Lebanon calls for int’l support for safe return of Syrian refugees

Beirut: The Lebanese Labor Minister has called for international support for Lebanon in securing a quick and safe return of Syrian refugees inside the country to their homeland, the National News Agency (NNA) reported.

“Lebanon can no longer bear the burden of hosting Syrian refugees as the country has suffered heavy economic losses, not to mention its high unemployment and crime rates, as a consequence of hosting the largest number of displaced per capita,” Mustafa Bayram was quoted by NNA as saying on Friday.

The Lebanese Minister made the remarks during his virtual participation in the 110th session of the International Labor Conference held in Geneva, Xinhua news agency reported.

“It is the right of Syria to take back its citizens for them to rebuild their country with international organisations giving them aid inside their country,” Bayram said.

He also urged international compensation for Lebanon’s losses in having hosted Syrian refugees for more than a decade.

In May, Lebanese Social Affairs Minister, Hector Hajjar told an international conference that Lebanon wants a compensation of $30 billion for hosting Syrian displaced people.

Lebanon remains the country hosting the largest number of refugees per capita, with the government estimation of 1.5 million Syrian refugees.