In many respects, Lebanon is a land of paradox, not least because of its highest number of refugees per capita worldwide, whilst being on the brink of economic and political collapse. Since the mid-20th century, millions of refugees have fled to Lebanon from Palestine, and Iraq, and more than 1.5 million from Syria since 2015 more than 81% of whom are women and children.
Lebanon has not ratified the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees. This legal uncertainty only adds to an already dramatic situation, especially after the explosion of 4 August 2020. Syrian refugees are unable to sustain their basic needs in exile. A huge proportion of Syrian children do not go to school. The UNHCR estimates that 90% of them live in extreme poverty. Who will rebuild the new Syria if its youth is not given the possibilities to strengthen its resilience, knowledge and skills?
Europe should urgently mobilise to support Lebanon so that Syrian refugees are ensured dignified reception conditions. Despite the significant efforts already made notably through European Union funding for many years, the refugee question has remained of secondary importance and the humanitarian crisis affecting refugees has not been alleviated. We cannot ignore the humanitarian aid fatigue, nor can we be blind to the structural crisis impeding on the Lebanese authorities’ ability to face the situation alone.
The Parliamentary Assembly should call for more solidarity from its member States and its partners so that the refugees displaced in Lebanon can build their lives in a dignified manner without seeking to reach European shores - including Cyprus, Lebanon’s closest neighbour - at any cost involving dangerous routes and migrant smuggling networks.