Coordinator of the Displaced Persons and Refugees Working Group in the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC), Ahmed Baccora, has expressed appreciation for the statements issued by Amnesty International and the International Commission of Inquiry on Syria. These statements reject the decisions and practices of the Lebanese authorities regarding Syrian refugees residing on its territory, particularly the resumption of forced deportations to areas held by the Assad regime.
In a press statement, Baccora underscored the urgent need for international action by human rights organizations to illuminate violations that may constitute prolonged crimes. Reports have confirmed that individuals deported to regime-controlled areas are subjected to arrest, torture, and even murder.
Baccora reminded the Lebanese authorities of their significant role in the Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon. He highlighted the involvement of the Hezbollah militia, a part of the Lebanese government, in the forced displacement of residents from areas such as Qalamoun, Qusayr, and several other cities to Lebanon.
Emphasizing the necessity for Lebanese authorities to engage in finding solutions, Baccora urged them to refrain from exploiting the presence of Syrian refugees in Lebanon as a diversion from real issues. This call comes in light of an initiative announced by SOC President Hadi Al-Bahra, directed to Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
Amnesty International raised concerns on Monday regarding the Lebanese authorities’ announcement of the resumption of “voluntary returns” of Syrian refugees to their country. They stressed that Syria remains unsafe, citing documented cases of torture, sexual violence, enforced disappearance, and arbitrary arrest faced by returnees in regime areas.
Additionally, Amnesty International emphasized that international law prohibits constructive refoulement, where states use indirect means to compel individuals to return to places where they face real risks of serious human rights violations. The rights group urged Lebanon to uphold its obligations under international law and cease mass returns of Syrian refugees to their country.
Meanwhile, the International Commission of Inquiry for Syria reiterated that Syria remains unsafe for refugees to return to, citing ongoing insecurity and lawlessness affecting civilians within the country.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
