In a bid to avoid friction or problems arising from certain abuses linked to displacement movements from areas subject to Israeli strikes, the parliamentary blocs discussed on Monday the implementation of a safety net that concerns both the displaced and the host communities.
A statement issued at the end of the parliamentary meeting highlighted the urgency of finding suitable shelters for the hundreds of thousands of displaced people before the start of the winter season.
The MPs urged the Lebanese government to double its efforts and take all necessary measures to find shelter locations and secure the essential needs for the displaced.
"We call on the international community and organizations to bear their legal, ethical, and humanitarian responsibilities in this area, and we thank the countries and organizations that have provided commendable assistance so far, which unfortunately has not met the required needs," the statement read.
The parliamentarians also called on security, military, and municipal authorities to maintain the security of both the displaced and the host communities.
They urged the authorities to enforce the law firmly, preventing any armed presence, be it among the displaced or residents, and any form of self-imposed security measures. They also emphasized the need “to safeguard private property” and curb any attempt to occupy properties by force.
Additionally, the MPs urged municipalities to register all displaced persons and to support them in every aspect, including the distribution of aid in coordination with the government’s Disaster Management Authority.
Displaced individuals wishing to engage in commercial or professional activities are asked to obtain permits from the relevant authorities and the municipality of the host area.
Before the meeting, Lebanese Forces (LF) MP Razi Hajj raised a problem that illustrates the need for effective management and control of the presence of displaced persons in public places.
Hajj warned of “dangerous” behavior at the Dekwane vocational school, which hosts displaced persons who have had “several tons of cement bags” delivered to them for unknown reasons. “This morning at 5:30 a.m., another truck carrying a hundred tons of the same material also arrived at the school,” denounced Hajj on his X account, warning of an illegal construction project. “Why does a shelter for displaced persons need to receive building materials?” he also questioned.
The LF deputy urged the relevant authorities to “put an end to these violations”. He called on the government's Emergency Committee to “not allow associations to enter shelters without prior authorization and inspection of the materials supplied to these centers.”
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