Forced to Flee, Forced to Return

When war broke out in Syria, many Syrians were forced to flee to Lebanon, using it either as a temporary stop before seeking asylum in Europe or as a place to settle for a longer period. Since 2011, Lebanon has been home to nearly two million refugees, with many facing immense challenges. Those living in camps struggled with a lack of basic necessities, while Syrians who settled in cities dealt with harassment and discrimination, much of it fueled by Lebanon’s ongoing economic, political, and social troubles.

Over the years, there have been occasional calls to deport Syrians to a third country or send them back to Syria. Recently, as conflict in the region has escalated and spread to Lebanon, many Syrian refugees have found themselves with no choice but to return home, fearing further bombings. Thousands of Lebanese families have also been displaced by the violence, adding to the overall instability in the region.

It’s a bitter irony that a Syrian refugee, who once fled war in their homeland, now faces the need to return because of another war in their host country. This situation puts additional strain on Syria’s already fragile economy, which is in desperate need of stability. Efforts to support those families who have returned to Syria must be undertaken quickly, with every available resource being used to address their needs.