Gemayel demands real action on refugee crisis

Sami Gemayel, Member of Parliament and leader of the Lebanese Kataeb Party, participated in a panel discussion at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) held in Budapest, Hungary, from May 29 to 30, where he addressed the ongoing crisis of Syrian displacement and its profound impact on Lebanon.

Gemayel, a prominent opposition figure and advocate for Lebanon’s sovereignty, did not mince words as he laid out the gravity of the situation:

“Lebanon, a small country of just 10,452 square kilometers and around 5 million people, has become one of the most densely populated nations in the world after hosting over 1.7 million Syrian refugees. This represents an increase of nearly 50% in the population.”

He reminded the audience that this refugee burden has persisted for over 12 years, describing it as an unsustainable situation for a country already facing deep political and economic instability. 

He went on to question the logic behind maintaining the refugee presence now that the regime of Bashar al-Assad has fallen.

“What’s the excuse now? The regime is over. Why are the refugees still in Lebanon?” Gemayel asked.

Calling on the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to reconsider its approach to the Syrian crisis, Gemayel insisted that the priority must now shift toward facilitating the return of displaced Syrians to their homeland.

“This issue is not exclusive to Lebanon. It affects Jordan, Turkey, and several European countries as well,” he noted, urging the international community to assume its responsibilities rather than leaving frontline states to manage the crisis alone.

Sami Gemayel, the son of former Lebanese President Amine Gemayel and part of a longstanding political dynasty, has consistently advocated for institutional reform, Lebanese neutrality in regional conflicts, and a renewed sense of national accountability.

His remarks in Budapest underline growing frustration in Lebanon over the protracted refugee presence and reflect a broader regional call for solutions that go beyond temporary shelter.