The challenge of non-circulation of norms in the management of Syrian refugees in Lebanon

Abstract

The paper sheds light into the debate between international law and sovereignty. As a matter of fact, it was aimed at answering whether the dispute between the Lebanese authorities and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) concerning the management of the Syrian refugees can represent a problem of non-circulation norms. In doing so, the paper addresses the following questions: is Lebanon fulfilling its international commitment concerning the principle of non refoulement and the doctrine of R2P? What kind of political risk factors presents the presence of the Syrian refugees in Lebanon to the Lebanese national interest? Does the change of policies of the Lebanese Government concerning the management of the Syrian refugees represent a problem of non-circulation norms? The article shows not only how the problem of non-circulation norms represents a current important challenge for international law but how difficult it is for the Lebanese Government to find a balance, on the one hand, between its international and domestic responsibility; on the other, between its international legitimation and reputation, and the reassurance of its domestic authority.