Salim Idris, the Coordinator of the Office of Refugee Affairs in the Syrian Opposition Coalition, presented a report on the office’s activities over the past two months to the General Assembly. In the report, he discussed the challenging conditions faced by Syrian refugees in neighboring countries and other host countries. Idris also expressed concerns about a possible new wave of refugees as a result of the recent devastating earthquake that struck Syria and Türkiye in February.
During his presentation, Idris highlighted the dire conditions faced by Syrian refugees in Lebanon, particularly in terms of housing and access to education. He pointed out that refugee camps are still subject to harsh winter storms, and Syrian students are unable to attend government schools.
Idris emphasized the importance of respecting international conventions and treaties on refugees, and cautioned against using the plight of refugees as a political bargaining chip. He stressed that special resolutions pertaining to Syria, such as the Geneva Communique of 2012 and UN Resolutions 2118 and 2254, lay out the principles for dealing with Syrian refugees. According to Idris, safe and voluntary return of refugees is contingent on the provision of a secure and stable environment and the achievement of full political transition in the country.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
