Issue 6 December 2013

Middle East & North Africa

I do not want to be born a refugee

Naela Mansour 2 Marta Bogdanska 12 Haid Haid 52 Displacement Exilium Female Syrian Refugees Violating Rights in the Name of Protecting Women Editorial Contents

Arsaal, North Lebanon. Lots of Syrian refugees stay in this northern village close to the Syrian border Editorial 1 Sadly, the Middle East has witnessed some conditions, fl oods and three children who froze Displacement 2 of the largest mass displacements of people to death. Nejat Taştan explains how the de jure Naela Mansour worldwide over the past decade. As it currently and de facto situation of refugees and their host The Winding Road Between Damascus and Beirut 8 stands, millions of Syrians are fleeing their communities works in Turkey. As for Lebanon, Dima Wannous homes, moving within the country and Rayan Majed traces the refugee experience in Exilium 12 sometimes far outside of it. Not surprisingly, a country that has received the largest number Marta Bogdanska neighboring states have absorbed most of of displaced persons and is the only country Trapped in Disaster - Iraqi Refugees in Syria 16 these people and have managed well under the to still keep its borders open. Pierre Abi Saab Kelsey Lundgren circumstances. However, the question of how reviews the fi lm “Not Who We Are” by Lebanese Fleeing Towards Another Death - Syrian Palestinians in Lebanon 21 to deal with the waves of those who have lost documentary filmmaker Carol Mansour – a Mitwali Abu Nasser everything and might not be able to go back production made in cooperation with hbs. Haves and Have-Nots in Jordan’s Za’atari Camp 28 in the near future is a huge challenge for the In a reportage, Ryme Katkhouda looks Areej Abuqudairi refugees and for host communities, especially into the impact of Syrian refugees on Lebanese The Syrian Refugee Crisis in Turkey 31 since there is no settlement on the horizon. society and its economy. Since the situation Nejat Taştan Naela Mansour traces stories of particularly affects children, Emma Gatten On the Circumstances Syrian Refugees are Facing in Lebanon 35 displacement within Syria. While for most explores what exile means for Syrian children Rayan Majed refugees, exile is a dire prospect, Dima Wannous in terms of schooling and fi nding something Carole Mansour Wants Us to See / Wants to Show Us Something 41 elaborates on how, for some Syrian artists, their akin to home. Pierre Abi Saab fl ight to Beirut gave them a space to breathe. We Finally, Haid Haid explains how We Love the Syrians, Yet… 42 are also featuring a part of Marta Bogdanska’s “protection” has become the legal and ethical Ryme Katkhouda project “Exilium.” The photographer asks cover for ignoring the personal and sexual Syria's Children Seek Another Childhood in Lebanon 48 refugees about one item in their possession and rights of female Syrian refugees in neighboring Emma Gatten traces how a trivial lighter, a photo, a table cloth countries. In her article on early and often Female Syrian Refugees - Violating Rights in the Name of Protecting Women 52 all of a sudden assumes a diff erent meaning in not formally registered marriages of Syrian Haid Haid their life. refugees in Jordan Areej Abuqudairi shares her Wed in Refuge - Syrian Women and Girls in Jordan 58 There are stories of multiple insights on the legal vulnerability of women Areej Abuqudairi displacements as well. After the Iraq War in 2003, and families in the context of exile. more than one million Iraqi refugees came to Of course, the many diff erent facets Syria and are now stuck, as Kelsey Lundgren of this topic make it nearly impossible to cover shows, with a home that has vanished long them all in only one issue of a magazine. Still, it ago and an uncertain future in their refuge is our hope that we can at least shed some light home . Palestinians, who were more privileged on several key aspects of the Syrian refugee as refugees in Syria than in any other Arab crisis through voices that are on the ground, country, face the problem of where to go from living the tragedy. here. Mitwali Abu Nasser travelled to Palestinian We will also continue the discussion camps in Lebanon to assess their situation online at our website, which you are directly. encouraged to visit: www.lb.boell.org Areej Abuqudairi looks at how the internal economics of the Zaatari refugee Bente Scheller, René Wildangel & Joachim Paul camp in Jordan has developed after it became infamous as a result of the tough weather 2 Displacement Displacement 3

