Ahmad Baccora, coordinator of the Refugee and Displaced Persons Working Group of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC), emphasized that Syrians fleeing Lebanon are among the most vulnerable in the current crisis. He said that the SOC has been working diligently in its international meetings to highlight this issue in order to save lives and ensure the protection of these individuals.
In a press statement, Baccora stressed that the Assad regime shows no concern for the fate of Syrians fleeing Lebanon and remains committed to its violent military approach, continuing acts of killing, detention, torture, and forced conscription. He added that these violations have been documented by numerous local and international human rights organizations.
Baccora noted that the SOC is closely following the situation of Syrians fleeing Lebanon, having held several meetings with diplomatic missions, United Nations agencies, and human rights organizations. The SOC has urged the United Nations to recognize these violations, declare Syria unsafe, and take measures to guarantee the safety of Syrians escaping from Lebanon.
Baccora also said that Syrians fleeing Lebanon face two main dangers: the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, which exposes them to the threat of bombardment and discriminatory policies by some authorities there, and the risks they face if forced to return to Syria, where the Assad regime continues its abuses without regard for their extreme humanitarian needs.
He mentioned that the SOC has expressed readiness to receive Syrians fleeing Lebanon who are wanted by the regime. However, he highlighted obstacles to this process, the most significant being the regime’s unwillingness to allow safe passage for these individuals from regime-held areas to liberated areas. The SOC is still awaiting assurances to begin transferring this vulnerable group.
Baccora reiterated his call on the United Nations, its organizations, and the Security Council, in particular, to provide protection for Syrians residing in and fleeing from Lebanon. He pointed out that the SOC has presented evidence and reports to international entities, showing that the Assad regime’s stance toward refugees has not changed and that returnees continue to face risks due to false accusations leveled by the regime.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
