October 01, 2014

Violence against Syrian refugees in Lebanon

located:	Lebanon, Syria
editor:	Vanessa Ellingham

Syrian refugees are bearing the brunt of increased violence from Lebanese citizens in response to the Lebanese army's battle with Islamic State militants.

Lebanese authorities are failing to protect the refugees from this illogical anger, says Human Rights Watch.

"The attacks against Syrians, most of them refugees, are being carried out in a climate of official indifference and discrimination, with the violence appearing in some cases to be attempts to expel Syrians from specific neighborhoods or to enforce curfews."

In August and September the human rights watchdog documented 11 violent attacks by Lebanese civilians, including some involving knives and guns.

The perpetrators made it known to the victims that they were being targeted because of their nationality.

"Almost all victims indicated that they did not trust the Lebanese authorities to protect them or to investigate the attacks," reports Human Rights Watch.

"In at least four cases, witnesses reported that the attacks took place in full view of Lebanese security forces, who did not intervene."

Lebanese authorities have a duty to protect all those under their jurisdiction, and that means refugees, too. Security forces must not turn a blind eye to violence, particularly against some of the most vulnerable members of society.