return of refugees to their homes .
There is no international conspiracy to keep refugees in Lebanon
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, the representative of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Lebanon, Ivo Friesen, spoke regarding what the Commission would bring to the Brussels conference. He also responded to several accusations once morest the international organization, emphasizing that. “There is no international conspiracy to keep Syrian refugees in Lebanon.” “Moreover, there is no hidden agenda in this regard,” stressing that “UNHCR has always been very transparent regarding its position that the United Nations, including UNHCR, does not do this.” prevent the return of refugees to Syria and supports the voluntary, safe and dignified return of refugees.
Friesen says the Commission will call at the Brussels conference for “increased support inside Syria, as well as in Syria’s neighboring countries”, explaining that it will urge the international community to “explore what is possible regarding the treatment of Syria, as we recognize that this is a difficult and sensitive issue, and that it may take “It will take some time, but if we want the refugees to return, we “We must examine the conditions of return to Syria.”
He added: “One of the main messages from UNHCR in Brussels is that if Syria and the international community want more refugees to return, the conditions for return must be further created, and this is a responsibility that falls on the authorities Syrians, and we are trying to do our best to engage constructively, but this requires more. “This is clearly beyond the scope of a UN agency, and we expect Member States to mobilize around this issue and find a way to have a constructive dialogue on this topic. .. In the meantime, we will call for sustained and meaningful support to key countries hosting refugees around Syria.
The solution is in Syria
Friesen says that “UNHCR is not preventing the return of refugees to Syria, but is seeking to make permanent solutions and safe returns possible for more refugees”, explaining that “there are a number of reasons for which people still cannot return, and Simply stopping aid to Lebanon will not help. Friesen confirms that “the majority of Syrian refugees want to return to Syria, and the question is not if this is possible, but rather when, because most of them tell UNHCR that they are still concerned regarding the safety, security, shelter, access to basic services. Military services and livelihoods, as safety and security extend beyond issues related to armed conflict.
Friesen emphasizes that “creating more suitable conditions in Syria is crucial, and we seek to help facilitate such conditions.” However, it is crucial to realize that there are significant challenges that go beyond humanitarian work,” he said, adding: “UNHCR is working with all parties concerned, including the Syrian government, the Lebanese and other neighboring host countries, as well as with the international community, to address concerns that refugees consider many of them to be obstacles to their return, as well as to increase their support for interior of Syria.
Friesen confirms that “UNHCR and its partners are providing support in Syria to communities hosting returnees. Assistance includes shelter, legal assistance, access to civil documents, distribution of relief materials, access to livelihoods and rehabilitation of schools, health facilities and other civilian infrastructure. He says: “The solution lies in Syria. We regularly speak with refugees and conduct surveys, and they consistently indicate that the reasons influencing their decision to return are linked to the situation in Syria. At UNHCR level, we have raised these issues with the Syrian authorities, but we also note that this is a complex issue that requires the participation of a wide range of actors outside the humanitarian field.
A call for restraint
Friesen addresses the situation in Lebanon, stressing that “UNHCR is aware and grateful for what Lebanon and other neighboring countries in the region, as well as other places in the world, are doing in welcoming refugees, particularly when welcoming refugees becomes a long-term and more difficult problem. However, the search for solutions is a complex process, and we call on all actors to ensure that the difficult situation is not exacerbated by significant tensions and increased vulnerabilities; This is why, in the face of escalating tensions, UNHCR reiterates its appeal to the Lebanese government and authorities to demonstrate calm and restraint. »
He added: “Random acts of violence and threats once morest Syrians have created a state of panic among Syrian families in Lebanon, and UNHCR is closely monitoring these developments and following up on individual cases of refugees who have reported being victims. abuse, violence. , or expulsion. UNHCR calls on Lebanese communities to refrain from blaming “collectively and unfairly on Syrian individuals, and preventing them from being targets of crimes they did not commit,” noting that “unfortunately, the discrimination and hatred once morest refugees are the order of the day. increase worldwide, including in Lebanon.
Friesen expresses deep concern over “the amount of negativity, misinformation and incitement directed at Syrian refugees” and adds: “I understand the frustration, especially in the midst of the multifaceted crisis Lebanon is going through, but This growing rhetoric once morest refugees is harmful to everyone and a spirit of solidarity must prevail. » And mutual respect was the distinctive characteristic of Lebanese societies.
“Data” refugees
Friesen addresses the refugee data file now in the possession of the Lebanese General Security, which has requested more detailed data, saying: “The Commission takes seriously the request of the Lebanese General Security regarding refugee data Syrians, and we, in cooperation with our headquarters, have carefully considered the request, because we recognize the legitimate interest of the Lebanese government in knowing the people on its territory. So we reached a data exchange agreement on August 8 last year. This agreement, which is based on our long tradition. long-term cooperation with the Lebanese government, adheres to international protection and global data protection standards. In accordance with the agreement, UNHCR carried out a one-time transfer of basic biometric data for Syrian refugees in Lebanon in December 2023. By finalizing this transfer of personal data, UNHCR has fulfilled its obligations under this agreement. In return, the Lebanese government committed not to use shared data for purposes contrary to international law and affirmed its commitment to the principle of non-refoulement under international law.
Increasing illegal immigration rates
Regarding the issue of illegal immigration from Lebanon to Europe, Friesen points out that “refugees in Lebanon attribute this to their inability to survive due to the deteriorating social and economic situation in Lebanon, and to their lack of access to basic services. the escalation of social tensions and restrictive measures. » In addition to their fear of expulsion. Added to this is a notable drop in international financial support to Lebanon, which has long hosted large numbers of Syrian refugees.
Friesen revealed: “Between January and April 17, 2024, UNHCR in Lebanon verified 59 actual movements or attempted entries, including a total of 3,191 passengers, most of whom were Syrians. In comparison, there were only 3 boat movements over the same period in 2023, involving 54 passengers. Throughout 2023, UNHCR verified a total of 65 actual or attempted boat movements, involving a total of 3,927 passengers.
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#conspiracy #refugees #Lebanon