married a man from the Syrian Golan Heights, start of the Syrian revolution and the South “the immigrants” as they are called in Syrian joining Damascus in mounting demonstrations, Displacement dialect. She had nine children by this man and and later, armed resistance, Umm Ahmed was forced to help provide for them, washing would voice her deep concern over what was Naela Mansour down the entrance steps of buildings and happening where she lived. Many ordinary cleaning apartments. She then moved with her Syrians had a premonition of what the regime family from their camp near Adra and after “a might do if its power and authority were lifetime’s hardship,” arrived in al-Dhiyabiya, one challenged and were well aware that they were of the neglected and chaotic locations in the more exposed than anybody, more likely to South of rural Damascus. But she was delighted pay the ultimate price, and had absolutely no with what she had managed to achieve. She way to off set this fate. This is why they did not had put her nine children through school, with join the revolution openly, but remained silent all of them taking their baccalaureate and some and scared. Umm Ahmed was protective of her going on to university, and with her husband family’s modest assets and scared that it might she had built their large (illegal) home: Big all crumble away like some passing dream. enough, as she puts it, for both girls and boys She remained where she was for a to have the privacy they require. With the year and a half, beneath a hail of bombs and shells, until Ramadan 2012, when her house How might we speak of displacement? A lost a wall, its windows and part of the roof. dislocation? A yearning to be settled and the When the army stepped up its operations familiar landmarks nowhere to be found? against al-Dhiyabiya, al-Hajira and Sayyida Economic decline and the collapse of the Zeinab, she was forced to leave for Damascus, infrastructure that supports family and with her daughters, where she was joined by individual? It is more than all these things. It is a her husband and her sons at the house owned lassitude, an impotence, but also a fl aw in how by her husband’s family. Umm Ahmed says that time manifests itself: Having abandoned home this early morning journey was even more bitter one feels that time passes excruciatingly slowly; and more arduous than her trip from Tabariya with the change of environment the slowness of to Damascus, and that she hoped to die before time becomes infi nite. The migrant is paralyzed; “the war that was coming,” as though war and he loses his sense of initiative. Yet even this is exile were a seasonal rite that every Levantine not enough for us to talk of displacement. We must pass though. But the true torment was bring you here vignettes, of people who have to come: The quest for new accommodation. left their lands and emigrated; tales that shape Umm Ahmed tried to convince her daughters a society called Nowhere, called Suspended, that they should go to one of the refugee areas with all its gifts and pains. There is much pain that were housed in the Damascus schools, but and bitterness here, but sometimes, too, new they refused outright. They had no intention seeds send green shoots through the ashes, of going through such a degrading experience, and life goes on. especially since they were educated women: “Well-off,” with salaries. The search started in the housing developments of Barzeh, then on Umm Ahmed: “Is the road to to Jaramana, then the neighborhood of Harna close to al-Tell, before leading them back to al-Dhiyabiya open? Barzeh. Umm Ahmed could not feel at home Umm Ahmed, or Amina, was born in Palestine, anywhere after leaving her house in the South. in a camp in Tabariya, to parents who had Every time she would give some plausible moved there from Safad. She lived there for excuse in order to leave the place and attempt seven years before she and her family were to go back to her house in al-Dhiyabiya: The compelled to relocate once more in 1967. From water was cut off, the air was too cold and that journey, Umm Ahmed remembers the dry, there wasn’t enough furniture, the rent voices of the Israeli soldiers as they gave them was too high. And every time, she would force orders: “Damascus! Damascus!” she remembers, her nervous and unsettled family to continue with her siblings and her family being forced to searching. Between excuses she would come pick fruit from the trees. She also remembers each morning to the Sayyida Zeinab bus depot arriving barefoot at the gates of Damascus. and ask the drivers, “Is the road to al-Dhiyabiya When they reached Damascus they open...?” Every day they would insist that Naela Mansour holds a Ph.D. in settled in one of the camps for Palestinian there was no way through, and that most of Linguistics from Paris. She writes refugees that surrounded the capital. As al-Dhiyabiya had been destroyed or pillaged. for a number of Arabic and foreign newspapers and magazines and though displacement was her destiny, an ever- Driving to nowhere But she kept trying. Since leaving her home she teaches at several universities. present mark on her skin, the young Amina had not dyed her hair and she claimed that she 4 Displacement Displacement 5

