As of 30 June 2016, more than 1.03 million Syrian refugees were registered with UNHCR and are living in over 1,750 locations across Lebanon. Syrians approaching UNHCR for protection are counseled on the Government of Lebanon’s instructions to suspend registration, and have their vulnerabilities assessed so that their critical needs can be addressed.
Protection
In June, UNHCR conducted a small survey amongst Syrian refugees to assess their intentions in the immediate future. Through focus group discussions and individual interviews, it was found that 49 per cent plan on remaining in Lebanon for now, pending return to Syria when conditions will allow for a safe repatriation, while 39 per cent expressed a desire to travel to a third country, 7 per cent wish to return to Syria when possible in the immediate future, and 5 per cent are uncertain. Well aware of the risks and challenges of travelling through irregular means and routes, Syrian refugees in Lebanon have consistently indicated their wish to travel via legal and safe channels, particularly through resettlement and other admissions schemes. In particular, they associate official travel with safety and better opportunities to receive appropriate support upon arrival. Health conditions for which humanitarian agencies cannot support treatment, such as cancer or orthopaedic deformities in children, as well as lack of higher education opportunities, continue to push Syrian refugees to move out of Lebanon.
Refugees in Lebanon consistently face challenges renewing and regularizing their legal stay, mainly due to the associated costs. However refugees’ awareness of procedures is improving thanks to nearly 29,000 awareness sessions on how to renew their legal stay. Moreover, sustained advocacy on this issue conducted by UNHCR and other protection actors has resulted in the acceptance by the Government of a UNHCR attestation in lieu of a housing commitment when refugees come to renewing their residency. Significantly, the Government has also agreed to replacing the pledge not to work, formerly required for renewal and regularization of legal stay, with a commitment to abide by Lebanese law. Discussions are ongoing as to the implementation of these procedural changes.