UNHCR understands that recent hostilities in Lebanon are forcing families to make difficult decisions for the safety of their families. At the same time, the economic crisis continues to negatively affect refugee and Lebanese communities across the country.
Those who try to leave Lebanon through irregular journeys often face serious risks.
If you have been affected by the current situation, visit help.unhcr.org/lebanon/emergency for resources and updated information on official border and re-entry policies.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Before deciding to take such a journey, please consider the serious risks for you and your family.
The posters, leaflets and videos developed by UNHCR to spread awareness about these risks are based on personal testimonies of refugees who have tried to take these journeys. Their message is the same – ‘Do not risk your life or those of your loved ones by taking irregular journeys!’
UNDERSTAND THE RISKS
Physical safety risks of movement by sea
- While many have tried to cross by sea to Cyprus, Italy or elsewhere in Europe, very few reach their destination. Several boats have been rescued at sea, including for engine failure or fuel loss.
- In unsuccessful attempts, some people were returned to Lebanon against their will and deported.
- In the last two years, over 250 individuals went missing or died while attempting dangerous sea crossings, including children and entire families.
- We are also aware of deaths at sea of people who traveled from Lebanon to Libya and then boarded a boat to Europe. Many others are intercepted at sea by authorities and transferred to detention, sometimes in dire conditions and with risk of serious harm.
Physical safety risks of movement by land
- Getting a visa to a country bordering the EU and reaching that country does not guarantee access to the EU. EU countries require specific and separate visas to enter. Without one, you may be stuck without safe options.
- In recent years, some people who travelled to Belarus or Russia intending to enter the EU by land have been stranded for prolonged periods with limited access to food, water, medicine, or sanitary facilities. Some have gone missing in forests, died due to extreme weather conditions, or been subjected to prolonged detention in countries of transit or destination.
- In such situations, it is often difficult to obtain help as UNHCR and other organizations have limited (and often no) access to people in these circumstances.
Risks in country of transit or destination
- Those who manage to reach another country without a proper visa still risk being returned to Lebanon or their country of origin on arrival. This also applies to those who departed Lebanon legally and attempted to transit onwards towards their final destination from another country.
- Refugees departing Lebanon may be issued a re-entry ban and thus may not be able to return, including to rejoin their family in Lebanon, and may be at risk of deportation if returned. For the latest GSO announcement on departure of Syrians from Lebanon to Syria through land border crossing points, visit help.unhcr.org/Lebanon/emergency.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY
- Beware of claims and promises you see on social media and trusted website. Individuals motivated by profit often make false promises to facilitate travel to other countries. They may not care about your safety and are often not telling the truth about the many risks in the journey.
- Be alert to scams or risks of being kidnappedby smugglers for ransom: if in doubt about an offer, pause, reflect, and try to verify.
- In the part, families have been separated after some family members were detained at the final destination or en route, while others were forced to return to Lebanon.
- Some parents send children alone, hoping for a better future. However, children who are separated from their families are at high risk of harm. Be aware that experiences children endure during irregular journeys can have long-term impacts on their growth and wellbeing.
REACH OUT
Please contact UNHCR for counselling and information on the support available in Lebanon.
🎗️We remind that all UNHCR and partner services and assistance are free of charge.
For questions or concerns when in Lebanon:
🔷Call UNHCR at 📞 04726111
🔷Message the 🗎 Online Contact Form
🔷Visit a community center near you
🔷Speak to trusted partner staff or community volunteers