13 may 2014
The Euro-Mediterranean Observatory for Human Rights slammed the Lebanese authorities for seeking out ways to deport Palestinian refugees back to Syria by cracking them down. The Geneva-based observatory said in a press release: “The Lebanese authorities opted for several decisions so as to clamp down on Palestinian refugees seeking asylum over Lebanese territories by either driving them out or forcing them back to Syria, which they have fled to save their lives.”
Amendments to the ban-verdicts claimed by Beirut “are not realistic and do not change in any way the up-the-creek-state of affairs of Palestinian asylum-seekers,” Euro-Med further stated.
The international Euro-Med team documented several violations perpetrated by the Lebanese authorities ever since the ban order, including the arrest of three Palestinian refugees at Nahr Al-Bared refugee camp entrance on Saturday.
Omar Issa and his son, 19, were arrested despite the fact that his residence card was not yet expired, while his son’s renewal application was turned down by the Lebanese authorities.
Along the same line, the Lebanese authorities released 8 refugees after having allotted them a 15-day-deadline, only, to “patch up their legal status.”
Mira Bushara , a researcher at Euro-Med’s legal department chided Lebanon over such ban-orders when she stated: "The Lebanese authorities have often been dragging their feet vis-à-vis renewal applications submitted by Palestinian refugees from Syria . The result is that two-thirds of those asylum-seekers are currently left without residency visas.”
“Beirut is coming down hard on Palestinian refugees whose visa’s time-limits have come by. Large numbers are being forced back to Syria, having their lives threatened all the way through,” Bushara further maintained.
Euro-Med called on Lebanon to "immediately bring such violations of Palestinian refugees’ rights to a standstill and restore them the right to set up a home over Lebanese territories until the end of the Syrian conflict comes by.”
Amendments to the ban-verdicts claimed by Beirut “are not realistic and do not change in any way the up-the-creek-state of affairs of Palestinian asylum-seekers,” Euro-Med further stated.
The international Euro-Med team documented several violations perpetrated by the Lebanese authorities ever since the ban order, including the arrest of three Palestinian refugees at Nahr Al-Bared refugee camp entrance on Saturday.
Omar Issa and his son, 19, were arrested despite the fact that his residence card was not yet expired, while his son’s renewal application was turned down by the Lebanese authorities.
Along the same line, the Lebanese authorities released 8 refugees after having allotted them a 15-day-deadline, only, to “patch up their legal status.”
Mira Bushara , a researcher at Euro-Med’s legal department chided Lebanon over such ban-orders when she stated: "The Lebanese authorities have often been dragging their feet vis-à-vis renewal applications submitted by Palestinian refugees from Syria . The result is that two-thirds of those asylum-seekers are currently left without residency visas.”
“Beirut is coming down hard on Palestinian refugees whose visa’s time-limits have come by. Large numbers are being forced back to Syria, having their lives threatened all the way through,” Bushara further maintained.
Euro-Med called on Lebanon to "immediately bring such violations of Palestinian refugees’ rights to a standstill and restore them the right to set up a home over Lebanese territories until the end of the Syrian conflict comes by.”
12 may 2014
The Lebanese authorities released on Sunday a group of Palestinian refugees from Syria, held in custody for nearly 36 hours after the Lebanese security forces arrested them at Nahr Al-Bared refugee camp’s entrance under the pretext of invalid residence permits. The Action Group for Palestinians in Syria said in a statement on Monday, quoting a released refugee, the Lebanese security not only confiscated the refugees’ cell phones and denied them the right to contact any human rights organization, but also forced them to sign a pledge declaring the compulsory renewal of their residence permits within 15 days.
Hamas Refugees Office spoke against the event and slammed the Lebanese detention and deportation policies launched against Palestinian refugees in such an arbitrary and abrupt manner.
The Office called on the Lebanese authorities to tone down the restrictions imposed on the Palestinian refugees from Syria and handle their case in line with international norms and decrees.
A state of extreme anxiety and tension has overwhelmed Palestinians refugees, who sought refuge in Lebanon and estimated at around 53 thousand persons, for fear of being forced back to Syria.
An official source revealed to the Action Group a decision has just been issued, ruling for the arrest of the Palestinian refugees who have not yet officially renewed their residence permits.
In another event, Madelaine Omar confirmed via her Facebook page that her father Fuad Omar, head of the Yarmouk National Committee, died under torture in Syrian prisons.
Omar’s son Bassel called on the Syrian authorities and Palestinian Liberation Front, to which his father was affiliated, to provide a detailed account of his father’s death.
