Lebanon's refugee return agenda : negotiating global protection norms and responsibility sharing

Abstract

Since the onset of displacement from Syria in 2011, Lebanon has been lobbying international circles for prompt refugee return even though the conflict in Syria has not ended. As part of these efforts, Lebanese representatives have sought to reshape global understandings of key refugee protection norms, advocating for ‘gradual,’ ‘progressive,’ and ‘safe’ return in lieu of voluntary repatriation in safety and with dignity. Ongoing discussions of the EU-Lebanon Migration Deal announced in early May 2024 must not further these obstructive interpretations but rather focus on Lebanon’s calls for increased responsibility sharing.