Syrians in Lebanon
[10] In 2024, Lebanese leaders discussed Syrian migrant issues, considering repatriation and limiting numbers due to the escalating crisis.
[13] These religious differences, as well as the relative isolation due to the mountainous terrain, accompanied with the fact that Mount Lebanon maintained a self-governing status in the Ottoman Empire, were some of the main factors that led to the division of the two countries under the French Mandate from 1923, following a period of uncertainty in the region.
[4] Although Taif Accord was signed in 1989, putting an official end to the civil war, Syrian forces remained in Lebanon.
[17] During the Syrian occupation, the government under Hafez al-Assad, extending to Bashar al-Assad after 2000, the Syrian government carried out infringements of human rights, including the detention of Lebanese citizens in Syrian-occupied Lebanon without trial and torturing them without rights for legal council.
[22] As a result of the civil war in Syria commencing in 2011 between the government of President Bashar al‑Assad and rebel groups, refugees began entering Lebanon in large numbers, and quickly.
[21] The Lebanese government did not make an attempt to account for these refugees; it instead blocked aid to them in a passive dissent to their immigration.
[1] Nevertheless, this figure is likely largely underestimated since the UNHCR has stopped registering new Syrian refugees since May 2015, and it doesn't include individuals awaiting registration.
[26] Syrian refugee statistics documented by the UNHCR were ordered to cease in 2015 by the Lebanese government, the reason behind this is uncertain.
The rest of them – whose percentage keeps increasing due to the deepening vulnerability – had to settle in unfinished buildings, garages, abandoned sheds, work sites and tents in informal settlements.
Excessive restrictions were placed on Lebanese citizenship due to the importance of the country's demographic balance in its political operations.
[41] On June 1, 2018, the notoriously anti-naturalization Lebanese president, Michel Aoun[43] signed a naturalization decree granting citizenship to a reported 300 individuals.
[42] The final offesive of the rebels Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham that managed to overthrow Assad's regime in Syria, caused a new move of refugees towards the Lebanese border.
[57] More recently, due to the influx of refugees from the Syrian civil war, a large number of Kurds sought asylum in Lebanon where there was already a significant and well-integrated Kurdish population, despite being underrepresented.
[60] This includes the fact that almost all Syrian-Armenian children are able to study for free in Armenian schools in Lebanon and have an integrated and parliament-represented foundation to rely on.
[62] The Lebanese government has historically maintained an open-door policy towards Syrian refugees despite the absence of formal obligation.
[67] This was responded to with raids of refugee camps resulting in 100 arrests, after-which only three people were persecuted, two of which were Syrians with links to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS).
As early as 2012, the religious fractions that drove the civil war in Syria began to spark assault rifle shootings in open roads and demonstrations including burning tires against the governments willingness to appease Damascus.
The Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) was a significant presence in Lebanon and operated in Palestinian refugee camps.
[70] From 1968 onward, they carried out military operations against Israel, who would retaliate by conducting raids against Lebanese villages, bringing chaos and destruction to Lebanon.
[72] Despite the reasoning and rationality for any prejudice, the outcome has been alleged and documented mistreatment of Syrian refugees by authorities, through unwarranted arrest, and civilians.
The Armenian and Assyrian refugees found it as a safe haven given its semi-autonomous state and because of the religious beliefs that they shared with the majority.
[77] Curfews have been put into place in some cities and villages to ensure public safety following attacks on police and members of the military by religious Syrian extremist groups[citation needed].
In the 2017 Lebanon Crisis Response Plan (LCRP) Lebanon makes clear the rights it maintains in light of the influx of Syrian 'refugees',[78] The UN characterizes the flight of civilians from Syria as a refugee movement, and considers that these Syrians are seeking international protection and are likely to meet the refugee definition.
[48] With Bashar al-Assad regaining support and control, refugees have begun returning to Syria, both individually and with the aid of Damascus.
[27] In 2024, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati stated that "most" Syrians should be repatriated to safe zones within Syria.
In response, the EU provide €1 billion to the Lebanese government in 2024 for over three years to help prevent a surge of refugees leaving Lebanon into Europe.
