The UN has raised alarms about Lebanese families risking their lives by returning from Syria due to dire conditions there. Approximately 560,000 people have fled to Syria amid ongoing conflict, while signs indicate some families are opting to return to Lebanon. The situation presents critical challenges regarding safety, support systems, and international aid.
The United Nations has expressed serious concern regarding the decision made by some Lebanese families to return to Lebanon from Syria, despite the dangerous conditions they face. Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, the UN refugee agency’s representative in Syria, explained that these families are increasingly opting to return due to the dire circumstances prevailing in Syria, a country already suffering from years of civil conflict. The UNHCR estimates approximately 560,000 individuals have fled into Syria from Lebanon since late September amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, with Lebanese authorities suggesting the figure may exceed 610,000.
The humanitarian crisis has seen more than half of those crossing into Syria being Syrian nationals who had initially sought refuge in Lebanon from the ongoing Syrian civil war. Vargas Llosa highlighted an alarming trend, noting that small numbers of families have begun to return to Lebanon, believing conditions there may be less perilous, despite ongoing threats of violence. The representative commended the generosity of Syrian communities accommodating these displaced families but cautioned that Syria’s deteriorating economy might limit the endurance of this hospitality.
Interestingly, recent data suggests a decrease in the pace of arrivals into Syria, which has dropped from a peak of 10,000 to 15,000 daily to approximately 2,000. This change is reportedly tied to the continued Israeli military actions targeting border crossings. Vargas Llosa emphasized the need for international support to mitigate the worsening humanitarian situation, warning that without it, an increase in the number of families returning to Lebanon may be imminent.
The ongoing conflict in the region has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with Lebanon experiencing an influx of refugees due to its proximity to the Israeli-Hezbollah war activity. Since the start of escalating violence in late September, the UNHCR has monitored significant movements across the borders, focusing on the safety and living conditions of displaced individuals. With the background of Syria’s prolonged civil war, the re-emergence of individuals choosing to return to Lebanon raises critical questions regarding the stability and safety in both regions, as well as the availability of support systems for affected families.
In summary, the situation presents a worrying dichotomy where families are leaving perilous circumstances in Syria to return to Lebanon, despite the ongoing conflict. The UN has highlighted the potential for increased migration if international assistance does not improve the conditions in both countries. The stability of the region remains precarious as humanitarian needs continue to grow amidst the strife.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
