Syrian refugees form one-third of Lebanon’s population, Prime Minister says

Lebanon’s Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has called on the European Union to help encourage Syrian refugees to return to their home country, Anadolu Agency reported yesterday.

Speaking at a meeting in Beirut, Mikati stated that Syrian refugees now constitute around one-third of Lebanon’s population, a situation he described as unacceptable, saying “We refuse that our country becomes an alternative homeland.”

Mikati urged the EU to assist in ensuring Syria becomes safe for the refugees’ return, as Lebanon continues to grapple with a severe economic crisis.

Lebanon currently hosts around 1.8 million Syrian refugees, with 900,000 registered with the UN refugee agency.