EU's Stance on Syrian Refugee Return Sparks Tensions with Lebanon

The European Union's recent statement on Syrian refugees in Lebanon has ignited tensions with Lebanese authorities, who are pushing for a quicker return of refugees to Syria. The EU has emphasized that conditions for a safe and voluntary return are not currently met, citing ongoing dangers in opposition-held areas of Syria.

Why this matters: The European Union's stance on Syrian refugees in Lebanon has significant implications for the ongoing refugee crisis and the stability of the region. If not addressed, it could lead to further humanitarian crises and increased tensions between countries.

Despite the EU's stance, many Syrian refugees in Lebanon are opting to return to Idlib, a northern Syrian region controlled by opposition groups. This decision is driven by increasing anti-Syrian sentiment and Lebanon's economic and political crises. The Lebanese military has also been forcibly deporting Syrians over the border, endangering their lives.

Walid Muhammad Abdel Baqi, a 50-year-old Syrian refugee, decided to return to Idlib with his family after his son was violently beaten in Lebanon. "Lebanon is dealing with a growing surge of anti-Syrian sentiment," Abdel Baqi remarked. Rights organizations argue that recent changes to EU migration policy exacerbate the plight of Syrian refugees.

Lebanon, with a population of 5.2 million, hosts an estimated 1.5 million Syrians who fled the civil war. "It's deeply disturbing that some refugees are being forced to choose a war zone over the harassment and fear so many Syrians face in Lebanon," said Ranim Ahmed, a spokesperson for The Syria Campaign. "Syria is not safe to return to," Ahmed emphasized, echoing EU diplomats' statements.

The EU is set to convene a donors' conference next week to address the Syrian refugee crisis. However, the bloc remains divided on how to tackle the issue. Some countries, like Italy and Cyprus, are open to dialogue with the Assad regime to discuss voluntary returns, while others, such as France, insist that key conditions must be met before any discussions.

More than 5 million Syrian refugees, mostly in Lebanon and Turkey, and millions more displaced internally, face little prospect of returning home with political stability still elusive since the uprising against President Bashar Assad's rule began in 2011. Funding to support refugees is also dwindling, with organizations like the World Food Programme reducing their aid.

Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has stated that Beirut would begin addressing the issue on its own if proper international assistance is not provided. This stance has led to an increase in migrant boats departing from Lebanon to Europe, with Cyprus and Italy being the main destinations. Lebanese MPs have even threatened to reject the EU's €1 billion package announced earlier this month, labeling it a 'bribe' to keep refugees in limbo.

The 8th Syria conference, set to take place next Monday, will bring together major European and Arab ministers, along with key international organizations. The conference is happening just ahead of the European elections on June 6-9, where migration remains a contentious issue among the 27 member states.

The EU struggles with internal divisions and Lebanon faces mounting economic pressures, the future of Syrian refugees remains uncertain. The international community will need to contend with these complex dynamics to find a sustainable solution for the millions affected by the ongoing crisis.

Key Takeaways

• EU and Lebanon disagree on Syrian refugee returns, citing safety concerns.
• Many Syrian refugees in Lebanon opt to return to Idlib despite dangers.
• Lebanon hosts 1.5 million Syrian refugees, with rising anti-Syrian sentiment.
• EU's migration policy changes exacerbate Syrian refugees' plight.
• EU's donors' conference next week aims to address Syrian refugee crisis.