Twenty Lebanese and international organizations noted in a statement that “the deportation of Syrians comes amid an alarming escalation of anti-refugee rhetoric in Lebanon and other coercive measures aimed at pressuring refugees to return to their country.”
And she considered that “the Lebanese authorities deliberately mismanaged the economic crisis in the country, which has caused the impoverishment of millions and deprived them of their rights, but, instead of adopting much-needed reforms, the authorities deliberately used the refugees as a scapegoat to cover up their failure.”
The statement pointed out that “Lebanese and international organizations continue to document violations against Syrian returnees, such as illegal or arbitrary detention, torture and other ill-treatment, rape and sexual violence, and enforced disappearance,” noting that “the deportations are accompanied by other measures aimed at coercing Many municipalities across Lebanon have imposed measures against Syrians, such as curfews to limit their movement and restrict their ability to rent homes.In addition, some local authorities have required Syrians to provide them with their personal data, such as identity documents, residency cards, and proof of housing.The pressured and hostile climate against refugees has been exacerbated by an alarming rise in anti-refugee rhetoric, sometimes fueled by local authorities and political figures.”
He pointed out that “the rise of anti-refugee rhetoric, which relies in large part on misinformation, contributes to violence and discrimination against refugees. The media and political figures must protect the rights of all people in Lebanon, including refugees, and not incite violence against them.”
And he considered that “Lebanon, as a state party to the Convention against Torture, is obligated not to return or extradite any person who is at risk of torture, and to the principle of non-refoulement guaranteed in customary international law, which requires that no person be returned to a place where he might be exposed to the risk of persecution or other harm.” Gross violations of human rights. According to Lebanese law, deportation decisions can only be issued by a judicial authority or by a decision of the Director General of General Security in exceptional cases and based on an individual assessment.”
The organizations considered that “Lebanon must stop summary deportations to Syria that violate the principle of non-refoulement. The authorities must refrain from imposing discriminatory measures and using insulting language against Syrian refugees. They must also respect due process of law and ensure that everyone at risk of deportation to “Syria has the opportunity to see a lawyer, to see UNHCR and to defend his right to protection from deportation before a competent court. The courts should prohibit any deportation that amounts to refoulement.”
She concluded: “The international community must also fulfill its obligations, including increasing aid, especially resettlement programs and alternative pathways, in order to help Lebanon deal with the estimated 1.5 million refugees on its soil. In 2022, 13 countries will resettle 7,490 refugees.” Only Syria residing in Lebanon.
The statement was signed by the following 20 organizations: Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Syrian Network for Human Rights, Legal Agenda, For Syria, Samir Kassir Foundation, Alternative Press Syndicate, Daraj, SMEX, Media for Peace, Synaps, Helm, Refugee Protection Coalition 11.11.11, PAX, Basma and Zaitouneh, CLDH, Women Now, ALEF, Civilian Protection, and Upinion ).