Sources in the Yarmouk refugee camp confirmed Omar was more of a humanitarian activist than an anti-Syrian campaigner, active in the national committee formed since the siege was imposed on the camp by Syrian regime forces and Popular Front militias.
188 Palestinian refugees died under torture in Syrian prisons and most of their families have been denied the right to get their bodies.
The Action Group called on the Syrian authorities to provide details about Fuad Omar’s case along with hundreds of other Palestinian detainees who have, till now, been missing.
What is currently taking place inside of Syrian detention centers is a crime par excellence, the Group further declared.
Along the same line, limited food-aid parcels were distributed on Sunday in the Yarmouk refugee camp, besieged for more than ten months.
Both Hindrat camp in Aleppo and Khan al-Sheeh camp in Damascus were targeted with several explosive barrels also on Sunday.
Hamas Refugees Office spoke against the event and slammed the Lebanese detention and deportation policies launched against Palestinian refugees in such an arbitrary and abrupt manner.
The Office called on the Lebanese authorities to tone down the restrictions imposed on the Palestinian refugees from Syria and handle their case in line with international norms and decrees.
A state of extreme anxiety and tension has overwhelmed Palestinians refugees, who sought refuge in Lebanon and estimated at around 53 thousand persons, for fear of being forced back to Syria.
An official source revealed to the Action Group a decision has just been issued, ruling for the arrest of the Palestinian refugees who have not yet officially renewed their residence permits.
In another event, Madelaine Omar confirmed via her Facebook page that her father Fuad Omar, head of the Yarmouk National Committee, died under torture in Syrian prisons.
Omar’s son Bassel called on the Syrian authorities and Palestinian Liberation Front, to which his father was affiliated, to provide a detailed account of his father’s death.
Sources in the Yarmouk refugee camp confirmed Omar was more of a humanitarian activist than an anti-Syrian campaigner, active in the national committee formed since the siege was imposed on the camp by Syrian regime forces and Popular Front militias.
188 Palestinian refugees died under torture in Syrian prisons and most of their families have been denied the right to get their bodies.
The Action Group called on the Syrian authorities to provide details about Fuad Omar’s case along with hundreds of other Palestinian detainees who have, till now, been missing.
What is currently taking place inside of Syrian detention centers is a crime par excellence, the Group further declared.
Along the same line, limited food-aid parcels were distributed on Sunday in the Yarmouk refugee camp, besieged for more than ten months.
Both Hindrat camp in Aleppo and Khan al-Sheeh camp in Damascus were targeted with several explosive barrels also on Sunday.
10 may 2014
Imad Hourani
A Palestinian refugee was killed on Friday due to the continuing armed clashes in Syria, while aid supplies distribution was resumed in Yarmouk refugee camp. Action Group for Palestinian refugees in Syria confirmed that Imad Hourani, from Yarmouk refugee camp, died of torture in Syrian regime's prisons.
Limited aid supplies were distributed in the Yarmouk camp that is still subjected to tight siege for 10 consecutive months, while few humanitarian cases in the besieged camp managed to receive treatment in hospitals in Damascus.
The besieged camp has been witnessing a very acute shortage of medication, which led to the shutdown of all hospitals in the camp except of Palestine hospital.
Syrian regime forces and PFLP General Command armed groups have imposed a tight siege on Yarmouk refugee camp 10 months ago, which led to a sharp deterioration in Palestinian refugees' living conditions.
On the other hand, Handarat refugee camp has been subjected yesterday to heavy shelling, causing material damages.
On the other hand, Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport has justified on Friday in a statement its earlier decision to block the entry of any Palestinian refugees fleeing Syria to Lebanon no matter the circumstances.
The statement placed prohibitive restrictions on the entry of Palestinians fleeing Syria, where only those with a residence permit in Lebanon will be allowed in.
Palestinians from Syria have the right to a 24-hour transit visa, allowing people to travel to or from Beirut International Airport, if they have a valid ticket and visa or residence permit in another country, according to the statement.
Palestinian refugees stated that the statement does not solve their problem especially that they face numerous difficulties and restrictions to cross into Lebanon.
A Palestinian refugee was killed on Friday due to the continuing armed clashes in Syria, while aid supplies distribution was resumed in Yarmouk refugee camp. Action Group for Palestinian refugees in Syria confirmed that Imad Hourani, from Yarmouk refugee camp, died of torture in Syrian regime's prisons.
Limited aid supplies were distributed in the Yarmouk camp that is still subjected to tight siege for 10 consecutive months, while few humanitarian cases in the besieged camp managed to receive treatment in hospitals in Damascus.
