The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has consented to share its data regarding Syrian refugees within Lebanese territories with the government in Beirut.
Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib indicated that this agreement, which serves the interests of Lebanon, the UN, and donor nations, has emerged after extensive and challenging negotiations between Beirut and the UNHCR.
Bou Habib noted that the core purpose of this arrangement is to prevent the misappropriation of donations by individuals who don’t meet the necessary eligibility criteria.
Lance Bartholomeusz, the General Counsel and head of the Legal Affairs Service at UNHCR, emphasized that the UN agency has received assurances from the Lebanese government that any shared data will not be utilized for activities contradicting international law.
Bartholomeusz also highlighted that the Lebanese government has reaffirmed its commitment to refraining from coercing refugees into returning to their home country.
Lebanon has consistently requested data from UNHCR to facilitate the organized repatriation of Syrian refugees in cooperation with Syrian authorities.
Lebanon continues to hold the distinction of hosting the highest number of refugees per capita, with the government estimating the presence of approximately 2 million Syrian refugees.
