Al Mayadeen English

  • Ar
  • Es
  • x
Al Mayadeen English

Slogan

  • News
    • Politics
    • Economy
    • Sports
    • Arts&Culture
    • Health
    • Miscellaneous
    • Technology
    • Environment
  • Articles
    • Opinion
    • Analysis
    • Blog
    • Features
  • Videos
    • NewsFeed
    • Video Features
    • Explainers
    • TV
    • Digital Series
  • Infographs
  • In Pictures
  • • LIVE
News
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Sports
  • Arts&Culture
  • Health
  • Miscellaneous
  • Technology
  • Environment
Articles
  • Opinion
  • Analysis
  • Blog
  • Features
Videos
  • NewsFeed
  • Video Features
  • Explainers
  • TV
  • Digital Series
Infographs
In Pictures
  • Africa
  • Asia
  • Asia-Pacific
  • Europe
  • Latin America
  • MENA
  • Palestine
  • US & Canada
BREAKING
Trump order imposes additional 25% tariff on goods from India
Hezbollah: This decision undermines Lebanon’s sovereignty and gives "Israel" a free hand to tamper with its security, geography, politics, and the future of its very existence. Therefore, we will not acknowledge it.
Hezbollah: The government's decision is the result of the diktats of the US envoy, clearly stated as the reason for which it was advanced in the cabinet meeting.
Hezbollah: Government's decision goes against ministerial statement.
Hezbollah: Government of PM Nawaf Salam has committed a grave sin in taking a decision to strip Lebanon from the arms that resists the Israeli enemy.
Al Mayadeen's correspondent in South Lebanon: One child killed, father wounded in strike targeting home in town of Toulin.
Russian Foreign Ministry: Moscow has lodged a protest with Israeli authorities over the attack on a vehicle belonging to the Representative office of the Russian Federation to Palestinian National Authority
Lebanese Ministry of Health: One person was killed in an Israeli airstrike on a car in the town of Brital, Baalbek
Al Mayadeen's correspondent: An Israeli drone launched three missiles on the Baalbek-Rayak international road in eastern Lebanon
Salam: The army has been tasked with developing a plan for "state weapons monopoly" by the end of this year and presenting it to the ministerial council before the 31st of this month

Hajjar warns against human trafficking networks amid refugee crisis

  • By Al Mayadeen English
  • Source: Al Mayadeen
  • 7 Sep 2023 22:50
  • 1 Shares
3 Min Read

Lebanon's caretaker Social Affairs Minister sheds light on human trafficking and border security issues with Syria.

  • x
  • Hajjar warns against human trafficking networks amid refugee crisis.
    An illustration shows Lebanon's caretaker Minister of Social Affairs. (Al Mayadeen)

Hector Hajjar, Lebanon's caretaker Minister of Social Affairs, unveiled concerns regarding human trafficking and border security amid the ongoing Syrian displacement crisis.

Hajjar stressed, in an interview with Al Mayadeen, the urgent need for international cooperation to address the complex challenges faced by Lebanon.

Minister Hajjar asserted, "There are human trafficking gangs and collusion by some security personnel facilitating displacement from Syria to Lebanon." This revelation underscores the gravity of the situation, as vulnerable Syrians continue to seek refuge in Lebanon.

"There are human trafficking gangs and collusion by some security figures in facilitating the displacement from #Syria to Lebanon... The Lebanese army and the General Security Directorate are making tremendous efforts to prevent the new wave of displacement into the country."

-… https://t.co/zFawWXYkg4

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) September 7, 2023

One of the critical issues highlighted by Hajjar is the inadequacy of border security forces. He stated, "We need 40,000 troops to secure the borders with Syria, but currently, we currently have 8,000 available [to carry out the task]."

Furthermore, Hajjar emphasized that Lebanon cannot address these issues unilaterally, emphasizing the necessity of political and security coordination with Syria. He explained, "We cannot manage border affairs on our own; we need political and security coordination with Syria." 

