The relationship between displaced Syrians and the Lebanese has been strained due to the economic crisis in Lebanon. With the continuous drop in the value of the Lebanese pound, the tension between the host community and the displaced community has reached unprecedented heights. The worsening economic crisis has created conflict over basic necessities such as livelihood, services, and job opportunities.
Criticism has been raised against the UNHCR’s aid to the displaced Syrians by officials such as Prime Minister Najib Mikati, who accuses them of encouraging the Syrians to stay in Lebanon instead of facilitating their return to their home country. Although the Commission claims that it does not oppose the return of the displaced Syrians, it acknowledges that many are not enthusiastic about returning due to the lack of basic necessities in their hometowns.
The Ministry of Social Affairs in Lebanon argues that instead of raising the value of aid paid to displaced Syrians, which would exceed the income of many Lebanese families, the UNHCR should work towards facilitating their return and reduce the number of registered displaced persons in Lebanon. The Commission is accused of enabling displacement by maintaining a high level of aid paid to displaced Syrians while neglecting to address the reasons for their displacement.
The disagreement has created a potentially explosive situation that could lead to confrontations between the two communities if not addressed in a timely manner.
The Lebanese collapse exacerbates the differences with the displaced Syrians
Each of their families receives the equivalent of a “minister’s salary.”
Sunday – 11 Ramadan 1444 AH – 02 April 2023 AD Issue number [
16196]
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From one of the camps for the displaced Syrians in the Lebanese Bekaa region (AP)
Beirut: Paula Ostih
The Lebanese collapse and the worsening economic crisis exacerbate the differences with the displaced Syrians, and the tension between the host community and the displaced community has reached unprecedented levels recently with the continuous deterioration in the price of the Lebanese pound, which led to an exacerbation of the conflict over the basics of livelihood, services and job opportunities. Several sources warned of the dangers of this tension turning into problems and confrontations between the two parties, leading to a security explosion.
Accusations are increasing that the aid that the displaced get from the UNHCR far exceeds the income of the Lebanese, in addition to criticism from Prime Minister Najib Mikati or the concerned ministers that the policy of this commission encourages the displaced to stay in Lebanon instead of motivating them to return to their country. For its part, the Commission stresses that it does not oppose the return, but it understands that the majority of the displaced in Lebanon are not enthusiastic about it due to the lack of basic necessities for living in their towns and villages from which they were displaced.
The sources of the Ministry of Social Affairs in Lebanon told Asharq Al-Awsat that, “Instead of the Commission pushing for the return of the displaced, and at least dropping the status of displacement for about 500,000 registered as displaced, according to the Lebanese General Security, it seeks to raise the value of the aid they receive, which will lead to more than The amount that a Syrian family receives, if we assume that it will become 15 million pounds (about 136 dollars), the salary of a first-class employee in the public sector or the salary of a minister.
Renewed disagreement between the government of Lebanon and the UNHCR because of the Syrian displacement
Lebanon
Syrian refugees
The tension between the host community and the displaced Syrians in Lebanon shows no signs of abating, with the economic crisis and worsening Lebanese collapse exacerbating the situation. There are growing accusations that the aid received by the displaced Syrians far exceeds the income of the Lebanese, and the UNHCR finds itself the subject of growing criticism for allegedly encouraging them to stay in Lebanon, rather than returning to their homeland. As the situation worsens, there are concerns that the tensions could spill over into violence. The plight of the displaced Syrians in Lebanon remains a pressing concern for the international community, and only through cooperation and support can we hope to find a solution that brings lasting peace and stability to the region.