Children 'scared for the future' as Syria crisis takes toll on neighbouring countries

Communities in Lebanon are at 'breaking point' as refugees fleeing deadly violence in neighbouring Syria continue to pour into the country - putting children further at risk, aid agency World Vision warns today.

School classes have doubled in size with some shutting their doors to local children at lunchtime to make way for refugees. Healthcare is under growing strain with some clinics accepting 50 per cent more patients in the past year.

Meanwhile, many Lebanese families face financial ruin as wages plummet and rent prices soar, with hard-pressed refugees working for less money and clubbing together to rent rooms, warns today's report: "Under Pressure - The Impact of the Syrian Refugee Crisis on Host Communities in Lebanon". 

With predictions that a third of Lebanon’s population could be made up of refugees by the end of the year - and no end in sight for the crisis - the strain is leading to security concerns, increased resentment and a 'tinderbox' atmosphere.

Anita Delhaas-van Dijk, head of World Vision’s office in Lebanon, said: “I meet children and their families every day who have fled bombings and sniper fire in Syria with nothing.

“Lebanese communities have shown incredible generosity and resilience, many taking refugees into their homes and providing food. But the sheer number of people pouring into such a small country means the strain is just too much. The cracks are starting to show with worsening security, rising tensions and some children saying they're scared for their future.

“Communities are facing unbearable pressure. As the Syria conflict deepens, these pressures are more acutely felt. The crisis threatens to destabilise the whole region.”

Justin Byworth, Chief Executive of World Vision UK, said:

“This is the worst humanitarian emergency of the 21st century – and one of the most neglected issues within this crisis is the plight of the Lebanese people, who are now at breaking point.

“I saw this for myself, even before Christmas when a teacher told me of the Syrian refugees coming in: ‘They’re our family – but there’s no more space’.

“Seven months later, the number of refugees has more than tripled. One in four people living in Lebanon today is a refugee. This report tells the powerful, personal stories of the impact of this crisis – particularly on children, who are increasingly at risk.”

Today's report, launched at the House of Commons, warns that aid should help alleviate tensions between communities. It also urges assistance to be given to those most in need in the 'host community', as well as to refugees.

Agencies must also ensure that children - whether refugees or from the 'host community' - are protected, and their needs are being met as the crisis deepens.

The number of Syrian refugees registered in Lebanon has now passed half a million, with many more who are not registered.

World Vision has been working in Lebanon since 1975.