Syrian refugees in Lebanon are facing an impossible situation, caught between the dangers of returning home and the increasing hostility from host communities and local authorities. The recent death of Pascal Suleiman, a Lebanese Forces party official, allegedly at the hands of Syrian criminals, has exacerbated tensions and led to a surge in violence against displaced Syrians.
The killing of Suleiman, which took place in an area controlled by Hezbollah rivals, has raised doubts among Lebanese Forces leaders about the involvement of Syrians in the crime. Despite this, Syrian refugees in Lebanon have become easy targets for scapegoating, with many living in extreme poverty, dangerous living conditions, and lacking legal residency.
The murder of Suleiman has triggered a fresh wave of violence and vitriol against Syrian households in Lebanon. Videos circulating on social media show Lebanese men assaulting and abusing Syrians on the streets, vandalizing cars with Syrian license plates, and looting Syrian-owned businesses. Intercommunal tensions have been further fueled by the rhetoric of Lebanese politicians, who often blame the country’s problems on the presence of Syrian refugees.
Lebanon hosts the highest number of refugees per capita globally, with approximately 1.5 million Syrian refugees residing in the country. The influx of refugees has strained Lebanon’s already fragile infrastructure and services, exacerbating economic challenges and leading to increased xenophobic rhetoric against Syrians.
The deteriorating economic situation in Lebanon, coupled with the ongoing war in neighboring Syria, has created a dire situation for Syrian refugees. Many live in overcrowded and sub-standard shelters, facing barriers to accessing essential services like healthcare, education, and employment due to their lack of legal documentation.
The recent surge in anti-Syrian sentiment in Lebanon is not a new phenomenon but has deep historical roots. Lebanese political culture has long harbored a sense of superiority over Arab neighbors, leading to discrimination against Syrian laborers and refugees. The rise of nationalism and anti-immigrant sentiment globally has further fueled this toxic discourse against vulnerable Syrian populations.
As the economic crisis in Lebanon worsens, Syrian refugees find themselves increasingly marginalized and vulnerable. With limited options for legal migration or return to Syria, many are resorting to dangerous sea journeys to Europe in search of safety and stability. The surge in arrivals of Syrian refugees in Cyprus highlights the desperation and urgency of the situation facing displaced Syrians in Lebanon.
In response to the escalating crisis, UN agencies like UNHCR are working to support durable solutions for Syrian refugees, including resettlement to third countries. However, funding for humanitarian assistance is dwindling, leaving vulnerable populations at risk of exploitation and abuse.
The plight of Syrian refugees in Lebanon underscores the urgent need for a coordinated international response to address the root causes of displacement and provide sustainable solutions for those affected. As the situation continues to deteriorate, it is crucial for the global community to step up efforts to support Syrian refugees and alleviate their suffering in Lebanon.