Project Manager at the Friedrich Naumann Foundation Lebanon and Syria | Facilitator | Non-formal Education Enthusiast
On this World Refugee Day, we are reminded of Lebanon’s critical role in providing sanctuary to Syrian refugees fleeing violence, dispossession, and destruction since 2011. However, despite our initial openness, the journey of these refugees in Lebanon has been fraught with challenges and exploitation. Unlike Turkey and Jordan, which have coordinated aid and data gathering with international bodies, Lebanon has not established a systematic approach to absorb refugees. This "intentional chaos" has left Syrian refugees marginalized and vulnerable, exacerbated by inflated population estimates by Lebanese authorities, in contrast to what the United Nations and civil society groups estimated. This discrepancy, amplified by media outlets, has sowed public distrust and fear. Political exploitation has further complicated the situation. Some officials have used the refugee crisis to expand their political influence or to blackmail the international community for financial aid, which often does not reach the intended recipients. The lack of differentiation between refugees fleeing persecution and those seeking work without legal compliance further muddles the issue. This generalization often overlooks the complexity of refugee experiences, leading to misinformed policies and public sentiment. Moreover, the conflation of criminal and political prisoners, with some facing severe risks if deported, has led to tragic incidents such as attempted suicides out of fear of torture upon return to Syria. Despite these challenges, Syrian refugees in Lebanon continue to struggle for survival. Some media outlets exacerbate tensions by broadcasting incendiary content, falsely portraying all Syrian refugees as regime loyalists. As we commemorate World Refugee Day, let us renew our commitment to compassion, truth, and solidarity. Only through honest, coordinated efforts can we hope to address the refugee crisis in a manner that honors Lebanon’s legacy of hospitality and humanity. #WorldRefugeeDay #HumanRights
Embracing resilience and hope on World Refugee Day. Together, we stand for dignity, justice, and a future where every journey finds welcome! #FNFlebanon #WorldRefugeeday
