Lebanon and Cyprus Facing Backlash Over Treatment of Syrian Migrants
BEIRUT – The European Union’s efforts to regulate migration by sea to Lebanon have come under scrutiny for funding practices that violate human rights, according to a recent report by Human Rights Watch.
The report highlights instances where authorities in Cyprus and Lebanon have pushed back Syrian refugees, resulting in human rights violations. This includes reports of physical force used to turn away refugees and deportations carried out by Lebanese security agencies.
The study, based on interviews with 16 Syrians attempting to leave Lebanon via smuggler boats, found that the vast majority faced violations at the hands of authorities in either country.
Lebanon, already grappling with a severe financial crisis, hosts a significant number of Syrian refugees. The country’s officials have urged Western nations to assist in resettlement or repatriation efforts.
Both Lebanon and Cyprus have received funding from the EU to manage their borders, but the report raises concerns about the treatment of asylum seekers and migrants, particularly Syrians.
Instances of excessive force, pushbacks, and lack of access to asylum procedures were highlighted in the report, prompting calls for further investigation into these alleged violations.
While Cypriot authorities deny carrying out pushbacks, they acknowledge the challenges posed by the influx of migrants in recent years.
The situation underscores the complexities and human rights implications of migration management, especially in regions heavily impacted by conflict and instability.
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