Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2019
123. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to reports that authorities in Lebanon are forcefully returning Syrians to Syria; the steps that have been taken at EU level regarding the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42149/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe conflict in Syria has caused over 5.6 million people to flee Syria since 2011, the majority to neighbouring countries in the region. The Syria crisis has persisted for eight and a half years, and refugees have had to remain in neighbouring countries far longer than expected. Lebanon has welcomed a particularly large number of refugees from Syria, reportedly up to 1.5 million people. This number is equivalent to a third of the country’s population, and is the highest concentration per capita of refugees in the world. This has placed a huge strain on Lebanon’s resources and public services, making daily life a struggle for many refugees and indeed for host communities also.
Following rising concerns in Lebanon over the provision of public services, and with the Lebanese economy under severe pressure, there has been a growing wish in Lebanon that Syrian refugees would be in a position to return home. In May 2019 Lebanese authorities announced a decision to deport all Syrians who entered Lebanon irregularly after 24 April. I understand that Lebanon has already deported over 2,700 refugees to Syria under this decision.
The EU recognises the right to safe, voluntary and dignified returns, as an individual right of refugees and internally displaced persons, and returns should be based on an accurate picture of the conditions in the cuontry of origin. Refugee returns require a sustainable and safe environment, rehabilitation and the restoration of national protection structures. Ireland shares the position of the European Union and UNHCR, that the conditions for safe and dignified returns are not currently met in Syria. Nor is it possible to monitor the reintegration of Syrian refugees back into their country of origin, to ensure their continued safety.
Ireland continues to show solidarity with refugee hosting countries, and has been a committed donor to the humanitarian needs of affected populations. This year, Ireland provided just over €6m in direct assistance to UN agencies and NGOs operating in Lebanon. Our partners undertake programmes to provide basic assistance needs, as well as to provide resilience and livelihood opportunities for people living in protracted displacement. A further €2.95m of funding earmarked by Ireland to the World Food Programme (WFP) for the Syria Region in 2019, has been disbursed in Lebanon.