expresses by saying that she cannot breathe waste resources with no thought for others’ outside the place. At fi rst she would claim that needs. If asked, psychologists will tell you that there was no way she could desert Homs, no the migrant unconsciously refuses to “join” the matter what happened. In late February 2012, new environment, a refusal that combines after holding out for ten months, and following both bitterness and a hope that he might the siege of Baba Amr, she was forced to return to his own home, and sometimes, too, abandon her home and move to Damascus. some resentment towards the emergency aid Ever since she has been on a never-ending workers, who are yet to lose their homes. A quest for the landmarks of a life that is now long history of violent injustice drives man under threat, fl ipped head over heels. She feels, to seek out absolute justice, even if it is the like other residents of Homs forced to leave justice of devastation and ashes. Some of the their mother city, that she is suspended in mid- activists who recently entered Ghouta Sharqiya air, weightless, and is trying hard, fruitlessly, to assist people in fi nding alternative ways to to understand this strange vegetative state. live, inform us that many revolutionaries, even Soon after she arrived in Damascus, those least directly involved in the war eff ort, Nisma was affl icted with a kind of schizophrenia. do not care about Damascus or its iconic status Surviving She could not comprehend how people could in the slightest, nor do they show any interest in wander the streets without the slightest sense devising a military plan that will spare the city had aged twenty years. Many of those who tell happened to him. She tells how she was forced of compassion for Homs. How could they destruction, not even its historic treasures and the story of their displacement say they have to beg and borrow to get enough money to go off to restaurants and cafes while her city architectural legacy. How can we ask a mother, aged dozens of years, and many, too, talk of help out her imprisoned son and expedite his lay devastated? How could they help lend who has lost her family in some random artillery worry and instability. release. Blackmailing the families of detainees credibility to the line that, “It’s all over and Syria bombardment, lost her house to a stray rocket, has now become systematic, a source of is fi ne?” How? Nisma could not understand or seen her son tortured to death, to care about funding for the machinery of oppression. how a nation could become a collection of the mosaics of the Ummayed Mosque? How? Withdrawal from public life Our picture of the situation in bubbles, each locked in its own temporal The schools and refuges off er us a Syria would be very inaccurate if we were to and geographical reality. After a while, she concentrated sample of the social violence In terms of daily life, being a migrant, coupled imagine that every person who leaves their began to realize that people were units within that once lurked behind the walls of private with the soaring prices, means that no one homes fleeing from war, destruction and a greater whole and that every unit was far homes and burst out to engulf the country. has the time to properly engage in communal death has great dreams and unbreakable more concerned with private concerns that First of all, the refuge is itself a kind of violence, activities (or re-engage, assuming such things hope. Umm Ahmed, like thousands of others, might threaten one’s own integrity, without since it reduces the individual’s living space to ever existed in the fi rst pla ce). Displacement dreams of nothing now save returning to what denying the existence of sympathy and mutual the bare minimum required for privacy. Each involves a withdrawal from public life, a remains of her home. A life beset by poverty, understanding. This, in itself, eases the fear person lives out their day-to-day lives under reassembling of the shattered fragments of marginalization and tyranny does not hold a felt by the migrant and allows him or her to the watchful eyes of others, even though the space open for involvement in public life; this assimilate into the laws of his new “whole.” horrors they have lived through have left only happens in cases of enraged, spontaneous Today, circumstances have brought them needing to be alone. It is a way of life Umm Ahmed, like thousands of others, dreams of revolt, of the kind we have witnessed in the Nisma to Paris. When she talks about herself almost indistinguishable from prison: The most nothing now save returning to what remains of her revolutionary regions. The ongoing destruction she says that her emigration was “super-deluxe.” powerful and violent are those who have the home. has left many of those who have fled their Not only did it not have any impact on her greatest access to freedom, privileges, food familiar surroundings entirely occupied fi nances, it positively improved her situation. and so on. Women and children are mistreated with quotidian concerns, and with keeping She was not compelled to register as a refugee by their relatives, as well as individuals from one’s private existence, and one of the most themselves and their loved ones alive without because she had married a French citizen, a other families. We have heard numerous stories important facets of this hardship is securing having to resort to vagrancy or suff ering the former acquaintance, and had gone to live in of harassment and assault in refuges. In one rent, a largely impossible exercise within breakdown of their family values. an upscale neighborhood in the city’s 16th refuge, in Barzeh, a man physically assaulted Damascus proper, thereby forcing people arrondissement. Upscale, perhaps, but nothing the wife of a man he did not even know, out into other, undamaged, suburbs which to compare to her old life in her “dear Homs.” purely because he considered her “insolent.” are by definition some distance from where Dear Homs From another perspective, however, they live. This means more public transport, the phenomenon of immigration and more hours spent at checkpoints on their April 2011: The morning of the Clocktower Combined and refuge centers has forced the “other” Syrian way from A to B, and, by extension, more Square massacre in Homs, Nisma got up, community—the community that for so long risk of being victimized on the basis of their tired, but determined to tidy and clean every contradictory identities looked away and refused to acknowledge what identity documents which have been issued last centimeter of her house. For months, As military operations in the Damascus was taking place—to open its eyes and see. At in revolutionary-controlled regions. Umm obsessively, she had been doing the same hinterland intensifi ed and people moved in certain points along the lengthy Barniya Street Ahmed gives the example of her son, detained thing, as if she sought to restore life to her city their thousands into the city’s schools, some in Rukneddin, a neighborhood comprised of at a checkpoint between Harna and al-Tell by setting her private corner of it in order. She emergency aid workers started to complain wealthy Damascene families and the upper- because his name resembled that of someone felt the gaping void around her was hastening about the passivity of these newcomers middle class, a number of migrants from the they wanted - this boy, who had never been her own end. Nisma is a lady from Homs, a and the fact they would not engage in any South have made their homes, refusing to openly involved in the smallest revolutionary member of the city’s bourgeoisie. The family constructive, bonding group activities in go to the nearby refuge. Perhaps their plan act. She tells how he spent two months in the history she has inherited, her memories, are the schools where they stayed. They also is to beg along the street, which is thronged regime’s prisons without her knowing what had indivisibly entwined with Homs, something she complained that the refugees were prone to with cars all day long, but to passers-by they 6 Displacement Displacement 7

seem to say: “Don’t you want to look? I won’t unable to take her and her children in, were make it easy for you. I’m going to stay here cruel to her and her own family did the same. In to remind you and make your life hell with those terrible days in the winter of 2012, in the my trash and my kids and the shacks I build!” most exposed shack in the slums of Rukneddin’s One resident of Rukneddin tells us in Akrad district, without food, heating or income, great detail about something that took place when she considered killing herself to bring in one of the neighborhood’s parks. It is a well- her suffering to an end, simple humanity told tale, not at all painful, but it suggests that a provided a ray of sunshine in the darkness. new Syrian identity will one day be born out of Some of her neighbors managed to persuade all this horror, a true identity: Not the dishonest, her to consider other options: A low-level job, hypocritical one that generations of Syrians re-enrolling her daughters at school, resuming have embraced for decades without demur or her studies. Today Umm Rua says she will never honest examination. It runs as follows: A lady again make decisions about her life based on from the neighborhood, a regular at the park, the wishes of her family or her husband. Today, is sitting on a bench. One of the migrants who she says: “There’s no going back. Those days are

