UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency wishes to address the allegations made by reporter Nakhle Odaime in a recent report aired on MTV’s evening bulletin on 23/04/2024, in which UNHCR was labeled a “commission of disgrace” and accused of relocating Syrian refugees north of the Litani River all the while “ignoring safe zones in Syria.” Such allegations are completely untrue.
We are also concerned about the association of UNHCR with “scandal” which is unfounded. Further, these accusations have been made without asking UNHCR for comment.
On a number of the most serious inaccuracies in the report:
UNHCR does not have the authority to relocate refugees within Lebanon. Our role is confined to facilitating discussions with local and security authorities to identify potential alternative locations for refugees and to secure the necessary authorizations.
UNHCR does not establish informal settlements. The settlements mentioned in your report are the result of private arrangements between Syrian refugees and Lebanese landlords, who are the sole decision-makers when it comes to leasing land to refugees.
UNHCR does not hinder the return of Syrian refugees to Syria. UNHCR respects refugees’ fundamental human right to freely and voluntarily return to their country of origin at a time of their choosing, in line with the international principles of voluntary, dignified and safe return and non-refoulment.
We invite the editorial management of MTV newsroom to engage directly with us for a deeper understanding of the facts, particularly in the current context in Lebanon.
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