Syrian refugee crisis threatens neighbours’ stability

Syria’s refugee crisis could adversely affect stability in neighboring Lebanon and Jordan, and the international community must increase humanitarian aid to prevent this from happening, according to a report by Refugees International. The humanitarian NGO, based in Washington, DC, currently has a team in the Middle East, which is investigating the situation of Syrian refugees and making recommendations. “Considering the pressure they are under domestically, Lebanon and Jordan have made real efforts to accommodate Syrian refugees,” Michel Gabaudan, president of RI, said from Amman, Jordan. “But with roughly 125,000 Syrian refugees between them, the two nations’ social services are being stretched to the limit. Unless the West and other donors step in to fill these gaps, their generosity could soon evaporate under domestic political and economic pressure.” The report notes that for more than 50 years, Lebanon and Jordan have hosted waves of refugees from neighboring countries, including Palestinians and Iraqis. This has put tremendous pressure on both countries, and the arrival of Syrians could worsen the situation, particularly given the two countries’ already strained economies and precarious politics. The bulk of Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon are being hosted by individual families with limited financial means, and the continuation of expecting these hosts to stretch their limited resources is unrealistic, and could create conflict if aid agencies do not step up their efforts, the report cautions. “Aid providers have the right ideas when it comes to supporting communities, but can’t implement them fast enough,” said Daryl Grisgraber, a senior advocate at RI. “For them to meet families’ needs and [defuse] tension, they need more resources, and that means a much greater commitment from the U.S., the Gulf countries, and other major donors.” According to its website, Refugees International is an independent organization that advocates for protection and assistance of displaced people and offers solutions to crises. It does not accept government or UN aid.