The besieged camp has been witnessing a very acute shortage of medication, which led to the shutdown of all hospitals in the camp except of Palestine hospital.
Syrian regime forces and PFLP General Command armed groups have imposed a tight siege on Yarmouk refugee camp 10 months ago, which led to a sharp deterioration in Palestinian refugees' living conditions.
On the other hand, Handarat refugee camp has been subjected yesterday to heavy shelling, causing material damages.
On the other hand, Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport has justified on Friday in a statement its earlier decision to block the entry of any Palestinian refugees fleeing Syria to Lebanon no matter the circumstances.
The statement placed prohibitive restrictions on the entry of Palestinians fleeing Syria, where only those with a residence permit in Lebanon will be allowed in.
Palestinians from Syria have the right to a 24-hour transit visa, allowing people to travel to or from Beirut International Airport, if they have a valid ticket and visa or residence permit in another country, according to the statement.
Palestinian refugees stated that the statement does not solve their problem especially that they face numerous difficulties and restrictions to cross into Lebanon.
8 may 2014
Mohamed Jammo
Two Palestinian refugees were proclaimed dead on Wednesday, one of them was killed under torture, according to the action group for the Palestinians in Syria. The action group stated in a report that a young man named Mohamed Jammo was killed by sniper fire as he was among other refugees trying to receive food parcels from UNRWA relief workers.
Two Palestinian refugees were proclaimed dead on Wednesday, one of them was killed under torture, according to the action group for the Palestinians in Syria. The action group stated in a report that a young man named Mohamed Jammo was killed by sniper fire as he was among other refugees trying to receive food parcels from UNRWA relief workers.
Ahmed Khairat
It added that another young man identified as Ahmed Khairat from Neirab refugee camp was killed in a Syrian jail, noting that he had been kidnapped eight months ago.
In Aleppo, several barrel bombs were dropped yesterday by Syrian choppers on Handarat refugee camp, which only caused material damage to homes.
It added that another young man identified as Ahmed Khairat from Neirab refugee camp was killed in a Syrian jail, noting that he had been kidnapped eight months ago.
In Aleppo, several barrel bombs were dropped yesterday by Syrian choppers on Handarat refugee camp, which only caused material damage to homes.
Euro-mid Observer For Human Rights has issued an infographic in coordination with Action Group for Palestinian Refugees in Syria shedding light on Palestinian refugees' suffering after being displaced from Syria due to the violent armed clashes between Syria's regime and opposition forces. The infographic reported that most of the Arab countries refused to receive Palestinian refugees fleeing from the bloody war in Syria.
Egyptian authorities have issued a decision in July preventing Palestinian refugees' entry without obtaining a visa or a security permit.
In Jordan, Palestinian refugees have been prevented from having access to the country since the outbreak of the events in Syria.
In Lebanon, 49 Palestinian refugees were forcibly deported on the 4th of May in addition of issuing a decision preventing Palestinian refugees' entry to Lebanese territories.
In early May, Tunisian authorities have refused to receive 12 Palestinian refugees including two children and a woman.
Palestinian refugees' access to Gulf countries is prevented since the start of Syria's crisis, with the exception of very rare cases.
Turkey has refused since May 2013 to allow Palestinian refugees' entry to its territories without providing reasons.
The infographic has also provided figures in relation to Palestinian refugees' numbers in Syria.
Prior to the conflict, 530,000 Palestinian refugees lived in Syria, residing in 14 refugee camps, only 9 of them are recognized by UNRWA.
Around 236,000 Palestinian refugees have been forced to leave their homes in Syria due to the ongoing events.
At least 2,255 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing Syria conflict, while 90% of the Palestinian refugees in Syria are in acute need for aid supplies, official reports said.
On the other hand, Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport’s general security department has issued a circular on Wednesday asking international airlines not to carry any Palestinian refugee fleeing Syria to Lebanon no matter the circumstances.
The airport authorities have threatened to fine the airlines who violate the decision, which led to a state of dissatisfaction among Palestinian refugees in Syria.
For its part, Euro-mid Observer for Human Rights called on Lebanese authorities to reconsider the decision, expressing its deep concern about the increased restrictions on Palestine refugees fleeing the conflict in Syria from entering Lebanon.
The Euro-mid called on the Lebanese government to abide by international law that prevents sending fleeing civilians back to a war zone.
Such a policy violates the international law principle of non-refoulement, which forbids governments from returning refugees and asylum seekers to places where their lives or freedom would be threatened, the human rights center added.
It called on Lebanese authorities to assist Palestinian refugees along with Syrian refugees, so that they can meet the needs of refugees and asylum seekers from Syria as already granted by international laws.
