Lebanon Starts Return of Syrian Refugees – But Is It Really a Solution?
Lebanon has initiated the first wave of Syrian refugees returning back to Syria, but is this the end of their suffering or the start of a new drama? Under the auspices of the United Nations, returnees will receive $2,000 per person and $8,000 per family, which sounds like a bright spot in a sea of problems. But is it enough?
Returning to a War-Torn Land
The plan is for about 15,000 people to return in the first phase by the end of the year, with around 11,000 already registered as returnees. Cooperation with the new authorities in Damascus claims all Syrian returnees are “welcome home.” But is that really the case? Syria remains a country with heavy war scars and ongoing security challenges. UNHCR warns that large parts of Syria are still unsafe, with about 7 million people internally displaced.
Lebanon – A Country of Refugees and Crisis
Lebanon has taken in about 1.5 million Syrian refugees over the past decade, a huge burden for a country already facing an economic crisis and the aftermath of the 2006 war with Israel. The return of refugees is seen as relief for Lebanon, but is it just an illusion? Many refugees still hesitate to return due to unsafe conditions in Syria.
Who Stays, Who Leaves?
While thousands of Syrians are leaving Lebanon, there are indications that about 100,000 people, especially from Alawite communities, continue to flee Lebanon due to escalating violence in certain regions. Authorities announce the possibility of work permits for some family members who remain, but is that enough to keep people?
Financial Support – A Drop in the Ocean
Returnees are offered financial aid, but is $2,000 per person and $8,000 per family really enough to build a new life in a war-torn country? Although the plan was developed in cooperation with Syrian authorities, many experts warn that without stability and security, return could be just the start of new suffering.
What Do the UN and International Organizations Say?
UNHCR and other international organizations provide logistical and financial support for this process but simultaneously warn that the situation in Syria remains unstable. Refugee return is a complex process requiring much more than money – security, infrastructure, and the possibility of a normal life are needed.
Conclusion – Return or Escape from Problems?
Lebanon has taken the first step toward solving one of the region’s biggest humanitarian problems, but the question remains: is this return really a solution or just a transitional phase? With millions internally displaced and unstable conditions in Syria, refugee return may be just the beginning of a new crisis.
If you think this is the end of Syrian refugees’ suffering or just another episode in their long drama, drop a comment below. Is $2,000 per person really enough for a fresh start? Or is this just another political game?
Source: Tanjug, Reuters, UNHCR
