As Lebanon implements its “voluntary return” plan for Syrian refugees, the Access Center for Human Rights (ACHR) documents a significant increase in violations against refugees by Lebanese authorities – these include forced deportations, mass arrests, evictions, and raids. The increase in violations and compounding pressures on Syrian refugees in Lebanon creates an environment that is unlivable for these refugees. At the same time, conditions in Syria continue to remain unsafe and unsuitable for large-scale return programs.
ACHR calls for transparent and public information on the return plan and calls for all stakeholders—including the Lebanese government, UNHCR, and the international community- to prioritize creating safe and sustainable conditions in Syria, upholding the rights of refugees, and ensuring that any returns are truly voluntary, safe, informed, and conducted with dignity.
To read the full statement: