First phase of voluntary return of Syrian refugees kicks off
Gulf Times
Syrian refugees have their papers checked as they prepare to return to Syria from Wadi Hmayyed. (Reuters)
The first phase of the voluntary return of Syrian refugees to their country, which is organized by the Lebanese General Security, kicked off on Wednesday morning. Buses began transporting Syrian nationals wishing to return to Syria from different Lebanese regions, Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) said. Lebanese President General Michel Aoun revealed last week that the process of returning the displaced Syrians to their country will start today in batches.
Lebanon hosts nearly 2 million displaced Syrians, in light of the inability of the Lebanese government to secure their humanitarian needs and the failure of the international community to fulfill its obligations towards them. According to ministerial estimates, the cost of the Syrian displacement to Lebanon has reached nearly $20 billion.