In the same context, a vigil was organized by a number of Palestinians on Wednesday in Badawi refugee camp in Lebanon to protest the Lebanese recent decision against Palestinian refugees
Egyptian authorities have issued a decision in July preventing Palestinian refugees' entry without obtaining a visa or a security permit.
In Jordan, Palestinian refugees have been prevented from having access to the country since the outbreak of the events in Syria.
In Lebanon, 49 Palestinian refugees were forcibly deported on the 4th of May in addition of issuing a decision preventing Palestinian refugees' entry to Lebanese territories.
In early May, Tunisian authorities have refused to receive 12 Palestinian refugees including two children and a woman.
Palestinian refugees' access to Gulf countries is prevented since the start of Syria's crisis, with the exception of very rare cases.
Turkey has refused since May 2013 to allow Palestinian refugees' entry to its territories without providing reasons.
The infographic has also provided figures in relation to Palestinian refugees' numbers in Syria.
Prior to the conflict, 530,000 Palestinian refugees lived in Syria, residing in 14 refugee camps, only 9 of them are recognized by UNRWA.
Around 236,000 Palestinian refugees have been forced to leave their homes in Syria due to the ongoing events.
At least 2,255 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing Syria conflict, while 90% of the Palestinian refugees in Syria are in acute need for aid supplies, official reports said.
On the other hand, Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport’s general security department has issued a circular on Wednesday asking international airlines not to carry any Palestinian refugee fleeing Syria to Lebanon no matter the circumstances.
The airport authorities have threatened to fine the airlines who violate the decision, which led to a state of dissatisfaction among Palestinian refugees in Syria.
For its part, Euro-mid Observer for Human Rights called on Lebanese authorities to reconsider the decision, expressing its deep concern about the increased restrictions on Palestine refugees fleeing the conflict in Syria from entering Lebanon.
The Euro-mid called on the Lebanese government to abide by international law that prevents sending fleeing civilians back to a war zone.
Such a policy violates the international law principle of non-refoulement, which forbids governments from returning refugees and asylum seekers to places where their lives or freedom would be threatened, the human rights center added.
It called on Lebanese authorities to assist Palestinian refugees along with Syrian refugees, so that they can meet the needs of refugees and asylum seekers from Syria as already granted by international laws.
In the same context, a vigil was organized by a number of Palestinians on Wednesday in Badawi refugee camp in Lebanon to protest the Lebanese recent decision against Palestinian refugees
7 may 2014
Palestinian Authority officials have been pressuring Lebanese authorities to allow Palestinian refugees fleeing Syria to enter Lebanon, an official said Tuesday.
Anwar Abd al-Hadi, director of the PLO's political bureau, told Ma'an that the PA ambassador to Lebanon had been in touch with Lebanese officials to ensure access to Lebanon for Palestinian refugees.
Last week, 49 people -- among them eight Palestinians -- used false visas to enter Lebanon from Syria, Abd al-Hadi said.
The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees said in a statement that 41 Palestinian refugees were deported from Lebanon over the weekend.
"Lebanese authorities reassured us that restrictions are temporary, and would hopefully be lifted in the coming days," UNRWA said.
"We recognize that Lebanon has given refuge to hundreds of thousands of people fleeing the conflict in Syria, including about 50,000 Palestinians, and is in need of increased international assistance," UNRWA spokesperson Chris Gunness said.
"However we underscore the position of the Security Council which has 'affirmed the importance of the principle of non-refoulement' and 'recalled its encouragement to countries neighboring Syria to protect all people fleeing the violence in Syria, including Palestinians.'"
At least 1,500 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing Syria conflict, and around 250,000 Palestinian refugees have been forced to leave their homes in Syria due to violence in the country.
Prior to the conflict, 600,000 Palestinian refugees lived in Syria.
Some 760,000 Palestinians were expelled or fled from their homes during the 1948 conflict that led to the creation of the State of Israel, and today their descendants number around five million, spread across the world.
Anwar Abd al-Hadi, director of the PLO's political bureau, told Ma'an that the PA ambassador to Lebanon had been in touch with Lebanese officials to ensure access to Lebanon for Palestinian refugees.
Last week, 49 people -- among them eight Palestinians -- used false visas to enter Lebanon from Syria, Abd al-Hadi said.
The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees said in a statement that 41 Palestinian refugees were deported from Lebanon over the weekend.
"Lebanese authorities reassured us that restrictions are temporary, and would hopefully be lifted in the coming days," UNRWA said.
