Lebanon Launches Phase One of Its Plan to Repatriate Syrian Refugees
Phase One of Lebanon’s Plan for the Return of Syrian Refugees Begins via Al-Masnaa Border Crossing
According to the National News Agency, this phase was implemented in coordination between the General Directorate of General Security in Lebanon and the relevant Syrian authorities, with oversight and participation from several international and humanitarian organizations.
As reported, two buses carrying dozens of Syrian refugees departed from the town of Bar Elias in eastern Lebanon toward Syria, amidst emotions of hope and longing for home.
Voluntary Return Under International Supervision
Meanwhile, SANA (Syrian Arab News Agency) reported that 72 Syrian refugees entered Syrian territory via the Jdeidet Yabous crossing, as part of a voluntary return program overseen by Syrian authorities.
This return is supported by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the Lebanese Red Cross, and several humanitarian agencies to ensure minimum safety and assistance throughout the return process.
Details of the Return Plan
In June, the Lebanese government announced a multi-phase plan to repatriate Syrian refugees, including two types of return:
- Organized Return: Refugees register in advance, buses are provided for transport, and each refugee receives $100.
- Unorganized Return: Refugees decide their departure date and arrange transportation themselves, still receiving $100.
The number of Syrian refugees in Lebanon is estimated at 1.8 million, including around 880,000 officially registered with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), making Lebanon one of the countries most affected by the Syrian displacement.
