UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, notes the recent statement by the Inter-Ministerial Committee in which the Government of Lebanon expressed Lebanon’s inability to continue to manage the large number of refugees in the country.
While UNHCR recognizes the immense challenges Lebanon is currently facing, UNHCR stresses the critical need to continue upholding the principles of refugee protection in Lebanon, including the principle of non-refoulement and the right to voluntary repatriation in safety and dignity. UNHCR also reiterates the need for refugees to abide by national Lebanese laws.
Lebanon has been shouldering its international responsibility by hosting large numbers of refugees for decades. The current dire economic crisis facing Lebanon has affected the whole of society, pushing the most vulnerable to the brink. Nine out of ten Syrian refugees in the country are living in extreme poverty, and nearly half of Lebanese fall under the poverty line.
Since 2015, Lebanon has received nearly US$9 billion in support of Syrian refugees, vulnerable Lebanese, Palestinian refugees and public institutions under the Lebanon Crisis Response Plan (LCRP). The assistance made possible by donor contributions and implemented by humanitarian, development and Government partners has been a vital contribution to address the impact of multiple crises that Lebanon has been enduring.
Regarding assistance provided to refugees, it is important to clarify that vulnerable refugees receive cash assistance in LBP.
UNHCR calls on the international community to continue to stand by Lebanon and support persons in need.
Media contacts:
In Lebanon, Paula Barrachina, +96181312087, [email protected]
In Lebanon, Dalal Harb, +96170113107, [email protected]
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