Syrian Refugees in Lebanon Endure Hardship as Ireland Pledges Action

Syrian refugees in Lebanon are enduring severe hardships, with many facing “unbearable” suffering as they await resettlement to Ireland. Currently, 62 refugees have been waiting for over three years, despite an earlier commitment from the Irish government to facilitate their relocation. During a visit to Lebanon this weekend, Taoiseach Micheál Martin acknowledged the refugees’ plight and promised efforts to expedite their resettlement.

In November 2022, an Irish delegation approved approximately 375 Syrian refugees for resettlement. They were informed they could expect to relocate by the end of 2023. However, as of October 2024, only four families had made the journey. Many of those still waiting have faced further displacement due to ongoing regional conflicts, particularly the war between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hizbullah.

Tragic stories have emerged from those waiting. A three-year-old girl died while her family awaited travel to Ireland, with her parents believing that earlier relocation could have provided her with necessary medical care. Among the 62 refugees still waiting, 42 are part of a community sponsorship programme, while 20 are under a standard resettlement programme, according to a spokesperson for the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration.

The resettlement initiative aims to offer vulnerable individuals a fresh start in a safe environment. Despite the fall of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria last year, the country remains devastated by nearly 14 years of conflict, and many refugees report homes destroyed and no prospects for return. In Lebanon, heightened fears of increased attacks from Israel compound their distress, as they seek a secure future for their families.

Khetam Sorour, a 43-year-old mother, described her family’s struggles, stating they have undergone two medical examinations but have seen no action since. “We are so tired. Life has completely stopped for us,” she lamented. Sorour also shared the discrimination her family faces in Lebanon, where her husband struggles to find employment due to their uncertain status. The family has accumulated debts and fears eviction, exacerbating their already dire situation.

Her children, aged between 8 and 17, have been unable to access education as Lebanese schools require residency permits, which they do not possess. “We feel like we’re living a lie,” Sorour expressed, highlighting the psychological toll of their waiting period.

During his visit, Micheál Martin stated, “I will engage with the Minister to make sure that we can try and accelerate this.” He acknowledged the slow pace of resettlement for the affected families but emphasized the government’s commitment to their well-being.

From 2019 to 2023, Ireland had pledged to resettle up to 2,900 refugees, primarily from Lebanon and Jordan. To date, only 576 have been resettled, with 486 coming from Lebanon, according to UNHCR figures. A government spokesperson noted that the Irish Refugee Protection Programme is actively working to facilitate the arrival of remaining families but did not provide specific timelines.

Abdul Rahman Al-Sulaiman, a 26-year-old refugee, expressed the urgency of their situation, saying, “We are stuck and don’t know what to do.” He and his family have been preparing for their new life in Ireland by learning about its culture and language. Yet, the prevailing uncertainty is taking a toll on their mental health.

The community sponsorship programme, managed by the Irish Red Cross, allows Irish citizens to support refugee families through fundraising and accommodation arrangements. Although 15 families were initially assigned to this scheme, only three have successfully relocated from Lebanon. A spokesperson for the Red Cross described the situation as “desperate,” while stating that the remaining families are expected to arrive in early 2026.

For those still waiting, the future appears bleak. Sorour questioned the lack of sponsors available to assist them, voicing a willingness to accept any temporary accommodation to escape their current conditions. “We want to escape the hell we are in,” she pleaded, underscoring the urgency for action as the families continue to endure a prolonged and uncertain waiting period.