Related News

Trump lifts sanctions on Syria, then slaps country with 41% tariffs

Israeli violations persist in southern Syria: Demolitions, checkpoints

Minister Hajjar also made it clear that Beirut is not in a position to accommodate additional refugees. He stated firmly, "Beirut will not allow the registration of any new refugees in the refugee commission," citing the country's inability to bear the burden of a new wave of Syrian displacement.

While acknowledging the enormous efforts being undertaken by the Lebanese army and the General Security Directorate to prevent illegal entry into Lebanon, Hajjar laid the blame for the crisis at the feet of the United States. He noted, "Syria is facing significant economic siege due to the Caesar Act," holding the US responsible for the new displacement.

"Lebanon is witnessing a new wave of Syrian refugees. #Syria is facing a major economic blockade due to the Caesar Act, and I hold the United States responsible for the new wave of displacement."

- #Lebanon's caretaker Minister of Social Affairs Hector Hajjar to #AlMayadeen. https://t.co/prWjCH5CZ9

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) September 7, 2023

In addition to the US, Hajjar called upon the international community to shoulder the responsibility for the repercussions of the Syrian displacement crisis in Lebanon, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Hajjar concluded by warning of the severity of the new Syrian displacement issue and reaffirmed the government's commitment to monitor and address the matter. He also offered advice to Syrian youth, encouraging them to endure the challenges in their homeland, as he pointed to the difficult circumstances faced by both Lebanese citizens and Syrian refugees in Lebanon.

Earlier in the day, the Lebanese army stopped 1,200 Syrian refugees this week aiming to turn them back to their home country after they attempted to illegally cross from Lebanon into Syria.

"As part of the fight against human trafficking and the illegal crossing of land borders, Lebanese army units intercepted 1,200 Syrians trying to illegally cross the Lebanese-Syrian border on different days this week," the Lebanese army said.

Read more: Lebanese army stops 1,200 Syrian refugees from crossing into Lebanon

  • Syria
  • Syrian refugees
  • Hector Hajjar
  • Lebanon
  • Lebanese Army

Most Read

An Israeli tank explodes following an ambush by al-Qassam Brigades in Gaza, Occupied Palestine, undated (Al-Qassam Military Media)

Al-Qassam strikes Israeli vehicles in Gaza, inflicts casualties

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025
UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

UAE lodges complaint against Israeli ambassador over 'misbehavior'

  • Politics
  • 1 Aug 2025
Protesters chant anti-Israeli slogans as they carry a banner that reads:" Freedom for Palestine, Alliance stop the war," during a demonstration in support of Palestinians in Gaza, outside the Israeli embassy, in Athens, Monday, June 9, 2025 (AP)

Athens mayor slams Israeli ambassador over Gaza war, graffiti claim

  • Politics
  • 3 Aug 2025
An explosion seen during an Iranian missile attack on Tel Aviv, Occupied Palestine, June 13, 2025 (AP)

If Iran is attacked again, geography of response may change: IRGC spox

  • Politics
  • 30 Jul 2025

Coverage

All
The Ummah's Martyrs

Read Next

All
UN official rejects Netanyahu’s claim, cites Trump on Gaza hunger
Palestine

UN rejects Netanyahu’s claim, recalls Trump Gaza hunger admittance

Norway probes wealth fund’s ties to Israeli war crimes
Politics

Norway probes sovereign wealth fund’s ties to Israeli war crimes

Germany faces revolt over support for Israeli genocide in Gaza: NYT
Politics

Germany faces revolt over support for Israeli genocide in Gaza: NYT

Famine and bullets: Gaza aid lines become 'Israel's' killing fields
Politics

Relief at gunpoint: Gaza aid lines become 'Israel's' killing fields

Al Mayadeen English

Al Mayadeen is an Arab Independent Media Satellite Channel.

All Rights Reserved

  • x
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Authors
Android
iOS