UN Expresses Concern Over Lebanese Refugees Returning from Syria

The UN has voiced concerns over Lebanese refugees returning from Syria due to worsening conditions. Though numbers are small, they highlight a troubling trend amid a humanitarian crisis exacerbated by ongoing conflict and economic distress. About 560,000 people have fled into Syria from Lebanon since late September, with many fearing that conditions may be better in Lebanon despite ongoing threats.

The United Nations has expressed grave concerns regarding the precarious situation in Syria, which is prompting some Lebanese refugees to make the perilous decision to return to Lebanon. Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, the UN refugee agency’s representative in Syria, emphasized that although the numbers involved are relatively small, they signify a troubling trend. He reported that around 560,000 individuals have sought refuge in Syria from Lebanon amidst ongoing hostilities caused by the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, with Lebanese authorities estimating the figure to be over 610,000.

Vargas Llosa indicated that approximately 65 percent of these individuals are Syrian nationals who fled to Lebanon following their country’s civil war. Since 2017, around 400,000 Syrian refugees have returned home, but recent conditions have led to 150,000 Lebanese also arriving in Syria. Despite the significant challenges that communities in Syria are facing, they have shown extraordinary generosity to the newly arrived. However, the sustainability of this generosity is uncertain due to the country’s devastating economic climate.

The backdrop to these developments is the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which has intensified since late September. This escalation has caused significant cross-border movements, with many seeking refuge from the violence. The UN estimates a substantial influx into Syria, where many face the dual challenges of war and economic hardship, mirroring the dire conditions in Lebanon. The refugee crisis further complicates an already tense geopolitical situation.

The situation warrants vigilant attention as the UN has raised alarms regarding the increasing numbers of Lebanese families considering a return to Lebanon due to the dismal living conditions they face in Syria. This trend, albeit in small numbers, could escalate if international support does not materialize, highlighting the fragile nature of both Lebanon and Syria’s current humanitarian landscape.

Original Source: www.newarab.com