Recently, the Lebanese General Security announced a set of decisions related to regulating the presence of Syrian refugees and placing more pressures and complications that would push the refugees to choose to leave Lebanese territory in the end. This includes halting the renewal of residency permits for Palestinians coming from Syria and attempting to deport them within a month. From applying for residency renewal, preventing them from practicing any work directly or indirectly, closing shops that facilitate their work, preventing them from renting homes, holding the landlord legally responsible, and exposing them to legal penalties.
Determining the reasons behind these decisions may be complex and influenced by multiple factors, including the political, economic, and social conditions in Lebanon and the region in general. However, some aspects that may be influential can be analyzed:
- Political reasons
- There may be influence from foreign policies and regional relations, as these decisions could be the result of political pressure exerted on Lebanon by other countries, including Israel.
- Security reasons
- The Lebanese government may make decisions to deport and deport refugees and migrants based on security concerns, especially in light of the tensions and conflicts in the region.
- Internal factors
- There may be internal pressures affecting the making of these decisions, such as demographic and economic pressures imposed by the social and economic burdens on the Lebanese government.
- Political and economic instability
- Political and economic instability in Lebanon may lead to emergency decisions regarding migrants and refugees, without regard to the inherent humanitarian and legal consequences.
Regarding linking the file of Syrians to the file of Palestinians from Syria, this could be part of a strategy or political agenda for the Lebanese government or external parties. Linking the two issues may be used as a tool to exert pressure on international organizations and donors, but it is difficult to confirm this accurately without knowing the precise details of the decisions and the broader political and regional context.
The impact on the humanitarian and political situation in Lebanon
- Humanitarian impact
- These decisions may increase the suffering of Palestinians coming from Syria, who may have fled conflict and wars in their country. They may find themselves facing Palestinian refugees already living in overcrowded camps in Lebanon.
- These measures may lead to an increase in cases of illegal refugees and illegal immigrants, as some individuals could attempt to remain in Lebanon illegally after their residency expires.
- Political impact
- This decision has received criticism from civil society organizations and human rights groups, which see it as a violation of human rights and international refugee conventions.
- These actions could increase tensions between Palestinians and the Lebanese government and may bring to mind debates over the rights and legal status of Palestinians in Lebanon..
- Economic impact
- The deportation of Palestinians from Syria may affect the Lebanese labor force and economy in general, as Palestinians constitute part of the labor market in Lebanon.
- These decisions may result in security instability affecting the investment and tourism climate in Lebanon, which could negatively impact the local economy.
Overall, this Lebanese General Security decision raises many questions about justice and human rights and shows the necessity of an organized international response to protect the rights of refugees and migrants in Lebanon.
Lebanese civil society has many ways in which it can respond to the calls of families facing deportation decisions and leaving Lebanese territory. Here are some steps you can take:
- Awareness and education
- The Civic Council can provide support through awareness campaigns that highlight the rights of refugees and migrants and the legal procedures available to them.
- Legal advice and counseling can be provided to affected families, helping them understand their legal and procedural rights and options.
- Legal support
- The Civil Society can provide legal support to affected families by providing lawyers specialized in asylum and human rights issues.
- Assistance can be provided in preparing the necessary documents and reports for pleadings before the courts and concerned authorities.
- Communicate with the authorities
- The Civil Council can communicate with the relevant government agencies to intervene and mediate in the cases of affected families and request a postponement of the implementation of deportation decisions.
- The necessary guidance and information can be provided to the authorities about the humanitarian and legal conditions facing these families.
- Social and psychological support
- Psychosocial support can be provided to affected families to help them deal with the psychological stress and negative emotions associated with facing the threat of deportation.
- Urgent assistance can be provided to meet basic needs such as housing, food, and health care.
- Public and popular pressure
- The Civil Assembly can organize campaigns and protest activities and sign solidarity offers to pressure the government and the international community to find humane and just solutions to these issues.
- Public opinion can be mobilized, and political pressure can be directed to achieve the necessary changes in refugee and migration policies.
The Government of Lebanon rejected a grant from a group of international donors estimated at one billion dollars as support to mitigate the economic impacts resulting from the presence of refugees until 2027 and believes that this amount does not cover or help mitigate those impacts, but rather represents a major challenge to the government and Lebanese society. Here are some points to expect based on this rejection:
- Impact on refugee policies
- The government’s rejection of this amount may lead to new policies towards refugees, including tightening laws regarding their residence and work in Lebanon, and increasing pressure on international organizations to provide more support.
- Increasing economic challenges
- Rejecting this amount may increase the economic challenges facing Lebanon, as the country is already suffering from a stifling financial and economic crisis, negative effects on the Lebanese pound, and high unemployment rates.
- Impact on international relations
- The government’s rejection of this amount may have implications for relations with international donors and international organizations, which may lead to a decrease in confidence in the Lebanese government and a reduction in financial support provided.
- Escalation of the political crisis
- Rejecting this amount may lead to an increase in political tensions within Lebanon, and an escalation of protests and popular pressure on the government, especially considering the deterioration of citizens’ living conditions.
- Interact with civil society
- Civil society may see an active response to the government’s rejection of this amount, as it may organize campaigns and demonstrations to demand solutions to the refugee crisis and ease economic pressures.
These points suggest that the government’s rejection of the amount may lead to negative repercussions on the economic and political situation in Lebanon and may require an escalation in international and local efforts to find sustainable solutions to the crisis.
Given the huge numbers of displaced people and refugees in Lebanon, and the significant economic and social challenges the country faces, $1 billion may not be sufficient to cover the effects of the refugee presence for the next four years. However, it can be exploited effectively if it is directed wisely according to a well-thought-out plan. Here is an ideal plan to spend this amount and invest it successfully:
- Orienting priorities
- The basic needs of displaced people and refugees, such as housing, food, health care, and education, must be identified, and ensure that funding is focused on meeting these needs as a priority.
- Strengthening infrastructure
- Part of the amount should be invested in strengthening necessary infrastructure, such as improving roads, health and education facilities, and providing sanitation services.
- Strengthening the local economy
- Part of the amount can be used to support small and medium enterprises and strengthen local economic capabilities, which enhances job opportunities and contributes to stimulating economic growth.
- Providing psychological and social support
- Part of the amount should be allocated to provide psychosocial support to displaced individuals and refugees, including psychological support to children and youth who suffer from psychological effects because of wars and displacement.
- Encouraging self-independence
- Initiatives that encourage individuals’ autonomy, such as providing vocational training and assistance in setting up small enterprises, should be supported to stimulate the local economy and enhance individuals’ capabilities.
- Transparency and monitoring
- Effective mechanisms must be put in place to monitor and evaluate the use of the amount and ensure that it reaches the target groups effectively and without corruption.
By choosing and implementing the previous steps wisely, you can make the most of the allocated amount and mitigate the economic and social impacts resulting from the presence of refugees in Lebanon.
Bassam JAMIL