Beirut: Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, visited Lebanon today and reaffirmed UNHCR's commitment to support Lebanon and help Syrian refugees who are voluntarily returning to their country. During his visit, Grandi congratulated President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam on their appointments and discussed support for displaced Lebanese and refugees in the country in the aftermath of the conflict with Israel. Grandi also met with caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Grandi reiterated the agency's unwavering support for Lebanon as it strives to recover and rebuild. He remarked on the hopeful moment for Lebanon and the region, emphasizing the recent developments that have opened possibilities for resolving a prolonged humanitarian crisis. His visit to Lebanon is part of a regional tour aimed at exploring the best ways to support returning Syrian refugees. Grandi highlighted the need for sustainable returns, which will require improved security and political stability, respect for the rights of all communities in Syria, and international support for recovery and reconstruction.
Grandi noted that around 210,000 Syrians have returned to Syria in the past few weeks from neighboring countries, including Lebanon. He pointed out the significant increase in the number of Syrian refugees planning to return to Syria, which has risen from less than two percent to about 30 percent since the fall of the regime in Syria less than two months ago.
The High Commissioner announced his intention to visit Syria to meet the new authorities and discuss the potential for more refugees to return from neighboring countries. He stressed the importance of cooperation between the Syrian authorities, the donor community, and neighboring countries, along with international support for infrastructure and livelihoods, to ensure sustainable returns and prevent further displacement.