Weekly News Report: July 17-24, 2022

August 1, 2022

Weekly News Reports 2022

–Photo Credit: “Strategic dialogue between trade union federations in Kenya and Lebanon strengthens support and empowerment of Kenyan workers in Lebanon”, International Labor Organization

Articles and views shared in the Weekly News Report do not necessarily represent ARM’s views. Information in these articles has not been fact-checked by ARM and may contain some errors. ARM is simply compiling all news relevant to migrant communities to inform our advocacy efforts and to facilitate the work of organizations that cater to migrant communities.

Syrian Child Died after a Violent Attack in Sarafand [here] and [here]

17-year-old Khaled al-Saleh was brutally attacked by A. and H. Kesrouani after Khaled and H. got into a fight. Hours later, Khaled was transferred to Raee Hospital, where he died from a severe brain hemorrhage.

Security forces opened an investigation and Khaled’s brother filed a lawsuit against the attackers. More information on the whereabouts of the attackers is yet to be made public.

Lebanese Family Retaliates and Burns Syrian Refugee Camp in Akkar [here]

Tents in a Syrian Refugee camp in Akkar were burned on Sunday by family members following the disappearance of their relative “Diab Khuwaylid.” Diab was reportedly heading to the refugee camp in order to collect money that he was owed.

The following day, Diab’s body was found near the Koleiat air base. According To L’Orient Today: “The victim’s body was transferred to the Halba government hospital by the Lebanese Red Cross, to be examined by a medical examiner. The cause of death is still unknown, and no arrests have been made so far.”

Meanwhile, a video circulated online of the fires spreading in the camp. The person filming can be heard saying that “the entire camp is responsible for the murder.” Orient News reported that many residents fled the camp after family members threatened to kill them.

The Central Organization of Trade Unions, Kenya Visits Lebanon [here] [here] and [here]

A delegation of the Central Organization of Trade Unions, Kenya visited Lebanon as per the invitation of the International Labor Organization (ILO) and The National Federation of Worker and Employee Trade Unions in Lebanon (FENASOL).

During the visit, a meeting was held in FENASOL and was attended by migrant workers, COTU-K and ILO. The discussion revolved around migrant workers facing lack of support during the economic crisis and the struggles of living under the Kafala system.

The meeting concluded with some recommendations, including pressuring the Lebanese government to implement the ILO’s Conventions N.189 and N.190.

The visit comes 4 months after the Kenyan Honorary Consulate’s office in Badaro was closed without an official statement.

More information can be found here on the ILO website.

UN Urges Lebanese Government Against Forced Repatriation of Syrians [here]

UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon Najat Rochdi released a statement on Friday reminding the Lebanese government of its commitment to “the principle of non-refoulement under international law, and to the principle of ensuring the safe, voluntary, and dignified return of refugees.”

Rochdi praised the response of the Lebanese government to the Lebanon Crisis Response Plan (LCRP), stating that “the longstanding collaboration of the Lebanese Government in responding to the ongoing impact of the Syria crisis on Lebanon and its people, under the Lebanon Crisis Response Plan (LCRP)…is highly appreciated and commended.”

Rochdi called on everyone to “refrain from fueling the media and social media with negative sentiments and hatred, and I count on all to continue to display the spirit of solidarity and mutual respect in these difficult times.”

Dalia Ahmad Responds to Accusations of Racist Incitement [here]

Lebanese journalist Dalia Ahmad responded to accusations of racism by “alternative media campaigns.” The journalist, who previously showed support to Lebanese PM Najib Mikati’s plan to deport Syrians, said that “there is a fundamental misunderstanding of racism.”

Ahmad claimed that such accusations happen “whenever anyone discusses the issue [referring to refugees] with numbers and facts,” when in reality, Ahmad, alongside many media outlets, are using sensationalism, misinformation and misleading numbers to support these so-called “facts.”

Meanwhile, Megaphone News released a report addressing false facts related to the aid that Syrian residents in Lebanon receive.

Weekly News Report: July 17-24, 2022