As the brunt of the fighting in the Middle East shifts from the Gaza Strip to Lebanon, civilians flee to surrounding countries. Since 23 September, more than 425,000 people have crossed from Lebanon into Syria, according to the United Nations. About 72 percent of them are Syrians, now twice displaced by war, who face tremendous risks as they re-enter their home country. Most of them have left Syria years ago to avoid the country’s civil war and have been avoiding the Syrian government’s recent push to forcibly repatriate them.
“The United States is deeply concerned about Syrian refugees in Lebanon, and Lebanese civilians, who have been displaced by the current conflict there,” said Robert Wood, U.S. Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs at the U.N. “They are faced with the impossible choice of fleeing within Lebanon or crossing Lebanon’s borders to insecurity in Syria.”
“We are working to help the most vulnerable refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities as they respond to the crisis. On September 26, the United States announced nearly $534 million in additional humanitarian assistance for the Syrian people, including assistance provided through international organization partners,” he said.
The United States applauds the Syrian government’s decision to allow the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner of Refugees access to returnees, both at the border and in their areas of return, said Ambassador Wood.
“We also note the Syrian regime’s decision to temporarily suspend exploitative fees for Syrians returning to their country,” he said. “We continue to support UNHCR’s efforts to improve the protection environment in Syria.”
“In this context, we are very concerned about continued reports of abuses against returnees, including the regime arbitrarily detaining returnees. Returns will never be truly voluntary, safe, dignified, or sustainable until the regime changes its ways and upholds human rights and fundamental freedoms for all.”
“The regime and all parties in Syria must allow immediate and unhindered humanitarian access across all areas of Syria for as long as needs persist,” said Ambassador Wood.
“The United States continues to uphold our commitment to the Syrian people as well as displaced Lebanese, and we urge other donors to join us in stepping up to fill the significant funding gaps so partners can continue to meet the needs of the most vulnerable.”