have taken up residence in the park comes over over!” A destroyed house in with her daughter and sits down on the same Rana is a widow who took on the rural Idleb, 2013 bench. The lady shuffl es down to the other task of raising her four children following end of the bench and hunches her shoulders. her husband’s death. She tells how female of porcelain, fracturing beneath the weight The migrant doesn’t hesitate. Without any migrants from different regions, sects and Bridges of their feet yet indiff erent to its fate: The sole discomfort or sense that she is invading the political backgrounds are working together purpose of its existence was to grant these woman’s space, she shifts closer. It has become on a weaving project, where the women make Between two places, emigration is nowhere. The children a future. Is the day in which I, too, will impossible for any Syrian not to intrude on clothes for other migrants in exchange for a gulf may be bridged and it may not be. It may be forced to become a porcelain bridge, near at another, that they might ask together: What is modest wage. The work forces the women to be bridged with force of will, a determination to hand? our identity, both old and new? live side-by-side and get on with their lives. stay alive, a starting over, and it may be bridged

They are forced to accept one another. Being with coffins. Months after Umm Ayman left 1. Part of the testimony of Nisma, the lady from Homs, together in one, often cramped, place (such as Douma, her husband, who was in his eighties, was published in Issue 3/4 (Winter 2013) of Bidayyat a refuge or a family home that has taken in the passed away. He was unable to bear being in an article entitled, “The Assassination of the Public Arena.” It has become impossible for any Syrian not to families of all the children that grew up there), parted from his home city for long. He had lived intrude on another, that they might ask together: has started to generate new mechanisms a whole, long life there without ever leaving. What is our identity, both old and new? for coexistence. Those involved might be He died, as if he meant to bring his exile to an *Translated from the Arabic by Robin Moger burdened with bitterness, a sense of injustice end, and asked that he be buried in Douma. His and inarticulacy, but through the process, family was unable to accompany him to his questions inevitably take shape, and from there, fi nal resting place, or hold a wake in his former concrete formulations of citizenship. home, but they did manage to hire a driver to In other cases, where people have take the body into Douma. On his fi nal journey From this perspective, displacement been compelled to return to their families, from Damascus to Douma, Abu Ayman’s head throws up large questions and, given the psychological conflicts between different was slumped against the car’s window. He was current circumstances, forces a break with generations and against patriarchal authority a bridge, reconnecting his loved ones who had certain social taboos. Ayman al-Doumani says have been revived, problems that had been left Douma to his loved ones trapped within it. that his mother fi nally left Douma on the Eid deferred and left unresolved when the children They gathered him up and buried him, just as al-Adha holiday in 2012. She was forced to married and moved out of their family homes. he had wanted. live where she could and the accommodation When Jamila left her home in Barzeh al-Balad It remains a fact that the hardest and she found was in a mixed-denomination she returned to her family home with her most painful task of all is building a bridge neighborhood, primarily Christian and Druze. husband and two boys. For months, her father between home and the world outside. These At the end of her fi rst week there, Umm Ayman and her would take turns being in the house, in days, I am still haunted by the memory of the began to go out to the house’s garden without an attempt to avoid bickering over the petty art historian, whom I first met in Beirut and wearing the heavy head-coverings she usually details of daily life. One of the things about then again, a few years ago, in Damascus. wore. Many women have been compelled marriage, as Jamila explains, is that it severs She was giving a series of lectures on the to provide for their families after losing the your bonds with your family and frees you to subject of “the bridge: ” Wooden bridges, steel main breadwinner. Umm Rua is a woman from make personal decisions unaff ected by your bridges, concrete suspension bridges and the Zabadani whose family forced her to marry at parents’ wishes. Her emigration returned her most problematic of all, porcelain bridges. a very young age and was unable to complete to that same shuttered environment and to This Frenchwoman of Cambodian extraction her studies despite being an excellent student. “authority,” in the patriarchal sense. The current explained her interest in bridges thus: Her She got divorced then married again, this time war in Syria has prompted people to reevaluate family had escaped the massacres perpetrated to a man from Daraya, only to fi nd herself on her their fears. All the traditional fears - of father, or by the Khmer Rouge, and walked across the own, after the August 2012 massacre in Daraya, husband, or of upsetting somebody important Cambodian border to save their children. The with three children and not even knowing - have taken on a secondary importance in the bridge that those children crossed towards where her husband is. Her husband’s family, face of death’s unbridled assault on the living. another life and land was a bridge made out 8 The Winding Road Between Damascus and Beirut The Winding Road Between Damascus and Beirut 9

The Winding Road Between Damascus and Beirut

Dima Wannous

What's next?

