Lebanon denies discriminatory measures against Syrian refugees
BEIRUT, Lebanon (AA) – Lebanon has denied reports about taking discriminatory measures against Syrian refugees in the country.
In a statement, the Lebanese Foreign Ministry said Lebanon has not taken any measures or decisions that would distinguish between the displaced Syrians and Lebanese citizens.
The ministry said the global food crisis is worsening the economic and financial problems in Lebanon.
“Lebanon has repeatedly warned that this reality will inevitably lead to competition between the Lebanese, Palestinian refugees and displaced Syrians over limited food resources,” it said.
“There is no doubt that the continuation of this situation will lead to an increase in the level of tension, and indeed in the rate of security incidents against all marginalized groups in Lebanon,” the statement added.
On Saturday, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) warned tension was rising between Lebanese nationals and Syrian refugees amid discriminatory rhetoric against Syrians in the country.
In a statement, the UN agency expressed “grave concern over the restrictive practices and discriminatory measures activated on the basis of nationality, which affects the refugees and other marginalized groups.”
It cited a series of violent assaults and crimes against Syrian refugees by Lebanese citizens.
Lebanon hosts around 1.5 million Syrian refugees, about 900,000 of whom are registered at UNHCR.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
