Under the circumstances of a protracted war situation, failures to establish a political solution and no meaningful dialogue on the current security situation in Syria, refugee repatriation and...Show moreUnder the circumstances of a protracted war situation, failures to establish a political solution and no meaningful dialogue on the current security situation in Syria, refugee repatriation and reconstruction dilemmas have become the new subject of matter for Syrian refugee host countries, both European and neighboring, and Syrian government-supporting actors, including Russia and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Since 2017, several actors in Lebanon actively facilitate and promote the repatriation of Syrians refugees. UNHCR stated that the requirements under international law for the United Nations to organise or encourage voluntary repatriation are not yet in place in Syria. However, UNHCR officers do meet with the returning refugees and are present at all current departure points of the returns facilitated by the Lebanese General Security based on the believe that people’s voluntary choice to return must be respected. This study examines the role of UNHCR in the Syrian repatriation process in Lebanon in order to understand how non-state actors operate vis-à-vis sovereign states and to give insight into the role of international organizations in world politics. The thesis is partly based on field research in Lebanon.Show less
In February 2018, six aid agencies released a report expressing their concern about the 'premature' return of Syrian refugees. The situation in Syria is still unstable and seven years of war have...Show moreIn February 2018, six aid agencies released a report expressing their concern about the 'premature' return of Syrian refugees. The situation in Syria is still unstable and seven years of war have reduced much of the country to rubble. This study defines the motives for the so-called 'spontaneous' and 'voluntary' return of Syrian asylum-seekers and refugees from the Netherlands.Show less
