OCTOBER 3, 2014
(Beirut) — Lebanese municipalities have increasingly imposed curfews on Syrian refugees. The curfews restrict refugees’ movements and contribute to a climate of discriminatory and retaliatory practices against them. Human Rights Watch has identified at least 45 municipalities across the country that have imposed such curfews.
Some of the curfews were among numerous retaliatory measures directed at Syrians following the August 2014 fighting in Arsal, Lebanon between the Lebanese army and extremist groups operating out of Syria and the execution of at least three Lebanese soldiers abducted by the Islamic State and Jabhat al-Nusra. Such curfews violate international human rights law and appear to be illegal under Lebanese law. Municipal police enforce many of the curfews but Human Rights Watch also received information about the creation of local vigilante groups to enforce curfews, raising concerns about abuses.
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A banner photographed on April 11, 2013 states: “The municipality of Wadi Shahrour announces a curfew starting from Saturday February 9, 2013, for all the foreigners residing within the town, daily starting from 8:30 pm to 5: 30 am in the morning. At the same time, the municipality forbids the use of motorcycles that have not obtained a license from the municipality.”
© 2013 Reuters
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