Aoun wants UNHCR to reconsider aid halt for returning refugees

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reportedly promised Lebanese President Michel Aoun during their meeting in New York last week, to reconsider a UNHCR decision halting aid to displaced Syrian refugees returning back to their country, since it is reserved for them in host countries, the Arab al-Hayat daily reported on Tuesday.

Sources close to the Aoun said a “major progress was recorded regarding aid for refugees during Aoun’s presence at the UN General Assembly where he delivered a speech.”

Aoun asked Guterres that the UNHCR keeps providing assistance for refugees even after they return back to their country.

In his talks with Guterres, Aoun reportedly argued that providing assistance for refugees when they return to Syria helps them face the difficult conditions.

Guterres promised Aoun to reconsider the UN resolution in this regard, they added.

Early in September, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Lebanon suspended food rations and aid for 8,000 Syrian families. The measure will reportedly take effect starting the month of November.

Based on naharnet