The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates in the caretaker government, Abdullah Bou Habib, stated that "the current displacement crisis affects the political situation in the country, which threatens the Lebanese model," emphasizing that "international community is focusing on assisting Syrian refugees while not responding to Lebanon's demands." Bou Habib confirmed during the "Brussels 7" conference that "Syrian displacement impacts the economy and environment," adding: "According to the World Bank, Lebanon incurs around $5 billion annually due to hosting refugees. Lebanon has received 1.5 million Syrian refugees since the onset of the conflict in Syria, which has affected our local economy and society."
He called for "a broad and clear action plan for the crisis in Lebanon, noting that the Syrian refugees in Lebanon differ in categories: some fled the war, some were already in Lebanon, and some go back and forth to Syria daily, which is why we can't deal with everyone in the same way." He stressed that "returning is a right for Syrians," urging "international partners to work with us to help Lebanon in a way that benefits both the Lebanese and Syrian people," while pointing out that "there is a danger of tensions between Lebanese and Syrian refugees and an increase in violence due to the crisis and competition for jobs."
Bou Habib also noted that "Lebanon cannot turn into a vast area for Syrian refugees, and Lebanon has not let anyone down; today it is asking for help," expressing concern that the UN resolution regarding Syria may become a "piece of paper." Bou Habib presented Lebanon's document regarding Syrian refugees during the international conference on refugees. The caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, had announced at the beginning of the Cabinet meeting last Tuesday that the council decided to reaffirm the government's principled and final stance on the need for the safe, dignified return of Syrian refugees to their country, aligning with international resolutions, especially Resolution 2254, which requires direct coordination with the Syrian side. Mikati had tasked Bou Habib with representing Lebanon at the Brussels conference on Syrian refugees after doctors advised him not to travel following a health setback.
