Introduction

Lebanon remains the country hosting the largest number of refugees per capita in the world, with estimates placing the number of Syrian refugees within its borders at 1.5 million. While the international community has shifted its focus towards more recent conflicts, most notably the conflict in Ukraine, the Governments of Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey remain entangled in regional conflicts producing some of the highest numbers of refugees in the world. Lebanon continues to endure an increasingly alarming array of political, economic, social, and health crises – a reality that has been particularly true for the country’s Syrian refugee community. Amid Lebanon’s worsening economic and financial crises, as well as the aftermath of the COVID-19 outbreak and the Beirut blast, Syrian refugees have been thrust into extreme poverty and face increased protection risks. In 2022, Lebanon’s caretaker Minister of the Displaced announced a government plan to begin repatriating 15,000 Syrian refugees to Syria each month, insisting that “the war is over and the country has become safe”. He did not, however, outline how the end of the war and safety of the country had been conclusively determined. According to the Minister, these returns are to take place without the involvement of UNHCR, which Lebanon’s Government has asked to suspend assistance to those selected for repatriation; once again, without clearly outlining the basis or grounds for this selection.

In line with the country’s plan to repatriate 15,000 Syrian refugees per month, Lebanon’s caretaker Minister of the Displaced visited Syria in August 2022 to discuss issues related to return with Syrian authorities. The two sides reportedly discussed a plan that aims to repatriate Syrians to their country safely. According to Lebanon’s caretaker Minister: “Syria’s doors are open for the refugees’ return”, and the Syrian Government is ready to “provide them with everything they need, from transportation to hospitalization and education”. According to his official statement: “Syrian authorities will secure water and electricity to the liberated areas, and will provide shelters for those whose homes have not been rebuilt yet.” While Syrian authorities have made no public statements relating to the repatriation of Syrian refugees from Lebanon, the caretaker Minister’s statements have been echoed by multiple politicians across the country, including Lebanon’s former President. In early November, approximately 350 Syrian refugees were driven across the border as part of the second convoy in Lebanon’s repatriation plan, following the 21,000 repatriated in October (all reportedly voluntary). Amid increased discussion on repatriation, particularly for Syrians at the regional level, this paper examines what this process looks like for Syrian refugees from Lebanon, whilst framing it alongside notions of political will, protection, as well as preconditions for safe return. Given that voluntary repatriation and safe return often overlap, the paper explores this intersection amid larger conversations surrounding the Lebanese Government’s approach to return, the stance of UNHCR and its role, as well as regional and international conversations on how return can take place durably and sustainably.

Source: United Nations University