A Syrian refugee stands with his children on the rubble of their camp in Bhanin, which was torched in December 2021. (Credit: João Sousa/L’Orient Today)
BEIRUT — Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said Tuesday that the Lebanese public is "united" in calling on the international community for the return of Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
"The Lebanese disagree with each other on many files, but they are united with one voice on demanding the international community solve the case of Syrian refugees and not pressure Lebanon into letting them stay on its soil," Mikati said during the United Nation's Global Refugee Forum in Geneva, according to a statement from his office.
Lebanon currently hosts 1.5 million Syrian refugees, according to Lebanese government numbers. About 950,000 of these Syrian nationals are registered with UNHCR, which stopped registering Syrian refugees in 2015 per Lebanon's request.
"We are concerned about the new wave of Syrian displacement through illegal passages mostly for economic reasons," Mikati continued. "The majority of displaced [Syrians] are young while the [Lebanese] army and security forces are working hard to prevent the unjustified new waves which threaten our existence, forces an acute imbalance and targets, intentionally or not, the Lebanese formula."
Lebanese politicians from all sides regularly call for the immediate repatriation of Syrian refugees, whom they blame for Lebanon's economic crisis. They assert that the security conditions allow for such a return, while the UN and other rights groups warn that this is not the case.
'Time bombs'
Addressing the international community, particularly Europe, Mikati said: "For years we have been warning of the negative repercussions of this displacement, not just on Lebanon but on all countries."
In recent years, large numbers of irregular migrant boats have departed Lebanon bound for European countries, especially following the onset of Lebanon's unprecedented economic crisis in 2019.
"These waves will certainly increase and constitute time bombs in Europe if their real reasons aren't dealt with," Mikati said. "What is needed is a full plan that deals with the essential reasons for the [Syrian refugee] crisis and guarantees their safe and voluntary return to their country."
He added that "this plan would give priority to the reintegration and support for Syrian refugees in Syria."
"We will not stand still while ... some consider [Lebanon] an alternative nation" for the refugees, Mikati said to conclude his speech.
Lebanese caretaker Social Affairs Minister Hector Hajjar has repeatedly demanded that UNHCR submit data on refugees to the Lebanese government. The UN agency agreed to do so but has not yet submitted the report.
