Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati delivered a speech on Sunday July 23 at the Med Migration Conference in Rome in which he outlined Lebanon’s stance towards the safe and secure return of refugees.
“The position of the Lebanese government is as follows: since the conflict in Syria has ended, we need to develop a plan for the safe and secure return of all refugees,” Mikati stated. He added that this strategy is an attempt to accelerate the repatriation process while still protecting refugees’ safety and security.
Mikati also highlighted Lebanon’s efforts to provide aid to Syrian refugees despite the country’s extremely limited resources. He asked for appreciation for Lebanon’s adaptability and compassion in helping Syrians fleeing the horrors of the war.
He pointed out how this “disproportionate burden” is significantly straining Lebanon’s infrastructure, economy, and social fabric, all of which have already been severely impacted by an unparalleled economic and financial crisis.
“Instead of acknowledging and appreciating Lebanon’s resilience and the vigilance of the Lebanese Armed Forces in facing the refugee crisis, we find ourselves being blamed, or rather punished for our hospitality and efforts!” the caretaker Prime Minister exclaimed.
Mikati made use of the platform provided by the conference to promote closer collaboration between Lebanon, the Mediterranean countries, and the European Union.
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