Center for Strategic and International Studies: Syrian refugees are vulnerable in Lebanon
The Center for Strategic and International Studies said that Syrian refugees are particularly vulnerable in Lebanon, because the Lebanese government has curtailed their rights and restricted international support for them.
In a report, the Center spoke of the increasing attempts of Lebanese politicians to use refugees as a “pretext and a scapegoat”, stressing that this “not only delayed critical reforms, but also led to an increase in inter-sectarian violence.”
It warned of the increased risk of violence spreading as the “free fall” continues in Lebanon, amid the collapse of the currency, the doubling of food prices, and the continuing rise of Corona cases after one of the most stringent closures in the world.
It believed that international donors face a dilemma in the best way to respond to the crises, as the Lebanese political elite refused to implement the necessary economic reforms to avoid collapse, and proved to be “unsuitable” for relief operations, according to the report.
Donors have also increased their support for local leaders in the hope that they can help create a more permissive environment for refugees while channeling support through local NGOs.
Interviews with international donors revealed the view that the United States has not used its potential influence to influence the refugee file in Lebanon.
It called on the United States and other donors to use political capital to take advantage of new opportunities to build the foundations for sustainable development for all.
More than 90% of Syrians in Lebanon live in extreme poverty, and more than half of Lebanese families are now below the poverty line, according to the report.