"We recognize that Lebanon has given refuge to hundreds of thousands of people fleeing the conflict in Syria, including about 50,000 Palestinians, and is in need of increased international assistance," UNRWA spokesperson Chris Gunness said.
"However we underscore the position of the Security Council which has 'affirmed the importance of the principle of non-refoulement' and 'recalled its encouragement to countries neighboring Syria to protect all people fleeing the violence in Syria, including Palestinians.'"
At least 1,500 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing Syria conflict, and around 250,000 Palestinian refugees have been forced to leave their homes in Syria due to violence in the country.
Prior to the conflict, 600,000 Palestinian refugees lived in Syria.
Some 760,000 Palestinians were expelled or fled from their homes during the 1948 conflict that led to the creation of the State of Israel, and today their descendants number around five million, spread across the world.
Action group for Palestinians in Syria documented 24 cases of death among Palestinians in Syria last week.
In its report, the group said Tuesday that the Palestinian refugees in Yarmok camp have been suffering of the impacts of the siege imposed by the Syrian regime army for ten months. It stressed that Palestinians suffer deteriorated conditions in every aspect of life.
"Palestinian people in Husseinia and Sbeina refugee camps are banned to return to their shelters which the Syrian regime army has taken it over for months،" the group added.
The shelling on the Palestinian refugee camps in Syria are continued, including Nayrab, Hendrat, Dara'a, and Khan al-Shiekh.
At least 2200 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing Syria conflict, and around 250,000 Palestinian refugees have been forced to leave their homes in Syria due to violence in the country.
Prior to the conflict, 600,000 Palestinian refugees lived in Syria.
In its report, the group said Tuesday that the Palestinian refugees in Yarmok camp have been suffering of the impacts of the siege imposed by the Syrian regime army for ten months. It stressed that Palestinians suffer deteriorated conditions in every aspect of life.
"Palestinian people in Husseinia and Sbeina refugee camps are banned to return to their shelters which the Syrian regime army has taken it over for months،" the group added.
The shelling on the Palestinian refugee camps in Syria are continued, including Nayrab, Hendrat, Dara'a, and Khan al-Shiekh.
At least 2200 Palestinians have been killed in the ongoing Syria conflict, and around 250,000 Palestinian refugees have been forced to leave their homes in Syria due to violence in the country.
Prior to the conflict, 600,000 Palestinian refugees lived in Syria.
Some 10,000 Palestinian residents of Israel rallied in the north on Tuesday to demand the right of return for refugees expelled after the creation of the Israeli state in 1948.
The demonstration took place in the Israeli village of Lavi, which was built on the ruins of the Palestinian village of Lubya.
Lubya was home to 2,726 Palestinians until 1948, when Jewish mobs captured the village during the Arab-Israeli conflict that led to Israel's creation.
Demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and read out the names of 530 Palestinian villages that were emptied 66 years ago, before observing a minute's silence in their memory.
"A demonstration organized by Israeli Arab associations gathered about 10,000 people and two youths were arrested for violence against the police," Israeli police spokeswoman Luba Samri said.
Groups demanding the right of return for Palestinians expelled from their homes in 1948 organized the event under the slogan: "Your 'independence' day is our 'Nakba'," Arabic for catastrophe.
"There will be no peace, no stability and no reconciliation without the refugees' right of return," lawmaker Mohammad Barakei told AFP.
More than 760,000 Palestinians -- estimated today to number 4.8 million with their descendants -- fled or were driven from their homes in 1948.
Palestinians mark Nakba day on May 15, but Palestinian citizens of Israel hold demonstrations on Israeli independence day, which fell on Tuesday this year.
The Palestinian population of Israel is made up of around 1.3 million people, some 20 percent of Israel's population.
Most of Lubya's original inhabitants settled in the Yarmouk refugee camp in the suburbs of Damascus.
In Israeli-annexed East Jerusalem, police dispersed a demonstration by Jewish extremists, who marched through the streets of the Old City chanting anti-Arab slogans, the police spokeswoman said.
Police arrested two of the demonstrators who tried to force their way past a checkpoint, she added.
The demonstration took place in the Israeli village of Lavi, which was built on the ruins of the Palestinian village of Lubya.
Lubya was home to 2,726 Palestinians until 1948, when Jewish mobs captured the village during the Arab-Israeli conflict that led to Israel's creation.
Demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and read out the names of 530 Palestinian villages that were emptied 66 years ago, before observing a minute's silence in their memory.
"A demonstration organized by Israeli Arab associations gathered about 10,000 people and two youths were arrested for violence against the police," Israeli police spokeswoman Luba Samri said.
