On sidelines of UN rights session in Geneva, Rajji urges for support of army and refugee return

Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Joe Rajji held a series of high-level meetings at the United Nations in Geneva, focusing on security in southern Lebanon, Israeli violations and the Syrian refugee crisis, the state-run National News Agency reported Wednesday.

Rajji is in Switzerland to take part in the 61st session of the U.N. Human Rights Council, which runs from February 23 to March 31 and brings together senior officials from more than 120 countries to address major human rights issues worldwide.

The Lebanese minister met his Greek counterpart Giorgos Gerapetritis to discuss bilateral ties and regional developments.

"The situation in southern Lebanon has seen tangible improvement, except for areas still under Israeli occupation," Rajji said, according to NNA, praising "the significant efforts being made by the Lebanese Army." He added, "Lebanon is counting on the Paris conference to support the military institution and internal security forces, to help the legitimate security forces regain full control over all Lebanese territory."

Gerapetritis reaffirmed "Greece’s steadfast support for Lebanon" and extended an official invitation to Rajji to visit Athens.

In talks with U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, Raji was informed that the U.N. rights office "is preparing two documented reports on Israeli violations in Lebanon, particularly those affecting medical facilities." Türk welcomed "Lebanon’s reform approach based on human rights principles, expressing his support for these efforts," and urged Lebanon to "expedite the completion of the headquarters agreement to establish the regional office of the Commission on its territory."

Rajji stressed "the utmost importance Lebanon places on human rights issues, especially in light of repeated Israeli violations," and pledged to follow up on accelerating the procedures related to the headquarters agreement.

The Syrian refugee crisis was also on the agenda during a meeting with U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees representative Barham Salih. Rajji urged the UNHCR "to work seriously on ensuring their safe and dignified return to their homeland, particularly after the reasons that forced them to flee have disappeared, and they have become economic refugees," emphasizing that "Lebanon is no longer able to bear the economic, financial, and political burdens resulting from the continuation of this crisis."

Salih praised Lebanon’s efforts in handling this complex issue, noting that "the international community is called upon to provide real and serious support to Lebanon to help it overcome these burdens," adding that "security stabilization in Syria will be the primary incentive for the return of displaced persons to their homes."

Speaking to reporters after addressing the Council on Tuesday, Rajji said Lebanese authorities had urged Hezbollah not to become involved in any potential fighting between the United States and Iran, warning of the risk of a new conflict with Israel. Tensions between Washington and Tehran have been rising, with both sides preparing for possible escalation while pursuing last-minute diplomatic efforts.