The "Democratic Gathering" bloc issued the following statement today, Friday: "As the Syrian displacement crisis in Lebanon has turned, due to official neglect, political populism, and racist incitement, into a dangerous reality, it is essential to remind public opinion and the forces involved in theories of tribalism or exploitation of the following:
First: The Democratic Gathering and the Progressive Socialist Party were the first to call, since late 2011, for the state to deal systematically with Syrian displacement, to establish specific camps, regulate the mechanisms for international institutions' dealings with these camps, and limit the consequences to the camps alone. However, the populists themselves rejected this at the time under the pretext that establishing camps would pave the way for naturalization, and today they are using the same pretext.
Second: In light of the current reality, it is necessary to stop all waves of incitement to mitigate their risks on internal security, and to halt all bizarre political exploitation theories proposed by some under the name of "exporting" the displaced. In return, the government must meet immediately to adopt a clear official policy and implement it by conducting a comprehensive survey of Syrian citizens, distinguishing between workers and refugees, determining ways of cooperation with relevant international institutions, and providing the army and security forces with the necessary support in the context of their missions in this area.
Third: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees must fully carry out its role in dealing with Syrian displaced persons without any shortcomings, and secure the necessary funding by all available means to support them alongside the Lebanese host community."
