Abandoned in War: Syrian Refugees Await Irish Resettlement

Sleeping in the streets, children deprived of education, and families risking their lives in a war zone – these are the harsh realities faced by nearly 400 Syrian refugees in Lebanon approved for resettlement to Ireland. Two years after their hopeful interviews with an Irish delegation, they remain stranded amid escalating violence, raising urgent questions about the Irish government’s pledge and refugee commitment.

A Promise Lost in Turmoil

In November 2022, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) interviewed approximately 400 Syrians in Lebanon, assuring them of resettlement to Ireland by the end of 2023. Yet, as violence escalates — primarily due to Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hizbullah — many families feel abandoned and fearful that their opportunity may slip away. Several families spoke to The Irish Times, echoing chilling sentiments of being trapped in a perpetual state of danger.

The plight of these refugees cannot be underestimated. "It’s like if someone is drowning but hanging on to wood," shared Huda Haya, whose family awaits their chance for a safe haven in Ireland. "Time is running out… there is no longer any patience."

Government Commitment vs. Reality

In 2019, Ireland pledged to resettle up to 2,900 refugees, primarily from Syria. However, only 576 have been successfully resettled, according to UNHCR statistics, with just 486 families coming from Lebanon. The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth cited COVID-19 restrictions and increased arrivals as reasons for the slow progress. Meanwhile, the Irish government has been silent about the specific fate of the waiting Syrians.

The stark contrast between the promise of resettlement and the painful reality faced by these families raises concerns about Ireland’s commitment to its humanitarian responsibilities. A government spokesman reaffirmed a commitment to resettle more refugees in the coming years, yet many families express frustration. They feel their lives have been put on hold as they watch violence escalate around them.

Life in Lebanon: A Cycle of Crisis

Many Syrian families interviewed have firsthand experiences of violence and suffering. They fled war-torn Syria, only to find themselves living in fear in a country riddled with its crises. Air strikes and bombings have made life in Lebanon unbearable. Based on Lebanese health ministry data, over 2,574 people have died since mid-September, and conditions are deteriorating.

As many as 13,772 Syrians have been deported back to Syria in 2023 alone, and human rights groups warn of the dire consequences they face if returned to their homeland. Families report living in fear of arrest and deportation, often fleeing to fields or orchards to avoid being rounded up. One father lamented, "We are living in hell."

Voices of the Forgotten

The story of Mushera Shikho and her family exemplifies the plight of many. After a nearby air strike forced them to flee, they found temporary accommodation only to encounter dire financial straits. Her children, forced to work, dream of a brighter future in Ireland that currently feels unattainable.

"I want a future for my children. We like peace," Mushera said through tears. Echoing a similar sentiment, Ghadah Alhraki called her life in Lebanon "extreme fear," unable to walk freely due to the constant threat of violence and hostility towards Syrian refugees.

In particular, children are experiencing severe psychological stress, compounded by an absence of education. All families interviewed reported their children were out of school, with many fearing the risk of bombing whenever they hear planes overhead.

Urgent Appeals to the Irish Government

Many families express a desperate need for the Irish government to fulfill its promise before it’s too late. "We just want to get out of Lebanon," pleaded one father who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons. “We are ready to live in a camp. We just want to protect our children from war, death, and destruction.”

Fiona Hurley, chief executive of the migrant and refugee rights organisation Nasc, emphasized the critical need for action, stating, "It is increasingly important for governments to fulfil and expand their commitments to legal pathways for migrant populations." She encouraged public support through community sponsorship programs.

Call for Action

The grim circumstances faced by these Syrian families serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for international solidarity and commitment to refugee safety. The ongoing violence in Lebanon highlights the critical importance of timely resettlement. Huda Haya, who longs for a peaceful future, emphasizes, “If you take us, I can live in a tent… I just want to be away from this war.”

As the conflict continues and time runs short, the question remains: will Ireland uphold its commitment to these vulnerable families and grant them the safety and peace they so desperately seek? The voices of these refugees must not be ignored, and immediate action is necessary to provide them with a chance at rebuilding their lives.

Readers are encouraged to reflect on the realities faced by these individuals and consider how they might further advocate for their resettlement. The plight of refugees is a shared responsibility, one that extends beyond borders.

For those interested, you can learn more about supporting refugees through community sponsorship programs on the Nasc website.