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Over a span of three days, the Global Refugee Forum in Geneva conducted a comprehensive exploration of worldwide refugee challenges. Governments, NGOs, and refugees’ representatives convened to share their cases and advocate for solutions. These included considerations such as the possibility of returning to their countries of origin or integrating countries different from the ones where they took refuge.
Filippo Grandi, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, reports a global refugee population of 114 million. The majority have faced displacement within their own countries, while 36 million have crossed borders in search of refuge in neighboring countries. Within this context, the plight of Syrian refugees is evident, as they are dispersed across Lebanon, Jordan, and Turkey.
The Lebanese representatives highlighted the imperative of supporting host communities during the period of refugee repatriation. Furthermore, they advocated for the cessation of financial aid to the displaced. According to their perspective, these aids would contribute to their integration into Lebanon. However, this viewpoint has sparked debates among the Lebanese, who are striving to oppose it without receiving sufficient support or understanding from the international community thus far.
During the forum, Lebanon unveiled a pilot project aiming to repatriate a specific number of Syrians to villages and towns where they can reestablish, supported by allocated funding. The success of this project may lead to its broader implementation.
However, the UNHCR and donors do not seem particularly receptive to this proposal. They steadfastly emphasize the ongoing instability in Syria’s political and security landscape. Additionally, they consider that the deteriorating economic conditions are a significant barrier. Concerns persist that, should refugees return, they may only remain briefly in Syria before rejoining Lebanon, citing limited job opportunities and the difficulty of income generation within Syria. Moreover, those displaced in Lebanon continue to fear compulsory military service in Syria.
In this context, a noteworthy German position came to the forefront during the forum, emphasizing that the Syrian regime is not inclined towards the return of displaced individuals. President Bashar al-Assad has not unequivocally expressed this intention in his speeches. Germany underscored the prevailing insecurity in Syria. In response, Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdallah Bou Habib affirmed that Syrian officials assured him of the country’s security and expressed their desire for the displaced to return. However, he acknowledged that this would require substantial financial and economic assistance, given that 90% of Syrians live below the poverty line and the aid they previously received has either been suspended or, at best, reduced.
During the forum, Syrians who have been displaced from Syria and have resettled in third countries, particularly in Europe, actively engaged in discussions. They firmly oppose the return of the displaced to Syria under the current conditions, citing political obstacles as the primary concern. Their contention is that individuals who choose to return will likely be killed or arrested.
The World Bank has informed Lebanon about an ongoing study to accurately assess the number of Syrian refugees in the country. Another study is underway, focusing on the costs of the war in Syria and the refugee presence in Lebanon since 2011. These studies aim to facilitate the exploration of solutions, streamline aid distribution, enhance transparency, and reduce costs. It is worth noting that the UNHCR estimates its annual needs at $560 million; however, only 40% of this amount is currently available.
