Title: Syrian refugee crisis: when aid is not enough
Abstract: The Syrian crisis poses an unprecedented challenge for neighbouring countries. The refugee influx has resulted in a 10% population increase in Jordan and a 25% increase in Lebanon (according to UNHCR data). Turkey, Iraq, and Egypt also face increasing strain on their infrastructures. With no political solution in sight, host countries are implementing new measures to alleviate the burden on their economies. In January, 2015, Lebanon announced a restricted 6 month visa for displaced Syrians, in effect, denying Syrians their refugee status and the rights and services this entitles them to.1Barnard A As refugee tide swells, Lebanon plans a visa requirement for Syrians.The New York Times (New York). Jan 2, 2015; (accessed Feb 19, 2015).http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/03/world/as-refugee-tide-swells-lebanon-plans-a-visa-requirement-for-syrians.html?_r=0Google Scholar In late 2014, Jordan repealed free health care for refugees, charging them a nominal fee, equivalent to that paid by uninsured Jordanians.2Sherlock R Jordan repeals free medical aid for Syrian refugees.The Telegraph (London). Nov 28, 2014; (accessed Feb 19, 2015).http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/syria/11261468/Jordan-repeals-free-medical-aid-for-Syrian-refugees.htmlGoogle Scholar Although not a signatory to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees, Jordan has historically offered protection to refugees. With international support, Jordan gave refugees free access to public schools and hospitals. However, the overwhelming demand has taken its toll on local infrastructure: Jordanians report that quality of education and health care has suffered, rents have risen, wages have fallen, and unemployment has grown.3International Labor OrganizationILO response to the Syrian refugee crisis in Jordan and Lebanon.http://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---arabstates/---ro-beirut/documents/genericdocument/wcms_240438.pdfDate: March 2014Google Scholar The pervasive sense of insecurity, dependence, and impoverishment has resulted in profound loss of hope and dignity among refugees. Negative coping mechanisms have manifested in an alarming rise in child labour, gender-based violence, and early marriage.42014 Syria regional response plan JordanUNHCR 2014.http://www.unhcr.org/syriarrp6/docs/syria-rrp6-jordan-response-plan.pdfGoogle Scholar The US$2·99 billion Jordan Response Plan, endorsed by the Jordanian government, moves away from a solely aid-focused strategy, towards one that places comprehensive host community development at the front and centre of the humanitarian response, to meet the needs of both refugees and host communities.53RP regional refugee & resilience plan 2015–2016 in response to the Syria crisis. UNHCR and UNDP, 2015.http://www.jo.undp.org/content/dam/jordan/docs/Publications/3RP-Report-Overview.pdfGoogle Scholar However, the likelihood that this money will be raised is low; previous funding appeals have fallen markedly short of their targets. The Government contends that a funding shortfall would necessitate the reduction of other refugee services, including education, cash assistance, and protection services for women and children. However, aid handouts were never a sustainable solution. Syrian refugees are not returning home in the foreseeable future, and with a few exceptions, rich nations have not met their obligation to offer refuge to Syrians fleeing the war. Self-reliance would therefore be key to provision of a semblance of human security in the region. However, the scale of economic devastation necessitates a huge influx of capital, knowledge, innovation, and infrastructure to create and sustain more jobs. At the World Economic Forum in 2015, the UNHCR high commissioner, stated that the “international humanitarian community no longer has the capacity to respond,” and called for a re-imagining of the humanitarian aid model, in which the business sector can play a constructive part.6Guterres A Think the aid system can cope? It can't. World Economic Forum, Jan 18, 2015.https://agenda.weforum.org/2015/01/think-the-aid-system-can-cope-it-cant/Google Scholar Private sector engagement is desirable, but the spiralling instability in the region might dissuade businesses from swift intervention. The humanitarian imperative is not likely to outweigh safety and profit. It is therefore crucial that donor countries fulfil their commitments, and the new development-centric Regional Plans be given a genuine chance. Failure to do so will cause unconscionable suffering and misery to millions. We declare no competing interests. Syrian crisis: health experts say more can be doneAs the Syrian conflict enters its fifth year this month, doctors and public health experts highlight the major health problems and the actions needed to address them. Sophie Cousins reports. Full-Text PDF David Nott: providing surgical care at the frontline of conflictsIn 1993, surgeon David Nott took leave from his consultancy position in Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK, to travel to Sarajevo, in the former Yugoslavia, to volunteer for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in a hospital so pockmarked with bullet holes it was known as the Swiss cheese hospital. “The place would get thudded from time to time”, he remembers, “and there were lots of people with arms and legs blown off, but—and this sounds strange to say—I had never felt so alive in my life. I really enjoyed the thrill of being in a situation where I could've died.” Full-Text PDF