Bekaa – Lebanon, October 20, 2025
As part of the Social Initiatives Platform, Basmeh & Zeitooneh for Relief and Development carried out a voluntary and organized return operation for Syrian families from Lebanon to Syria.
The initiative took place at the organization’s center in Bekaa – Bar Elias, where families wishing to return were received and provided with the necessary support. This was done in coordination with the General Directorate of General Security in Lebanon, through the official registration process at the Masnaa border crossing.
A total of 19 families, comprising 75 individuals, safely returned to rural Damascus on Monday, October 20, 2025. The return followed a comprehensive process ensuring that all returnees made their decision with full awareness, after receiving guidance and clear information about the procedures, rights, and conditions related to the return.
This step reflects Basmeh & Zeitooneh’s commitment to the principles of safety, dignity, and voluntariness in any return movement. It also reaffirms the organization’s ongoing role in supporting displaced communities through protection services, information sharing, and coordination with relevant stakeholders. UNHCR provided support with the issuance of Repatriation Forms to facilitate a safe and smooth exit for returning refugees at the Masnaa border crossing, including waiver of customs fees upon entry into Syria.
Basmeh & Zeitooneh renew its commitment to serving the most vulnerable groups across various regions of Lebanon through programs aimed at enhancing protection, supporting resilience, and ensuring access to humanitarian assistance and sustainable solutions.
For more information on community-based organizations supporting voluntary return: https://data.unhcr.org/en/documents/details/118302
For media inquiries:
Communications and Media Department – Basmeh & Zeitooneh
comms.coordinator@basmeh-zeitooneh.org
