Refugee agency chief warns that the number of Syrians leaving Lebanon is likely to rise
Time:2024-05-22 10:48:14 Source:opinionsViews(143)
BRUSSELS (AP) — The number of Syrian refugees leaving Lebanon is likely to keep rising, the head of a top international agency working with migrants warned Tuesday, as pressure builds due to their arrival on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus.
Amy Pope, director general of the International Organization for Migration, said that around 3,000 Syrians have left Lebanon since January, compared to 4,500 for the whole of last year. Many of them have headed to Cyprus, about 110 miles (180 kilometers) away.
In response, Cyprus suspended the processing of asylum applications by Syrian nationals earlier this month due to the large numbers. Cypriot authorities have reportedly dispatched police patrol vessels just outside Lebanese territorial waters to thwart refugee boats trying to head to Cyprus.
Pope told The Associated Press that governments are cutting aid funding to agencies working with people who have fled Syria, which has been ravaged by civil war for over 13 years, and that this is making things worse. At the same time, some Lebanese communities are getting tired of hosting them.
Previous:French Olympic fencer Thibus says she has been cleared of any wrongdoing after abnormal doping test
Next:French Olympic fencer Thibus says she has been cleared of any wrongdoing after abnormal doping test
You may also like
- Proposed $2.77 billion settlement clears first step of NCAA approval with no change to finance plan
- Devastating footage shows horrific aftermath of tornadoes that barreled through Nebraska and Iowa
- Teixeira scores late as Shanghai derby ends all square
- JANA HOCKING: Married men need to get out of my way
- Guardians ruin Francisco Lindor's Cleveland homecoming, trip Mets 3
- DR ELLIE CANNON: Why do I get pain in my armpit during a strenuous bike ride?
- EMILY PRESCOTT: Did King Charles's ex
- Bellingham and Mendy to miss Real Sociedad clash
- Kentucky congressman expects no voter fallout for his role in attempt to oust House speaker