Often it is the women who are left behind. This is what Laila*’s story shows. Like so many refugees, she has been living in a camp in Lebanon, near the town of Qaraoun, for years. From there it is theoretically only 80 kilometers to Damascus, but in reality Laila is worlds apart from her home. She lives with her husband and three children in a small tent that offers little protection from the challenges of life.
One night, at the end of April 2023, the light from several flashlights flickers through the tent fabric. Moments later, the family stands in front of a Lebanese army patrol. Laila’s husband is being picked up – and she knows what that means. “They deported him to Syria,” she says almost tonelessly. After the deportation she finds herself alone, without support. She can barely provide for her family. The schooling of their other children is also at risk of falling by the wayside as transport options are limited and costs are high.
Then the harassment begins. A stranger who has caught wind of her husband’s deportation suddenly appears in front of her tent. He offers her “help”. She refuses. He’s coming back. “If you don’t open the door, I know you will tomorrow,” he threatens one night when she doesn’t open the door. Fear gnawed at her as she cowered in the darkness of her tent. Laila knows that real help isn’t offered after midnight. “If anyone wants to help, they’ll come during the day,” she thinks to herself.
Every time the man appears, the threat grows and the feeling of isolation tightens Laila’s throat. Eventually she decides to sell her tent and look for a safe space for herself and her children. But the rental prices are prohibitive. “I had no choice but to temporarily stay with relatives,” she says.
“We depend on the goodwill of others,” Laila murmurs. In a system blind to the needs of women, she fights not only for her family’s safety, but also for her dignity and her right to live in peace.
*aus dem Bericht “Forced deportation exhausts Syrian refugee women in Lebanon – even if they are not deported themselves“ von ““Medfeminiswiya”
THE SITUATION IN LEBANON
Before the Israeli offensive, more than 1.5 million refugees lived in Syria’s neighboring country, Lebanon. This means that the country has taken in the most Syrians seeking protection in the world in relation to its own population of 5.5 million, which has extremely exacerbated the economically and politically unstable situation.
The Lebanese government banned the registration of refugees through the UNHCR in 2015 due to lack of documents, high fees and arbitrary decisions. Husbands are often deported first in order to force the women to return.
After their partners are deported, Syrian women are often exposed to harassment and worse attacks from alleged helpers. They then have to look after their families alone and bear the double burden of household and work – if they find employment at all.
**How does the lack of UNHCR registration in Lebanon exacerbate the vulnerability of Syrian refugee women to exploitation and abuse, and what are some concrete steps the international community can take to address this issue?**
## World Today News Interview: The Plight of Syrian Refugee Women in Lebanon
**Host:** Welcome back to World Today News. Today, we delve into the harrowing reality faced by Syrian refugee women in Lebanon, a situation highlighted in a recent report by Medfeminiswiya.
Joining us are two esteemed guests:
* **Dr. Sarah Khalil:** An expert in Middle Eastern Studies and refugee rights, specializing in the situation of women in conflict zones.
* **Mr. Omar Hassan:** A humanitarian aid worker with extensive experience working directly with Syrian refugees in Lebanon.
**Section 1: The Impact of Deportations**
**Host:** Dr. Khalil, the article paints a bleak picture of the impact of deportations on Syrian refugee families in Lebanon. Could you shed light on the wider social and psychological repercussions, particularly for women left behind?
**Dr. Khalil:**
**(Opens discussion on the psychological toll of deportation, the fear and isolation experienced by women, the absence of support systems, and the long-lasting trauma for children)**
**Host:** Mr. Hassan, your work on the ground provides a firsthand view of this crisis. What are some of the most pressing challenges faced by women whose husbands have been deported?
**Mr. Hassan:**
**(Shares personal anecdotes, discusses difficulties accessing aid and resources, legal hurdles, and the lack of protection from exploitation and harassment)**
**Section 2: Vulnerability and Exploitation**
**Host:**
The article mentions the vulnerability of women to exploitation after their husbands’ deportation. Dr. Khalil, can you elaborate on the specific forms of exploitation these women are exposed to, and what measures can be taken to protect them?
**Dr. Khalil:**
**(Discusses various forms of exploitation – such as forced labor, sexual exploitation, financial manipulation, and the challenges in accessing legal assistance.)
**
**Host:** Mr. Hassan, what steps can aid organizations like yours take to address this vulnerability and provide adequate support to these women?
**Mr. Hassan:**
**(Highlights ongoing initiatives, the need for increased funding, the importance of empowering women through education and skills training, and advocating for policy changes to better protect vulnerable refugees.)**
**Section 3: Systemic Issues and Solutions**
**Host:**
The article mentions that Lebanon has banned the registration of refugees through the UNHCR. Dr. Khalil, how does this policy exacerbate the situation for Syrian refugees, and what are some potential solutions for a more humane and sustainable approach?
**Dr. Khalil:**
**(Analyzes the impact of the registration ban, the lack of legal protections, and the need for international pressure to ensure fair treatment of refugees, the importance of resettlement programs, and the sharing of responsibilities among nations.)**
**Host:** Mr. Hassan, what role can the international community play in alleviating the suffering of Syrian refugees in Lebanon?
**Mr. Hassan:**
**(Emphasizes the need for increased funding, political pressure to ensure respect for refugee rights, fostering dialog between host communities and refugees, and addressing the root causes of the displacement crisis.)
**Section 4: Looking Ahead**
**Host:**
Laila’s story, shared in the article, is a testament to the resilience of Syrian women. What message of hope can we offer to women like Laila who are struggling to rebuild their lives?
**Dr. Khalil:**
**(Acknowledges their strength, resilience, and the need to support their pursuit of education, economic empowerment, and self-determination. Highlights the importance of raising awareness and advocating for their rights.)
**Mr. Hassan:**
**(Offers a message of solidarity and hope, emphasizing the commitment of aid organizations to support these women, and the importance of collective action to create a more just and equitable world.)
**Host:**
Thank you both for sharing your invaluable insights. This conversation reminds us of the urgent need for compassion, understanding, and collective action to address the plight of Syrian refugee women in Lebanon and beyond.
