Beirut, 13 September 2024 – At the end of a two-day visit to Lebanon, UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner for Protection Ruvendrini Menikdiwela urged the international community to scale-up its support to the Lebanese people and the refugees they host, and to work together to achieve solutions for the protracted Syrian refugee crisis.
“I am saddened to see the impact of Lebanon’s socio-economic crisis on the most vulnerable. The ongoing hostilities in the south, which have resulted in the tragic loss of life and the displacement of thousands of Lebanese citizens and refugees, is adding more hardship”, Menikdiwela said. “What is needed is urgent support and commitment from the international community to address the growing needs, ensure protection and alleviate suffering.”
During her visit, Menikdiwela met with the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Director General of General Security, and the Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces. These discussions focused on how best to collaborate to support and protect Lebanese and refugee communities, while continuing to advocate for increased international support.
Menikdiwela acknowledged Lebanon’s generosity in hosting refugees and explored ways to ensure their continued protection, including non-refoulement, while pursuing solutions to the Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon and the region. As in the past, UNHCR stands ready to support refugees who voluntarily choose to return to Syria, so their return is safe, dignified, and sustainable.
Menikdiwela also met with Syrian and Iraqi refugees in Beirut, who described the difficulties they face and the harsh living conditions and struggles they contend with. Safety remains a primary concern for them, as they navigate daily risks and vulnerabilities. They also expressed a desperate need for solutions to their plight.
During the official meetings, the parties also discussed the request by the Government of Lebanon for further data-sharing on Syrian refugees in the country.
“UNHCR will continue to seek ways to strengthen UNHCR’s long-standing partnership with the Government of Lebanon in ways that meet Lebanon’s needs and UNHCR’s protection mandate, while adhering to international law and data protection principles. We have advanced in our discussions on the way forward on data-sharing and are committed to reaching an agreement,” Menikdiwela said.
With the region and Lebanon at the heart of regional tensions and conflict, Menikdiwela also appealed for the international community to do more. This also includes political support to address root causes and find solutions – whether it’s through resettlement or other pathways to third countries or improving conditions inside Syria to address the issues refugees cite as obstacles to their return.
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