In just two hours, you can travel by car from passes through the security checkpoints. few years; that superior, if not to say outright void. While their parents’ generation was busy Damascus to Beirut. In regular circumstances, Only that winding road to Beirut gives racist, look by which Syrians were regarded, sinking into despair and counting their losses, Beirut is closer to Damascus than the Syrian meaning to their existence. Gives them a no matter how cultured or creative they were. this generation was raised alone, in Syrian city of Homs. But what about circumstances temporary passport with which they can Ultimately, a Syrian, to most Lebanese, was schools that were more akin to packaging that require, if one is traveling from the Syrian travel the world. Beirut: Syria’s creative border. nothing more than a construction worker, or plants. Where, consciously and deliberately capital to the Lebanese city center, passing After the beginning of the Syrian a cheap mukhabarat (secret police) agent - far more insidious than unconsciously - through security checkpoints and being revolution two and a half years ago, Beirut or a soldier in haggard military uniform. the student’s talents were sucked dry, the exposed to danger from aerial bombardment, transformed from a beautiful dream into an Syrian artists - from painters to remaining droplets funneled into the service military raids and clashes between the regime inescapable necessity. It is no longer just an musicians, writers and actors - came and of one party, one leader (since the Baath party and opposition forces? option, but basically the only option open changed all of that. And their presence, despite seized power in 1963), and any encouragement The road between Damascus and the before the “generation of the revolution.” Even if the grumbling of some Lebanese, came as given the students related only to this one Lebanese capital, cleaving upwards through some don’t choose to settle there permanently, a shock to many. The Syrian revolution, in endeavor. The talented musician was the one the mountains, winding through and ultimately using it only as a temporary substitute a very short time, helped leap over the old who played nationalist songs praising the revealing Beirut - its sea, its dense growth of nation, or as a stepping-stone to Europe or relationship with the Other. Those two and leader, the singer the one who sang for the buildings and low sky - has been imprinted Turkey, Egypt or the Gulf. This generation of a half years returned Syrians to their rightful leader, the painter the one who painted the in my memory as the road to salvation. I don’t dreamers is now forced to come to Beirut, place as both citizens and human beings. It leader and the actor the one who represented think this is my memory alone. The “generation not in leisure as they did before, or seeking even helped shore up the Syrian worker. He the state of the people after the “Corrective of the revolution” nowadays and the Baath deliverance with its culture, as in decades past. was no longer just a worker, but a citizen now, in Revolution” (the one that brought Hafez Vanguards (a political organization set up by Gemmayze Street, overtaken a danger of persecution and oppression, murder al-Assad to power in 1970). The writer penned the totalitarian regime in Syria for children and few years ago when some of the residents and destruction. The Lebanese discovered that poems or articles about the greatness of Syria youth) of yesteryear, carries this exact memory, fl ed the noise and revelry, Hamra street and the Syrians were no better off than they. Just in the age of the “immortal” leader. For that just as I do. the alleyways of Downtown (the city center), like the Lebanese, they too had lived under the generation knew no other leader but Him. Life in Beirut, only dozens of kilometers have all turned into artistic thoroughfares, shadow of the Syrian military jackboot. More Taking all these circumstances into away, was a dream for a whole generation of crammed with showrooms and galleries. It is importantly, they proved themselves to be a account, creativity, in its broader meaning, young writers, painters, actors, directors, and no coincidence that those galleries only really mighty and courageous people. The Lebanese becomes something that requires mediation. musicians. There are many reasons why Beirut is fl ourished a year after the Syrian revolution, with had not for a second thought that the Syrians For how was this canned, packaged generation a tantalizing city for this generation. It resembles the infl ux of a number of young artists arriving would ever break their silence, exposing able to produce artists whose importance them more than Damascus. It resembles their to put on solo or group exhibitions. Most of themselves to death and inviting it into their spread far and wide? How did they manage

Dima Wannous studied French dreams. It understands their projects and those galleries were very careful not to delve lives. According to the stereotype, Syrians were to free themselves from that memory of literature and translation at the respects them, lending the support necessary to into the Syrian revolution with any depth as a subservient, cowardly, obedient and compliant, violence and escape its repugnant legacy? University of Damascus in Syria and realize them. It untangles their diff erences and matter of survival. In the end, politics remains a construction workers or security apparatus, The great surprise is how light the evidence the Sorbonne in Paris. She worked as an editor and a presenter for the beliefs. As opposed to Damascus, where they “dirty” game, as one of the gallery owners puts it. superficial and single-minded. Brainwashed of that memory is in some of their work, as cultural program "City Lights" that live on the sidelines, their plans consistently “Interfering in politics is only a form temporary either in the doctrines of the regime or the if they had not lived it all. But they did live it. was screened on the Orient satellite frustrated; where dissent is unacceptable; fuss that dissipates quickly,” he said, “leaving opposition: The former inside Damascus, the Only they didn’t live it in silence. Instead they channel and writes cultural and political articles for a number of where one cultural doctrine dominates the nothing behind but a distant, useless memory.” latter outside Syria. pushed against that accumulated despair Lebanese and foreign newspapers. land, and those with different beliefs are The young artists in Beirut were and loneliness to create a parallel universe, a She has also written a book of short stories entitled, Details, published banished beneath it, to underground prisons. given the opportunity to show their work substitute homeland, a temporary passport, all by Al-Mada printing house, and a Disagreement means marginalization, and earn a living. In exchange, and in ways Artists born out of the void perhaps in attendance of that single moment: novel entitled Chair, published by means social, humanitarian and political unknown to them, they also helped change The revolution. Dar al-Adaab. She currently oversees the cultural page of the electronic suffering. The only path to cultural the stereotypical image of the Syrian that many The idea is a bit harsh, perhaps. But many of In Beirut, it is no longer so easy to newspaper Al-Modon. enlightenment is, if possible, the one that Lebanese have subscribed to over the last the young Syrian artists were born out of the distinguish between the two experiences of 10 The Winding Road Between Damascus and Beirut The Winding Road Between Damascus and Beirut 11

