UN Warns of Dire Conditions in Syria Prompting Lebanese to Return Home
The UN has raised alarms over Lebanese residents returning from Syria amid worsening conditions. An estimated 560,000 have fled to Syria since late September due to conflict, but some are choosing to go back to Lebanon despite risks. The UN warns about the implications of these trends, stressing the need for increased international support.
The United Nations has expressed serious concerns regarding the conditions in Syria, which have compelled some Lebanese citizens who had sought refuge there during the Israel-Hezbollah war to consider returning to Lebanon. Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, the UNHCR representative in Syria, reported that while the numbers of those returning are small, they are indicative of a troubling trend. The UNHCR estimates around 560,000 individuals have fled from Lebanon to Syria since the conflict escalated, with Lebanese authorities citing a figure exceeding 610,000.
Approximately 65 percent of the recent entrants into Syria were Syrian nationals who had previously sought safety in Lebanon. Vargas Llosa noted that from 2017 until the end of September 2023, about 400,000 Syrians have returned to their homeland from Lebanon. He also mentioned that an estimated 150,000 Lebanese individuals have crossed back into Syria within a similar timeframe. The UN official commended the generosity of Syrian communities in accommodating these refugees, although he emphasized that the prevailing economic destruction in Syria raises concerns over the sustainability of such support.
As conditions in Syria worsen, the United Nations reported that an average of 50 Lebanese individuals are now choosing to return home daily, believing that the situation may be more favorable in Lebanon despite ongoing conflicts. Vargas Llosa highlighted that in Lebanon, these individuals might find better access to support services and income opportunities. He stressed the necessity for increased international support to prevent further growth in this trend.
Moreover, Vargas Llosa noted that some former Syrian refugees are also contemplating a return to Lebanon due to the bleak economic circumstances in Syria. He observed a significant decline in new arrivals into Syria, linked to fears surrounding Israeli military actions at border crossings. The UNHCR official urged the Israeli military to cease such operations immediately, as they have exacerbated the situation for those seeking refuge.
The article discusses the ongoing humanitarian crisis prompted by the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which has resulted in significant population movements between Lebanon and Syria. Following the escalation of violence, many individuals have sought refuge in neighboring countries, raising questions regarding their safety and well-being. The UNHCR’s assessment of the situation underscores the dire need for international humanitarian support and the implications of economic instability in war-torn regions.
In conclusion, the challenges facing Lebanese refugees in Syria reflect a larger humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing conflicts. The UN’s warnings about individuals returning to Lebanon highlight the difficult choices that families are forced to make amidst dangerous conditions. As the situation evolves, it is crucial for the international community to respond with adequate support to alleviate the hardships faced by these populations.
Original Source: thesun.my
