During my first stay in Lebanon in the late 1990s, like most newcomers, I visited the beautiful cedar forests in Bsharri and the Chouf. Since then I have had many opportunities to appreciate the similarities between Lebanon and its national symbol. Cedars represent strength, durability and versatility. They have provided shelter and resources to many different civilizations through millennia and stood through history’s most difficult times. Like its national symbol, Lebanon today faces a test of endurance. When Lebanon first opened its borders to families fleeing the Syrian conflict in 2011, its communities responded without hesitation. They provided welcome, shelter, services and support – even though in many cases their own needs were already high.
Through almost four years of increasing hardship, Lebanese households have been among the biggest donors to the relief effort for refugees so far. Poor communities are hosting an additional 1.5 million displaced people, sharing their land, their schools, their water resources and health centers. Many are sharing their homes.
As 2015 begins, all vulnerable communities here have reached a critical point. Public services are overwhelmed and economic growth has faltered. Hundreds of thousands of children are unable to attend school. Unemployment is rising at record rates leaving too many young people without options. As social tensions grow, Lebanon is deeply concerned to protect itself against radicalization and violence.
Lebanon has shown extraordinary strength throughout this crisis. This is a testament to the generosity of its people, and their long-standing tradition of diversity and coexistence. Yet the most vulnerable Lebanese now pay a price they can no longer afford for another country’s conflict. Their own needs must be addressed. Refugee families in their turn have been asked to show remarkable courage and endurance. Four out of five are women and children, most without a means of income or access to schooling. Many have come to the end of their savings and live in conditions of desperation. They want only to survive in dignity, stay healthy and go to school until they can return to their own homes in safety. I have heard families tell of how they long for that day.
The needs and vulnerabilities of Lebanese families and Syrian refugees cannot be entirely separated while the crisis lasts. Lebanon’s dilemma is how to meet both – fairly and effectively in a global context where demands on international aid are growing.
First, we need to invest more toward Lebanon’s own needs, to ensure that it can survive this period and recover its prosperity in the medium term. Lebanon is strong – but the threats to its stability are real. We need to add weight to a vital stabilization effort tackling Lebanon’s economy and institutions. Too many Lebanese are facing this crisis following decades of poverty. They need to see visible evidence of investments in their communities – to rebuild their faith in social welfare, health and education services. Decent jobs are a key priority for young people without work or trapped in low wage jobs without skills or prospects. They need better education and training to give them hope, and turn them away from poverty and the risk of radicalization.
Second, we must help to ease the pressure of the refugee burden. Swifter third-country resettlement for Syrian refugees is needed and countries are asked to be more generous. Commitments made at the recent Geneva Conference on Resettlement are promising steps.
Third, we need to find more cost-effective solutions for humanitarian aid delivery. The crisis has lasted longer than any of us expected, and no country can sustain a massive humanitarian project indefinitely. Nonetheless, humanitarian needs are deepening. Most refugees are sinking deeper into debt and half live in dismal, substandard shelters. Two-thirds of refugee children are not in school despite laudable efforts by the Education and Higher Education Ministry to enroll 90,000 last year. By ensuring that humanitarian and development programs reinforce and build on each other, donors get better value and Lebanon can reap important longer-term dividends.
The new Lebanon Crisis Response Plan for 2015-16 serves these collective aims, particularly for communities in the greatest need. The LCRP’s relief and protection program for the poorest Lebanese families and refugees from Syria is complemented by a proposed investment in social services and welfare systems, job creation and conflict mitigation in the poorest communities. Through the LCRP, international financing will strengthen and support Lebanon’s public institutions, civil organizations and private companies. Programs will provide tools and materials for public institutions, employ and train Lebanese workers and create markets for Lebanese goods and services.
There should be no doubt – the violence in Syria must stop before we can find long-term answers to the dilemmas posed by the conflict will be found. Until Syrian families can return home in safety and dignity, they and the countries hosting them will need substantial international support. Every dollar received so far from the international community has been valuable and is appreciated. But as we approach the start of a fifth year of conflict, needs are significantly outstripping funds. However great the competition for international resources, Lebanon’s stability should not be allowed to falter.
Lebanon has done more than its part so far to provide short-term respite to these victims of Syria’s conflict. The coming year offers an important opportunity to reinforce and protect those efforts while the search for peace continues. We must seize it for the sake of Lebanon and the region’s stability, and for all those living here in hope of solutions.
Ross Mountain is the U.N. resident coordinator, humanitarian coordinator, UNDP resident representative, UNFPA representative and UNSCOL deputy special coordinator in Lebanon.
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