Lebanese and Syrian art in general. Syrian Lebanese camps. plays, showing at Al-Madina, Babel, or Dawwar On the other hand, there are theaters al-Shams theaters are no longer visiting plays whose owners have refused, from the very as they once were, but have become regular beginning, to host any activity or show related features of the theatrical landscape. Beirut now to the revolution. Such behavior has now embraces the experiences of Syrians to perhaps become deplorable, after two and a half years the same extent as it does the Lebanese of continuous killing, a festival of death. experiences. And the annoyances encountered by some Syrian artists are no worse than those encountered by some Lebanese. There is a Syrian art is liberated from competition. They share a citizenship, if not a nation, even if Lebanon is only considered a its past temporary homeland until the situation calms The Syrian artist Mohammad Omran once told down in Syria. me a story, one of many, about the relentless Things are much the same in the fear he lived under during his childhood, a world of music: Rap groups, for example, now childhood of the Baath Vanguard. It remains have Syrians laying down rhymes side-by-side one of the most beautiful stories I’ve ever heard Street graffi ti, Kafranbel with Leb anese. The musicians’ nationalities are about the gigantic fear carried like a burden by no longer of any importance. They look like my generation, a fear that has no doubt dug of their ideals. But times have simply changed. the revolution would succeed within the span one another and carry the same concerns; they deep into our consciousness and wormed its The times are always changing. of a few months, and that they would be back share the same dreams and the same despair way into our subconscious. He told me how all Those who took to the streets were not of in the country very shortly. I know people who of a generation divided between two countries his memories of the 1980s are tinted entirely in that seasoned, sacrosanct creative class. left their winter clothes in Damascus when they at once. They speak the same musical language a dusty yellow. He has only to hear about that The absence of the important painters, the fl ed in the summer, and vice-versa. Full of the and are committed to the same humanitarian era to see everything suddenly cast in that pale renowned musicians and writers was noticeable sense of imminent return, some were motivated causes. Everyone sings about poverty and yellow. Omran was always terrifi ed by the news during the run-up to the confrontations, not to document the revolution minute by minute, hunger, about a totalitarian military, about report when the newscaster would peek out of just in Beirut but at home, within, as well. Here such as the young Syrian artist Tammam Azam, Sharia law, and about destruction, torture that small screen to announce the opening of we can also talk about new artists, untrained living in Dubai, or the photographer Jaber and murder. Nor is the idea as simple as the some facility or other. As the newscaster read in craft, who stunned the world with their al-Athma. Others couldn’t fi nish their projects, superfi cially off ensive repetition of the fact that the report, the screen pulsed with pictures of creativity, like the youth of Kafr Nabel, like sure that they would be back any day. Things music brings musicians together under one the opening. "Sponsored by the esteemed the amateur photographers and filmmakers are diff erent now, after two and a half years. roof. Not at all. We are talking here specifi cally President… a governor… a member of the who produced documentaries without any For one, documenting the revolution minute about Syrians and Lebanese. Assad’s fall is no national leadership… the opening of the facility professional know-how or modern equipment by minute is no longer possible because of the longer a matter that concerns Syrians alone. The also…". On the screen, the image of people save their smartphones or simple cameras. complexities surrounding it and the numerous Lebanese as well—not just any Lebanese, to be standing in line, ramrod straight. Looking This is the cultural output after the revolution, parties engaged in the confl ict. On the other sure—dream of the fall of the regime, defend exactly like one another, their features cloned liberated from the slogans that accompanied hand, there is a general frustration that disrupts the revolution, and chant its slogans loud and from one another. And then they’d begin to the work of most of the past generation. the ability to create, to innovate. The current proud. clap silently. All the sound sucked away. The The ideas of the young generation are clear, moment oppresses the capability to imagine In addition to the artistic collaboration newscaster read while they clapped soundlessly renouncing prevarication, always ready for and dream. And diffi cult living conditions only between musicians and actors, there’s another on the screen. It was that, that silent scene that renewal. Their paintings blend technology with make everything worse. kind of alliance taking place. It’s a cooperation terrorized Mohammad Omran. color, with current events, with the happening It’s hard to say whether Syrian artists based on a knowledge of the political It’s not an easy story. It can give one and the moment. They are documents that and creators today should begin realizing orientation of the owners of cultural venues, pause for a long time. I see that the fear the don’t devalue over time. Their music is the their projects separate from the idea of a of theaters and exhibition spaces. Actually, I’m Syrians lived under has become a subject for same: Despite making use of the most current return, which might take far longer than fi rst not sure “political orientation” is the right term the study and analysis of the kinds of diseases techniques, it does not come across as superior, imagined. There is no longer the idea of the anymore because the situation has transcended suff ered by that generation. But it is hard to say disrespectful or elitist. Just the opposite in fact, “temporary” dangling over their works. They are politics and become a humanitarian one, a that the generation of the revolution escaped in every way. Their fi lms and books and theater now more settled in the places they have found matter of conscience. To stand by the Syrian without disease or complex. As they grew up, pieces have all broken through a barrier of fear, themselves. And their works are bigger, wider regime is to stand shoulder to shoulder with so too did their diseases. Only they are now bridging the gap between culture and street. now than the revolution, than the moment. murderers. Some gallery owners and managers, allowed the compensation of a courage far There is no longer room for the project of a even if not directly concerned with politics, stronger than that of their parents’ generation, moment. It is now the project of a lifetime. stand in solidarity with the Syrian people’s in my opinion. Circumstances helped, of course: Temporary presence revolution, with their “brothers,” by offering The increased social openness, the easing of them certain facilities such as providing political isolation and the introduction of the The fi rst year of the revolution was characterized them with a space where they can screen Internet into work and life, all helped bolster by the exodus of many Syrian artists from * Translated from the Arabic by Lina Mounzer documentaries made by activists during the this courage and shore up its undertaking. It is Damascus and their arrival in Beirut or their revolution, either inside or outside the country, perhaps for that reason that the older creative travel to other countries, all supposedly on a or by offering an empty theater to rehearse, generation has been cast aside. Cast aside temporary basis. Many of those fl eeing prison or even by giving workshops or organizing not for lack of importance, not to lessen the or compulsory service, or those simply seeking cultural activities for the Syrian refugees in impact of the riches they off ered up in defense opportunities for work, were convinced that 12 Exilium Exilium 13