Groups demanding the right of return for Palestinians expelled from their homes in 1948 organized the event under the slogan: "Your 'independence' day is our 'Nakba'," Arabic for catastrophe.
"There will be no peace, no stability and no reconciliation without the refugees' right of return," lawmaker Mohammad Barakei told AFP.
More than 760,000 Palestinians -- estimated today to number 4.8 million with their descendants -- fled or were driven from their homes in 1948.
Palestinians mark Nakba day on May 15, but Palestinian citizens of Israel hold demonstrations on Israeli independence day, which fell on Tuesday this year.
The Palestinian population of Israel is made up of around 1.3 million people, some 20 percent of Israel's population.
Most of Lubya's original inhabitants settled in the Yarmouk refugee camp in the suburbs of Damascus.
In Israeli-annexed East Jerusalem, police dispersed a demonstration by Jewish extremists, who marched through the streets of the Old City chanting anti-Arab slogans, the police spokeswoman said.
Police arrested two of the demonstrators who tried to force their way past a checkpoint, she added.
Syrian refugees in the eastern Lebanese border town of Arsal
The Guardian: Human Rights Watch and a UN refugee agency have expressed concern that Lebanon is blocking Palestinians fleeing Syria from entering the country. UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, said it was "concerned about the increased restrictions on Palestine refugees fleeing the conflict in Syria from entering Lebanon".
Its spokesman, Chris Gunness, said in a statement: "We are monitoring the situation on the border carefully and have been given assurances by the Lebanese authorities that these restrictions are temporary."
Human Rights Watch criticized Lebanon for refusing entry for Palestinians from Syria and forcibly returning them to the war-torn country. It accused Beirut of arbitrarily denying entry, and documented the deportation of around 40 Palestinians accused of having forged documents.
Beirut has not announced a blanket ban on the entry of Palestinians from Syria, but government sources confirmed there was a general policy to keep out Palestinians fleeing the conflict. Speaking on condition of anonymity, one source said the government felt Palestinian refugees registered in Syria should stay there, pointing out that Lebanon already had more than one million Syrian refugees.
HRW said the Lebanese government was violating international law by sending civilians back to an active war zone. "The Lebanese government should urgently rescind its decision to bar Palestinians from Syria from entering Lebanon. Lebanon is turning people back without adequately considering the dangers they face."
The group said Palestinians seeking to enter Lebanon from a crossing with Syria had been arbitrarily denied entry over the weekend. A security official told AFP that 41 people, many of them Palestinians, were returned to Syria after they were caught trying to fly out from Beirut airport using fake visas. "Eight were allowed to stay because they have Palestinian Lebanese relatives here, or other documentation that allows them to be here," the official said. Among the more than one million refugees from Syria registered in Lebanon are around 52,000 Palestinian Syrians.
Once numbering 500,000 in Syria, Palestinians have been targeted by both sides in the war, making them one of the country's most vulnerable groups, rights groups say. Lebanon is home to around 422,000 Palestinian refugees, whose presence in the country remains a source of tension. Unlike Jordan and Turkey, which also host a large number of Syrian refugees, Lebanon refuses to set up camps for people fleeing Syria's war. Some politicians have cited the semi-permanent status of Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon dating back to the 1948 creation of Israel as the reason why Lebanon does not want more camps.
The international community has praised Lebanon, which has a population of four million, for absorbing so many of those fleeing Syria. HRW urged foreign governments to better assist Beirut in hosting refugees. "The Lebanese government is bearing an incomparable burden with the Syrian refugees crossing its borders, but blocking Palestinians from Syria is mishandling the situation," said HRW's deputyMiddle East and North Africa director, Joe Stork.
The Guardian: Human Rights Watch and a UN refugee agency have expressed concern that Lebanon is blocking Palestinians fleeing Syria from entering the country. UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, said it was "concerned about the increased restrictions on Palestine refugees fleeing the conflict in Syria from entering Lebanon".
Its spokesman, Chris Gunness, said in a statement: "We are monitoring the situation on the border carefully and have been given assurances by the Lebanese authorities that these restrictions are temporary."
Human Rights Watch criticized Lebanon for refusing entry for Palestinians from Syria and forcibly returning them to the war-torn country. It accused Beirut of arbitrarily denying entry, and documented the deportation of around 40 Palestinians accused of having forged documents.
Beirut has not announced a blanket ban on the entry of Palestinians from Syria, but government sources confirmed there was a general policy to keep out Palestinians fleeing the conflict. Speaking on condition of anonymity, one source said the government felt Palestinian refugees registered in Syria should stay there, pointing out that Lebanon already had more than one million Syrian refugees.
