In recent months, Cyprus, together with the Government of Lebanon, has advocated for an EU-Lebanon Migration deal under which financial support will be granted to Lebanese security agencies, declaring parts of Syria as safe, and expanding return assistance to Syria. However, this policy note jointly issued by 11.11.11, Access Center for Human Rights (ACHR), Centre Libanais des Droits de l’Homme (CLDH),PAX, and Upinion, argues against the EU-Lebanon Migration deal, citing the reality of Syria’s continued instability and human rights abuses upon return.
Supporting Lebanon’s refoulement policy would implicate the EU in violating international law, while funding Lebanese security risks increasing migration attempts and empowering smuggling networks. Moreover, the deal fails to offer a long-term solution, potentially trapping Syrians in challenging and continuous cycles of displacement. Instead, the paper advocates for negotiations centered on refugee protection, host community support, and the establishment of monitoring mechanisms for safe return, emphasizing accountability and dignity for all.