afterwards. I am wanted for military service, but a normal lighter. That was when I was planning of course I am not going to serve in that army. to go to Lebanon but the roads were blocked Exilium My uncle is in prison. The regime to Homs so I took time to plan. My fi ancée did thinks my village is hosting terrorists. My friends not know that I was planning to go to Lebanon. were killed at the hands of the regime. Their I did not tell him because he was pro-Assad. Marta Bogdanska families have not received their bodies yet. It Despite how close we were at the is risky for me to go back right now. Also, I am beginning of the revolution we agreed not to doing more things from here than what I can talk about politics since I am for the revolution. “Show us the way to bitter exile” do inside. The situation there is really bad, and Aleppo was calm then but I was always worried - Euripedes, The Bacchae I would be living under siege, and therefore my about my family in Homs. I was always talking hands would be tied security-wise. to them to make sure they were safe and alright. Sometimes I talked to my fi ancée about this. He was not exactly pro-Assad; he was just against Noor, 21 any sabotage actions that could lead to the destruction of the country. He thinks that if Khalil, Exilium project I have been here for 13 months and a couple Bashar had the time to reform he could do it. of weeks because things got really complicated But I always argued that if he really wanted to in Syria, in Homs. I studied at Aleppo University reform the country he had a lot of time to do it, Exilium is a project by Marta Bogdanska, a it to me at the time and I kept it ever since. I Polish photographer currently living in Beirut. used to keep it in my wallet with my ID and carte de visite wherever I went. I think he was The project developed as a way to give space in the 5th grade at the time, 11 or 12 years old. and document the experiences of a growing My cousin had decided to come to number of Syrian refugees, who had to leave Lebanon because of the bombing. There was no their hometowns in the last two years. As I was way he could have handled it anymore. Since fully aware that exposing their identities could he had a Lebanese nationality he was worried put them in danger, I decided to work on this sick because it was so tense and he was afraid of project without revealing anybody’s identity. I being arrested as a Salafi st terrorist fi ghting on spoke to around 11 people, who had fl ed Syria the side of the Free Syrian Army and terrorists. and came to Lebanon, and photographed one He decided to take the smugglers’ road through item that they took with them when they left. the river instead of the offi cial crossing. It was The item might be a piece of clothing, shoes or raining heavily that night. When he was almost something personal and important that was on the other side of the river he was surprised “traveling” with the person. I then asked them to by a fl ood that swept him away. We tried to tell me a short story about this object and the help him from the other side of the river but route it took. the difficult weather made it impossible for us to do that. Later we found his dead body on the side of the river. For me it was a tragic Khalil, 22 loss. He died just because he did not want to Noor, Exilium project risk being arrested by the people of the regime. I have been in Lebanon for 17 months, but I do not think I can go back to Syria before I studied in Tripoli for four years. I came before the regime is toppled. Then we could but life in the city was getting more diffi cult 11 years. He only kept talking about it without here 17 months ago around February 2012. I go back in dignity. I used to be humiliated at recently so I had to leave. My family decided doing anything at all. During our last year, my left because there was a good chance that checkpoints by soldiers because my father to come to Lebanon and I came two weeks fi ancée and I had arguments. Finally we decided the regime’s army would destroy my village was arrested. They were always saying that before them. We had to cross each one not to talk about it because we knew we would Tel Kelekh in Halaat and arrest me there. I was smuggling information in my laptop. alone because they are not allowing families fi ght. When things got really complicated in Since I was a student in Lebanon They always searched my laptop and books to cross unless they are paying a lot of Tel Kelekh, I rented a car for my family there to before I didn’t have diffi culties arriving. I used and took them to the offi cer for a secondary money. Even if you have enough money bring them to Homs and then to Aleppo. They Marta Bogdanska is a Polish my student identifi cation and entered Lebanon search. That goes for all the checkpoints from to pay you might not be able to cross. My did not manage to cross to Lebanon at that time. photographer and artist currently living in Beirut. She has worked on legally. I took a road from Tel Kelekh to Halaat, my home to the borders. Sometimes, to get rid brother went first, then I went a week later, In the end though, we all managed to get here. numerous artistic projects and has then to Mashairfe, and through to Akkar to Tripoli. of them, I would go without carrying anything and after that my family came 13 days later. My fiancée is in Egypt now. We been published internationally. In The photograph that I brought just to avoid this treatment. I left my mobile I came from Aleppo to Homs, and then to communicate through the Internet. During 2012, together with Nisreen Kaj, she conceptualized and implemented with me from Syria is of my cousin who tried phone card with my cousin in the picture Tel Kelekh. From there I went to Dabussy the last three months I have been here he at the photo exhibition entitled, “Mixed crossing into Lebanon a few days after me. He because he had the Lebanese nationality so and Abu Samra, and ended up in Tripoli. least managed to come to see me once. After Feelings” for hbs, portraying Lebanese young people with one drowned in a river during the attempt. He was they would not give him a hard time like me. I brought a lighter with me. It belongs I crossed to Lebanon he stayed two months in parent from Asian or African origin. my friend since childhood. This photograph I think there’s a risk if I go back now. All to my fi ancée in Aleppo. He forgot it on the Aleppo. He did not leave immediately because The portraits were on display along was taken 12 years ago when he obtained the men in my family are wanted by the regime. table and I took it. Afterwards whenever he he was stuck there when the confl ict erupted. with quotes from the respective person, refl ecting on their experience his first passport because he was going to At least six of them have already been arrested, would say to me to give it back to him I would Fortunately they managed to get a fl ight from in Lebanese society. Kuwait. It was a passport picture. He gave even before the revolution. My father too, answer: “I will not give it back to you.” It was just Aleppo to Egypt. He put his family on that plane 14 Exilium Exilium 15

