Church agencies cushion many blows Iraqi refugees face in Lebanon

Published: 2008-03-03

BEIRUT, Lebanon (CNS) -- Supported with funds from the U.S. bishops' Catholic Relief Services and other groups, the Caritas Lebanon Migrant Center successfully has negotiated with Lebanese authorities for the release of hundreds of Iraqi refugees detained because of their illegal status. With the reprieve, Iraqis can search for work without fear of arrest. Thirteen Iraqis were released Feb. 29 and more will be released in coming months. CRS, Caritas branches in France and Italy and the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees have provided funding to regularize the status of the detainees and pay visa fees, said a CRS statement. Most of the estimated 50,000 Iraqis in Lebanon -- including about 5,000 to 10,000 Chaldean Catholics -- have been living in Lebanon illegally, unable to receive work permits or access to health services and schools. Each week, more arrive. From the time they set foot in Lebanon, refugees have lived in constant fear of being arrested and deported to Iraq. And until recently, the Lebanese General Security -- the national police responsible for foreigners in the country -- actively was looking for Iraqis. Desperate to escape violence and sectarian strife in their country, Iraqi families typically pay smugglers $1,200-$2,000 to be driven from Iraq to Syria and another $400 per person to get to Lebanon. Upon their arrival, refugees have little money, if any, to begin a new life.

Copyright (c) 2008 Catholic News Service /U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. The CNS news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed, including but not limited to such means as framing or any other digital copying or distribution method, in whole or in part without the prior written authority of Catholic News Service .