HRW said the Lebanese government was violating international law by sending civilians back to an active war zone. "The Lebanese government should urgently rescind its decision to bar Palestinians from Syria from entering Lebanon. Lebanon is turning people back without adequately considering the dangers they face."
The group said Palestinians seeking to enter Lebanon from a crossing with Syria had been arbitrarily denied entry over the weekend. A security official told AFP that 41 people, many of them Palestinians, were returned to Syria after they were caught trying to fly out from Beirut airport using fake visas. "Eight were allowed to stay because they have Palestinian Lebanese relatives here, or other documentation that allows them to be here," the official said. Among the more than one million refugees from Syria registered in Lebanon are around 52,000 Palestinian Syrians.
Once numbering 500,000 in Syria, Palestinians have been targeted by both sides in the war, making them one of the country's most vulnerable groups, rights groups say. Lebanon is home to around 422,000 Palestinian refugees, whose presence in the country remains a source of tension. Unlike Jordan and Turkey, which also host a large number of Syrian refugees, Lebanon refuses to set up camps for people fleeing Syria's war. Some politicians have cited the semi-permanent status of Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon dating back to the 1948 creation of Israel as the reason why Lebanon does not want more camps.
The international community has praised Lebanon, which has a population of four million, for absorbing so many of those fleeing Syria. HRW urged foreign governments to better assist Beirut in hosting refugees. "The Lebanese government is bearing an incomparable burden with the Syrian refugees crossing its borders, but blocking Palestinians from Syria is mishandling the situation," said HRW's deputyMiddle East and North Africa director, Joe Stork.
6 may 2014
Fadi Hamdan
A Palestinian refugees shot dead by a sniper in Yarmouk camp, Action group reported Monday. Action group for the Palestinians in Syria said in a statement that Fadi Hamdan shot dead by a sniper in Yarmouk refugee camp.
Local sources reported that clashes erupted in Yarmouk camp while distribution of food aids to the besieged people .
Several injuries and one killed person were reported.
It also reported that Neirab camp in Aleppo were shelled by the Syrian regime and caused massive material damages in the place.
People of Jaramana camp in Damascus Suburbs complained of the water cut for more than ten consecutive days which force them to buy the water.
A Palestinian refugees shot dead by a sniper in Yarmouk camp, Action group reported Monday. Action group for the Palestinians in Syria said in a statement that Fadi Hamdan shot dead by a sniper in Yarmouk refugee camp.
Local sources reported that clashes erupted in Yarmouk camp while distribution of food aids to the besieged people .
Several injuries and one killed person were reported.
It also reported that Neirab camp in Aleppo were shelled by the Syrian regime and caused massive material damages in the place.
People of Jaramana camp in Damascus Suburbs complained of the water cut for more than ten consecutive days which force them to buy the water.
Gunfire stopped distribution of food today in a besieged Palestinian refugee camp, a United Nations spokesperson confirmed today, reiterating demands that the UN agency assisting Palestinian refugees be allowed to safely and without interruption distribute substantial quantities of food and other humanitarian assistance inside Yarmouk. Spokesman Chris Gunness said the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) distributed food parcels to only 162 civilian families today.
“The UNRWA team arrived at the Bateekhah northern entrance to Yarmouk at 10:00 and was permitted to commence distribution inside Yarmouk at 12:00,” Mr. Gunness said.
“Distribution continued at a relatively slow pace until 15:00, when two gunshots impacted the area of the northern Bateekhah entrance, close to UNRWA vehicles and support staff,” he continued.
The gunfire injured at least one civilian bystander, and forced the UNRWA team to withdraw and return to its field office.
“Today’s incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by civilians and humanitarian personnel in Yarmouk and other contested areas,” Mr. Gunness said in a statement following the shooting.
He underscored that “all sides must demonstrate commitment in address the grave humanitarian crisis endured by civilians inside Yarmouk” and that all parties also have a responsible to protect civilians.
While acknowledging Syrian authorities’ assistance in today’s distribution, Mr. Gunness said UNRWA remains seriously concerned that its efforts are frequently delayed or interrupted.
“Over the last three days, the number of civilian families who have received food parcels is extremely low when compared to the thousands of families in urgent need of UNRWA humanitarian assistance, due to the closed status of Yarmouk,” he noted.
UNRWA has appealed to the Syrian authorities to expand their support to facilitate “regular, substantial, safe” food distributions in Yarmouk and to authorise the distribution of a full range of humanitarian assistance, particularly medicines and medical supplies.
