Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt Form Unified Strategy to Address Syrian Refugee Crisis

Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced on May 28, 2024, that Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt have agreed on a unified plan to communicate with the Syrian government regarding the repatriation of Syrian refugees. This collaborative effort aims to address the ongoing refugee crisis and facilitate the safe and voluntary return of Syrians to their homeland.

A Cabinet committee, led by Lebanese Deputy Leader Saadeh Al Shami, has been established to negotiate directly with the Syrian government on the repatriation process. Lebanon's Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib has called for the creation of safe areas in Syria to support the return of refugees. The unified plan also involves coordination between various ministries and agencies within specific timeframes.

The announcement follows the Brussels Conference, where the European Union (EU) reiterated its stance that conditions for a safe and voluntary return of refugees to Syria are not yet met. EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell emphasized the importance of adhering to the principle of non-refoulment and the 1951 Geneva Convention on Refugees. The EU has pledged $2 billion in financial aid for refugees, with $1 billion allocated to Turkey and the remaining $1 billion divided among host countries, including Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, and Iraq.

Lebanon estimates that there are at least 2 million Syrian refugees in the country, including those registered with the UNHCR, legal residents, and those who entered illegally. Hostility towards Syrian refugees in Lebanon has increased, with hate speech escalating and work restrictions being placed on them to hasten their return. Lebanese security forces have also been evicting Syrian families living in illegal settlements across various regions.

Why this matters: The unified plan to address the Syrian refugee crisis has significant implications for regional stability and humanitarian efforts. If successful, it could pave the way for the safe and voluntary return of millions of refugees, alleviating the burden on host countries and promoting regional peace.

Despite the EU's position, Lebanon remains committed to its own plan for managing the presence of Syrian refugees within its territory. Prime Minister Mikati stated, "For the first time, Lebanon has a clear and specific action plan on the Syrian refugee issue." This plan prioritizes voluntary returns without forced repatriation, in line with the Geneva Convention, although Lebanon is not obliged to enforce the Convention as it was never signed.

International donors, led by the EU, have pledged $5.4 billion to support Syrians inside Syria and refugees in the region, in addition to more than $2.5 billion in soft loans to host countries. The EU has also announced a $1 billion aid package to assist Syrians in Lebanon, in exchange for Lebanese authorities agreeing to curb the flow of migrants to Europe.

Lebanon has been organizing voluntary return convoys for over a year, recently resuming these efforts. However, participation remains low, with only 225 people joining a convoy two weeks ago. Amnesty International has urged those attending the Brussels conference to ensure that any funds pledged to support Syrian refugees in Lebanon do not contribute to human rights violations, including forced deportation to Syria.

The unified plan by Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt represents a significant step towards addressing the Syrian refugee crisis. By coordinating efforts and communicating with the Syrian government, these countries aim to facilitate the safe and voluntary return of refugees, while also seeking international support to manage the humanitarian challenges they face.

Key Takeaways

• Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt agree on a unified plan to repatriate Syrian refugees.
• A Cabinet committee will negotiate with the Syrian government on the repatriation process.
• The EU has pledged $2 billion in aid for refugees, with $1 billion allocated to Turkey.
• Lebanon estimates 2 million Syrian refugees in the country, with increasing hostility towards them.
• The unified plan aims for safe and voluntary returns, alleviating the burden on host countries.