Abdel Basset Abdel Latif, Secretary of the political committee of the Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC), strongly denounced the statements made by Lebanese authorities regarding the potential deportation of Syrian refugees to areas controlled by the Assad regime. He described these statements as deeply shameful and a disgrace that does not befit the fraternal and historical relationship between the Syrian and Lebanese peoples.
Abdel Latif highlighted that Syrian refugees in Lebanon and other host countries have fled horrendous crimes, including murder, slaughter, arrests, and sexual assault at the hands of the Assad regime. He emphasized that the actions taken by Lebanese authorities to forcibly return refugees to regime-held areas are not only participation in these crimes but also a violation of international laws and norms.
He underscored that the United Nations bears the responsibility today to provide protection for these refugees and must play a pivotal role in preventing the Lebanese authorities from continuing to deport Syrian refugees and delivering them into the hands of the Assad regime, which poses a serious threat to their lives.
Abdel Latif pointed out that Lebanon is a signatory to the Convention against Torture and other agreements related to the rights of children and women. He stressed that returning refugees would contravene all these agreements, as it would create an environment conducive to the commission of these crimes by the regime.
Lebanese media reported on Tuesday that the Head of the Lebanese caretaker government, Najib Mikati, had indicated they were working on presenting a proposal to the Council of Ministers regarding the return of Syrian refugees for discussion. He further stated that, after rigorous adherence to the laws, Syrian refugees who do not meet the conditions and those without legal protection would be subject to deportation.
(Source: SOC’s Media Department)
