TENSIONS between Syrian
refugees and host communities are reaching boiling-point in some
parts of Lebanon, a county where, by Christmas, a third of the
population will be refugees, a new report from World Vision
suggests.
The report, Under Pressure, is based on information
gathered from 180 people in four parts of Lebanon with higher than
average poverty rates and very high numbers of Syrian refugees. It
warns that the influx of half a million Syrian refugees has put a
strain on local communities that is becoming "unbearable": "The
initial welcoming attitude of many is turning to anger. Many people
now feel that their communities are becoming dangerously
overcrowded; basic services, such as schools and health clinics,
are struggling to cope with the additional demand; security is
deteriorating, and many people see no end to the current
crisis."
Competition over jobs was
cited as one of the biggest challenges. There was also a widespread
perception that Syrians were benefiting disproportionally from the
national and international response, while poor Lebanese families
struggled.
The report states that many
of the views and perceptions expressed by host communities are
"starkly out of line with the reality for most refugees", most of
whom are living in very basic conditions. One 27-year-old Syrian
mother of six said: "If it were not for the food vouchers, we would
die with hunger."
The report also notes,
however, that host communities have been left largely without aid.
It recommends that "aid will be most effective and help create good
relations between communities when given to those most in need,
regardless of where they are from."
The report also calls for
better co-ordination of aid. A UN official told World Vision that
one refugee family had a pile of mattresses but no food:
"Occurrences such as these are fuelling resentment within host
communities."
The report notes that the
crisis in Syria has exacerbated "deep political polarisation" in
Lebanon. It also highlights the country's history as a destination
for migrants and refugees. Before the current conflict, there were
already about 300,000 Syrian migrants working in Lebanon. The UN
estimates that there are more than 400,000 Palestinian refugees
living in camps in Lebanon.
There are no formal camps for Syrians in Lebanon, as a result of
a decision by the government. About three-quarters of interviewees
from host communities told World Vision that camps should be
established, a "highly contentious" suggestion that, if
implemented, could be interpreted as a political statement, the
report warns.