The Syrians are the largest refugee population under the jurisdiction of the Office of the United Nations for Refugees has just published its report. With 3 million people who fled their country, they form the largest group in the world behind the Palestinians, 5 million refugees, attached them to another organization.
200,000 people died in the civil war that tore Syria for four years. 2014 was the bloodiest year with 76,000 deaths. More and more Syrians choose exile.
First welcomed with open arms by neighboring countries, their number becomes problematic as the war drags on. Lebanon is the most affected with 1.1 million Syrian refugees registered with UNHCR, the equivalent of a quarter of its population.
This influx has driven down wages and prices soaring rents. Most of the refugees are Sunni Muslims, they threaten to undermine the country's fragile sectarian balance.
Overwhelmed, authorities decided on Monday to limit the entry of Syrians by imposing visas. An unprecedented initiative in Lebanon considered disturbing by UNHCR launched an SOS to the international community "to more fully support the host countries, pers Lebanon, to help them cope with this enormous challenge."
Six categories of visa limit the length of stay. Each license requires specific documentation such as a hotel reservation and 1,000 dollars for a tourist visa, or an invitation from a Lebanese company for a work visa. The Syrians already registered with UNHCR should not be worried. Other risk expulsion.
"Some will try to find a Lebanese support, but for others it will be impossible. This will affect many Syrians, many will lose their jobs. Some can not pay for the visa, they have not enough money to live, "says the Syrian worker.
As winter descends on the region, UNHCR fears that other countries bordering Syria are inspired by the example of Lebanon. Thousands of refugees would be left then blocked at the border. As many potential customers for illegal networks.
No comments:
Post a Comment