Frem on the repercussions of the Syrian displacement and the ways to deal with this file

Deputy Neemat Frem issued the following statement:

“Today, Lebanon and its people, from South to North and from West to East, stand before the uncalculated repercussions of the Syrian displacement crisis. They are heading towards a red line that can no longer be overlooked, as it is related to the country’s national security on the economic, social, environmental, and demographic levels…, leading to the lack of security and its dreadful consequences.

I have personally raised my voice five years ago before the concerned United Nations officials, the US Senate and House of Representatives in Washington, DC, and before the French Senate in Paris, as well as in the Vatican, warning against the consequences of the absence of a solution to the massive displacement that has exceeded in numbers the half of the Lebanese population -- knowing that the Lebanese people have supported this humanitarian cause and endured what no international organization, nor the combined world powers, can bear, in light of a complete collapse at all levels.

Facing the current situation, with my full commitment to the values and rights of the human being as a whole, and with my adherence to values and laws, I request the following:

1. Calling on all the countries that are concerned with the Syrian displacement crisis, in the Arab and international worlds, to cooperate with the United Nations, in order to find a solution to this issue as swiftly as needed. In parallel, and based on the existing studies related to the cost of displacement on the Lebanese state and that need to be updated, it is necessary to consider and approve a fair compensation for Lebanon, especially regarding the infrastructure and public services that have been impacted by the displaced presence on the one hand, and all Syrians who benefited from the Lebanese government’s subsidies on the other.
2. Implementing the decisions that were announced following the ministerial meeting during which the developments related to displaced Syrians in Lebanon were discussed.
3. Paying tribute to the military and security forces that are vigilant in safeguarding and protecting the rights of the Lebanese, enforcing the respect of Lebanese laws, maintaining order, and confronting all the violations that were recently recorded in this regard, in Lebanon and on its borders.
4. Registering the displaced Syrians with the competent official authorities and departments, and immediately asking the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to hand over all kind of data for the displaced Syrians to the Ministry of Interior and its relevant security apparatuses, provided that the status of displaced is revoked for those leaving Lebanese territory. In addition, the Lebanese law must be applied to all those who enter Lebanon illegally and do not possess legal documents; they should be repatriated.
5. Completing the legal requirements in terms of registering the births of Syrians in Lebanon, and giving this matter the utmost importance -- knowing that competent international authorities, which cover the cost of childbirth and subsequent allowances, have access to all information in this regard.
6. The Ministry of Labor, in coordination with all relevant governmental and security agencies, should tighten the control over the employment of non-Lebanese within the permitted sectors, up to setting a quota that does not exceed 30% of non-Lebanese employees in delivery services, for instance.
7. Calling on citizens who own housing units that are rented to displaced Syrians to be responsible in their management of the issue, through verifying the conditions and numbers of tenants, registering their rents, and informing the local authorities of all relevant details, in compliance with the laws in force and as a contribution to safeguarding civil peace.
8. Showing self-restraint and wisdom in accordance with the concepts of justice and rights, respecting the law and the military and security institutions, and avoiding injustice and any action that could distort the humanity, morals and values of the Lebanese citizens.”