Take Back Parliament (TBP)’s expatriate section has released a video detailing the figures behind Lebanon’s infamous flight of civilians.

“The Lebanese people are scattered around the world [On Screen: Central Africa – 68,000] and the Lebanese community is larger abroad than at home. [Northern Africa – 14,000] But how did it all begin? [Scandinavian States – 108,000] Between 1860 and 1914, under Ottoman rule, around 330,000 Lebanese emigrated. [France – 225,000] Between 1945 and 1975, about 185,000 Lebanese emigrated because of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the tense political situation in Lebanon. [Europe – 430,000; Canada – 270,000; USA – 2,300,000] But during the Civil War alone, about 990,000 Lebanese, or about 40% of the population, fled between 1975 and 1990. [Mexico – 240,000; Caribbean Islands – 510,000; Venezuela – 344,000] We all know that expatriation is still ongoing, despite the absence of studies and statistics, because no one cares [Brazil – 5,800,000; Argentina – 1,200,000] Warlords, in times of war and of peace, are driving the Lebanese youth away [Latin America – 8,584,000; Australia – 435,000] And who remains? And who’s responsible? [Saudi Arabia – 120,000] They took your son away, so take your vote away! [Arab World – 265,000] It’s about time that the young expatriates come back to their homeland and live there in dignity [Total – 12,369,000] It’s about time that someone asks about them. It’s really about time. www.vote2013.org www.facebook.com/vote2013“

You can also add them on Skype (vote2013) and join their meeting every Saturday at 6pm Beirut Time, and follow them on Twitter.