The Union of Associations in Baalbek-Hermel, following its monthly meeting, confirmed that the Syrian displacement crisis represents a significant economic and social problem in the Baalbek-Hermel area. The Union warned that there is a malicious project being pursued by the UN Refugee Agency in Lebanon, in collaboration with certain local and international associations, which aims to integrate Syrian students with Lebanese students under humanitarian and educational pretenses. This initiative contradicts the work of local organizations and Lebanese laws, and it is regarded as a precursor to resettlement and a violation of national sovereignty. This is a dangerous project for the Lebanese entity, characterized by its sectarian diversity, and it also undermines the Lebanese constitution and threatens the unity among Lebanese citizens.
In light of this, the Union called on the Ministry of Interior to hold accountable the associations that violate the law on associations, and it urged the Ministry of Education to take action against the integration project as it threatens the national educational framework across Lebanon. Since the arrival of Syrian displaced persons to Lebanon in 2012, local and international organizations have exploited the Syrian displacement crisis by presenting seemingly humanitarian objectives, while in reality benefiting personal financial interests. The associations pursuing the integration project under educational pretenses include:
1. The Lebanese Association for Studies and Training
2. Modernity Association
3. The European Union
4. World Vision
5. The German Development Fund.
The Union confirmed that it is in the process of organizing a conference regarding displacement in the Baalbek-Hermel area next month, in collaboration with official authorities.
