Lebanon’s Repatriation of Syrian Refugees To Resume

Lebanon is set to recommence the repatriation of Syrian refugees to their homeland, Lebanese Minister of the Displaced Issam Charafeddine revealed on Saturday. This decision comes as part of the Lebanese government’s efforts to manage the refugee population within its borders amid an ongoing financial crisis.

Charafeddine detailed the government’s plan to organize return trips by convoys for Syrian refugees following productive discussions with Syrian officials, including Syria’s new minister of local administration. “The Lebanese government assigned me to resume return trips of Syrian refugees to Syria by convoys,” Charafeddine stated, emphasizing the commitment of both Lebanon and Syria to this initiative.

In 2022, the Lebanese government proposed a plan to send back 15,000 Syrian refugees every month, asserting that Syria has now stabilized following the conflict. Despite these claims, the plan faced significant hurdles, including pushback from the UN refugee agency and the European Parliament, which argue that conditions in Syria remain unsuitable for a safe return.

Lebanon hosts the highest number of refugees per capita globally, with an estimated 2 million Syrian refugees currently residing in the country. The Lebanese authorities have repeatedly voiced the necessity of repatriating refugees to alleviate the strain on Lebanon’s resources, particularly as the nation grapples with an unparalleled economic downturn.