The UN has expressed concern over conditions in Syria prompting some Lebanese refugees to return home despite potential dangers. Approximately 560,000 have fled to Syria due to conflict, but worsening situations may drive more to return. The UN warns that economic hardship in Syria could increase these numbers, making international support vital to avoid further humanitarian crises.
In recent statements, the United Nations has expressed grave concern regarding the dire conditions in Syria, prompting some Lebanese individuals, who had initially sought refuge there from the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict, to make the perilous decision to return to Lebanon. Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, the UNHCR representative in Syria, highlighted that even a small number of returnees signals a troubling trend. As of late September, approximately 560,000 people had fled from Lebanon into Syria due to escalating violence, with Lebanese authorities estimating the figure to be over 610,000. Notably, 65 percent of those crossing into Syria were Syrian nationals.
The UNHCR has reported a notable decline in the influx of refugees, droping from a peak of 10,000-15,000 arrivals per day to about 2,000, attributed to heightened violence and fear stemming from Israeli military actions along the border. Vargas Llosa remarked on the extraordinary generosity of Syrian communities towards new arrivals, while alerting that the country itself is grappling with a catastrophic economic situation, which may limit the sustainability of this hospitality.
Amidst these complexities, Vargas Llosa underscored that, on average, up to 50 Lebanese individuals are returning each day, with many believing they would have better access to support services in Lebanon despite the bombings. He warned that enduring economic hardship in Syria could compel an increase in returnees, categorizing this potential trend as “extremely worrying.” Furthermore, some Syrian refugees have begun re-entering Lebanon, driven primarily by the dismal economic conditions in Syria.
Overall, the UN urges the international community to provide significant support to prevent further deterioration of conditions for those affected by this conflict. Without this assistance, the situation may worsen, and the number of individuals opting to return to Lebanon under hazardous conditions is likely to rise.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has led to a substantial displacement of people in the region, with many Lebanese fleeing to Syria for safety. The UN estimates that more than half a million individuals have made this journey since September, driven by escalating violence. However, Syria’s own precarious situation, marked by over a decade of civil war and a failing economy, raises significant concerns about the refugees’ long-term welfare. As the humanitarian situation evolves, fears mount about the stability of the populations caught in this crisis, making international assistance critical.
In summary, the UN’s warning about the return of some Lebanese individuals from Syria highlights a pressing humanitarian issue exacerbated by the ongoing conflict and dire conditions in both countries. As the situation unfolds, with dwindling support and worsening economic strife in Syria, the potential for increasing numbers of returnees remains a critical concern that requires urgent international attention and assistance.
Original Source: thesun.my
