The Reality of Syrian Refugees: Continuous Challenges and Urgent Protection and Support Needed

 

The lively conditions of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Turkey, and Jordan continues to detoriorate. more in depth, we remark taht the conditions of women and children is the worst. Women are often the most vulnerable in times of conflict and displacement as they still face many challenges, including limited access to education and care. They also suffer from inappropriate living conditions, as many of them live in overcrowded camps and struggle to obtain basic necessities such as food, water and sanitation. In addition, the escalation of hate speech against refugees created an environment of fear and hostility exacerbating their already difficult situation, especially in Lebanon. Accordingly, there is an urgent need to work to protect their rights and dignity.

The situation in Turkey is even more alarming, as hate speech has escalated in the streets and social media, leading to violations and deportations of Syrian refugees. Even those with a tourist residence permit are not safe. To add salt to injury, the worsening global economic crisis has provided an opportunity for the Turkish opposition to exploit the of refugees status in their electoral campaign against the ruling party, which has exacerbated tensions.

likewise; In Jordan, the Jordanian government seeks to follow floating stratgy towards the Syrian regime. The proposal of the Quartet meeting to fund the infrastructure to which refugees in Syria will return is problematic, as the money will be handed over to the regime, which has a poor record of protecting human rights. This proposal is not a sustainable solution, and ignores the current situation of refugees who have fled the repression  ,arrest and killing of the Assad regime and its security apparatus.

As for Lebanon; The situation of refugees is appalling. Hate speech and calls for their deportation have escalated since last year. The situation worsened in April 2023, with unprecedented escalation campaigns against them. These campaigns are carried out under the auspices of the government and with the support of various groups such as trade unions and political parties. The Lebanese army and security groups have forcibly deported refugees to the Syrian border participate in these campaigns.

In the same context, the Lebanese authorities claim that international support for refugees is insufficient, and argue that the war is over and the situation in Syria is stable and secure. However, this claim is inaccurate and ignores the continued repression, arrest and killing of Syrians carried out on the hands of the regime and its security services. It is unfortunate and frustrating that Lebanese politicians are unable to offer practical solutions to the country’s multiple crises. Instead, they use arguments and complaints to cover up their shortcomings and justify their poor performance. Refugees are used as a political blackmail card to obtain aid, whether from Arab countries or from the Brussels conference that will be held next month. This has led to the transformation of Syrian refugees into a profitable business for governments and individuals, and it is an excuse for governments to blame them for their failures.

The situation of Syrian women and their children is of particular concern, as escalating campaigns against Syrian refugees in Lebanon have led to unprecedented levels of violence. The loss of the breadwinners when handed over to the regime exposes Syrian refugee women and their children to danger  need and extortion, which is unacceptable, 

However, there are some Lebanese parties and personalities that refuse the return of refugees to their country before achieving a political solution and providing them with a safe environment. These positions emphasize commitment to their rights and dignity. The statement of solidarity issued by Lebanese journalists and intellectuals deserves praise, as well as the confirmation of the call of the Lebanese representative Ashraf Rifi, to hold the Assad regime and Hezbollah responsible for the displacement of the Syrian people. We strongly support calls by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch to end forced deportations of refugee women

With regard to the Self-Administration areas  initiative to receive refugees, we realize that the region is not qualified with infrastructure and economics, and does not constitute a sustainable solution to the Syrian situation, as the region, like others, is subject to the control of de facto forces. However, we believe that this initiative may constitute an opportunity for the voluntary return  for those   who want toand could be a viable  temporary solution in the absence of other alternatives.

We believe in the Syrian women’s political movement; That partnership with refugees is vital to improve their lives, achieve their independence, and help them identify their own needs and priorities. They should have a central role in making decisions that affect their lives, rather than imposing policies and decisions on them without consulting them.

Organizations and governments must believe in the importance of amplifying the voices of refugees, men and women, who are often unheard. Providing the necessary opportunities and platforms to speak up, express their views, and participate in decision-making can help promote dialogue, understanding, and achieve the required change.

We, the Syrian Women’s Political Movement; demand that the rights of refugees to be recognized and respected. It is necessary to provide them with adequate support, and to ensure their safety and security. It is unacceptable to use them as a political blackmail card to obtain assistance or to blame their presence for the failure of governments, and we find that it is not safe for refugees to return to Syria as long as the Syrian regime and its security services are still present. We find it necessary to work to address the root causes of the refugee crisis in Syria, which are conflict and instability.

The international community must work towards a political solution to the Syrian crisis that addresses the grievances of all parties involved and provides a sustainable future for the Syrian people. We call for a comprehensive political solution in accordance with United Nations resolutions, in particular Resolution 2254, that guarantees the non-continuation of the state of stagnation and the return of refugees to their villages, homes, and places of residence, so that it is a voluntary, safe and dignified return. Women and children should be a priority in this process.

 

The Political Committee of the Syrian Women’s Political Movement