Prior to the armed conflict in Syria, which began in March 2011, Yarmouk was home to over 160,000 Palestine refugees. Since December 2012, fighting has caused at least 140,000 Palestine refugees to flee their homes in Yarmouk, as armed opposition groups established a presence in the area, with Government forces controlling the periphery.
“The UNRWA team arrived at the Bateekhah northern entrance to Yarmouk at 10:00 and was permitted to commence distribution inside Yarmouk at 12:00,” Mr. Gunness said.
“Distribution continued at a relatively slow pace until 15:00, when two gunshots impacted the area of the northern Bateekhah entrance, close to UNRWA vehicles and support staff,” he continued.
The gunfire injured at least one civilian bystander, and forced the UNRWA team to withdraw and return to its field office.
“Today’s incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by civilians and humanitarian personnel in Yarmouk and other contested areas,” Mr. Gunness said in a statement following the shooting.
He underscored that “all sides must demonstrate commitment in address the grave humanitarian crisis endured by civilians inside Yarmouk” and that all parties also have a responsible to protect civilians.
While acknowledging Syrian authorities’ assistance in today’s distribution, Mr. Gunness said UNRWA remains seriously concerned that its efforts are frequently delayed or interrupted.
“Over the last three days, the number of civilian families who have received food parcels is extremely low when compared to the thousands of families in urgent need of UNRWA humanitarian assistance, due to the closed status of Yarmouk,” he noted.
UNRWA has appealed to the Syrian authorities to expand their support to facilitate “regular, substantial, safe” food distributions in Yarmouk and to authorise the distribution of a full range of humanitarian assistance, particularly medicines and medical supplies.
Prior to the armed conflict in Syria, which began in March 2011, Yarmouk was home to over 160,000 Palestine refugees. Since December 2012, fighting has caused at least 140,000 Palestine refugees to flee their homes in Yarmouk, as armed opposition groups established a presence in the area, with Government forces controlling the periphery.
5 may 2014
The Action Group for Palestinians in Syria documented the death of 89 Palestinian refugees in Syria during last April. The Action Group said in a statement on Monday that the refugees were killed due to the ceaseless shelling, siege, confrontations, torture, and medical neglect Palestinian refugee camps have been subject to.
The living conditions in the Yarmouk refugee camp have become extremely dire due to the siege imposed by Syrian regime forces and armed Popular Front groups for 10 uninterrupted months.
As for the field circumstances, Hindrat refugee camp in Aleppo was targeted with explosive barrels, resulting in a remarkable damage to the civilians’ homes. Most of the refugees left the camp due to the violent clashes and heavy shelling.
A mortar shell landed in Neirab refugee camp in Aleppo leading to material damage.
Military airplanes hanged over the Deraa camp for Palestinian refugees, in south Syria, at a time when violent confrontations erupted in the camp’s vicinity. The camp had been further targeted with several shells.
In a related context, 49 Palestinian refugees were deported and sent back to Syria by the Lebanese authorities on Sunday.
Lebanese General Security forces arrested them at Al-Hariri airport while they were on their way to an Arab country.
Along the same line, three Palestinian youngsters, who fled the Syrian conflict, are still held in the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees on the Lebanese-Syrian borders.
The Action Group for Palestinians in Syria and the Palestinian Human Rights Organization denounced such deportation policies.
The Lebanese authorities have issued a decision officially denying asylum to Palestinian refugees in Syria.
The living conditions in the Yarmouk refugee camp have become extremely dire due to the siege imposed by Syrian regime forces and armed Popular Front groups for 10 uninterrupted months.
As for the field circumstances, Hindrat refugee camp in Aleppo was targeted with explosive barrels, resulting in a remarkable damage to the civilians’ homes. Most of the refugees left the camp due to the violent clashes and heavy shelling.
A mortar shell landed in Neirab refugee camp in Aleppo leading to material damage.
Military airplanes hanged over the Deraa camp for Palestinian refugees, in south Syria, at a time when violent confrontations erupted in the camp’s vicinity. The camp had been further targeted with several shells.
In a related context, 49 Palestinian refugees were deported and sent back to Syria by the Lebanese authorities on Sunday.
Lebanese General Security forces arrested them at Al-Hariri airport while they were on their way to an Arab country.
Along the same line, three Palestinian youngsters, who fled the Syrian conflict, are still held in the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees on the Lebanese-Syrian borders.
The Action Group for Palestinians in Syria and the Palestinian Human Rights Organization denounced such deportation policies.
The Lebanese authorities have issued a decision officially denying asylum to Palestinian refugees in Syria.