The country of asylum looks at him as a perpetrator, by his mere presence, deprived of any protection. These are Lebanese titles for a humanitarian case, which is turning into a political cause, into a popular sectarian bargaining, or into fragile sovereignty.
The Syrians displaced to Lebanon are an extra burden. Lebanon’s burdens are many. The politicians’ apprehensions are considerable. They are afraid for the country’s very existence. They are sensing a demographic inferiority. They reckon that the temporary residence will be lengthy, or become settlement. By virtue of such a discourse, the refugee transforms from a burden into a danger. He is seeking nothing more than survival. His concern is providing food and medicine. The thought of escaping Lebanon to other parts of this small world crosses his mind. He fails. He is relieved when he provides books and schooling for his children. He steers clear of legal procedures. Humiliation cuts him to the quick, soliciting robs him of his dignity.
But this is not all. Asylum, after a certain time, turns into permanent residence. Future opportunities might inspire him to take up arms. This has happened repeatedly in places of asylum. This happened in Africa. This happened in Jordan. This has been tried in Lebanon. Perhaps this danger lies hidden somewhere, kept in check today. Who knows when arms would become the refugees’ project for returning to their country? Who knows? Yet, is it legitimate to hold someone responsible purely for his intentions or based on anticipation?
To top that, economic burdens, Lebanon’s dereliction of duty and the world turning a blind eye... To top this, job competition, and complete stagnation of the labor market. In addition to this and that, a refugee is not a number... He is a human being with all the rights guaranteed to him by international laws.
A difficult test for Lebanon, and an even more difficult test for the refugee.