The Access Center for Human Rights has drawn attention to the vulnerable situation of refugees following a deportation campaign initiated by Lebanese authorities in April 2023. According to the Center’s latest report titled “Crimes of Kidnapping and Human Trafficking after the Forced Deportation of Refugees from Lebanon,” the campaign has exposed refugees to increased violations and exploitation by human traffickers and smugglers. These criminal elements take advantage of the legal vacuum and the absence of state power.
During the period from April to June 13, the Center documented 365 cases of forced deportation and 841 cases of arbitrary arrest, involving women and children. Shockingly, the report revealed that 82 Syrian refugees were handed over by Lebanese authorities to the 4th Division of the Assad regime, who in turn handed them over to human smugglers across the border, seeking to extort money from the refugees.
The gangs responsible for these kidnapping crimes are affiliated with a Lebanese political party and drug-trafficking gangs closely linked to or protected by this party. They orchestrate the kidnappings of Syrian refugees for ransom in multiple regions across Lebanon.
In light of these grave violations, the report called upon the Lebanese government to intensify efforts in investigating and prosecuting kidnapping and illegal detention cases involving refugees. It emphasized the need to provide necessary support to the victims and ensure fair trials for the perpetrators.
Moreover, the rights group called on the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Lebanon to take decisive action in combatting these kidnapping crimes. The UN agency is urged to extend support and cooperation with the competent Lebanese authorities to prevent such atrocities and ensure the perpetrators face justice.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