to Egypt and then he went to Damascus and at a time and come back to Syria. Now I think from Damascus to Beirut, and then he came to we are here to stay until the regime is gone. Tripoli to see me. He stayed for a while with me I crossed the borders legally by and took a plane from Beirut to Egypt. I don’t myself. My family (mother and sisters) crossed know how long I will stay here. We decided before me on the same day because we that if things get calmer in our town we would cannot cross all together. Although I was go back. Unfortunately we found out that our crossing alone they realized some of my family house was destroyed and we have no place to members with the same name had crossed go back. All my uncles and relatives stayed at before and they stopped me to check on it. our house because theirs were destroyed, and “Why are you going to Lebanon? now this one is destroyed too. I can’t go back Why did not all of you go together?” they myself because I heard that they know now kept asking. It appears they just wanted some that we are working for NGOs here in Lebanon. money from us so we gave them a bribe. They We work with Syrian refugees. Our lives, my said without paying any money they will not sister’s and mine may be at risk if we go back. allow me to cross. They checked in my luggage. There was one time when we were sitting in Another family was crossing at the same time Juma, Exilium project the house with my friends and we counted as me but they were not allowed to cross. One

that the bombs the regime was using could go I had a lot of things in Damascus. I left through four walls and we only had one roof them there. I just brought the most important above our heads. This was when my family thing, meaning clothes. You really need them. took the decision that there was no way to stay. I brought with me a piece to cover a table, a I brought with me photographs of my tablecloth. Tantal it is called in Kurdish. I got friends and family members. I wanted to keep it from my older sister. I really like it. It is very them with me. Despite the bombing, when colorful, with a lot of brightness. She made it I left, my house was still ok. However after I herself. It is traditional for the region I come crossed the borders we saw on Youtube that from, which is the North, the Kurdish region. I our house was totally destroyed. It was a good wanted to keep it with me. In general I do not thing that I brought these pictures with me like colors but it is more like a memory. And because otherwise they would have been lost you need it daily. My family is still there in Syria. in all that destruction. I would have lost some When I came here I told myself that I of my memories. And I want to keep these had left my memory and my archives. They will photographs in case I cannot see them again. not get lost; I kept them with a friend. Many I do not know how long I can stay here, videotapes. They are important to me, although even if the regime is gone, because we have no for sure they are not legal for the regime. houses in Syria anymore. It would take a while For me staying in Syria was “suicidal” – before we could settle back in our country after like committing suicide. It is not about danger. Joanna, Exilium project losing all our clothes and furniture. All was If you stay there you are put in a position where lost, stolen or burnt. I used to study business you would get killed or kill someone. I was management at Aleppo University. working on documentary projects and in the 59 bombs around us. Boom, boom, boom. mohajaba (a fully veiled woman) was given a middle of March, just when we started fi lming, When the Free Syrian Army took control of the hard time by them, the Syrian border guards, they stopped. I stayed for seven months doing countryside of Aleppo we held demonstrations and they did not allow her to cross. The trip took Juma, 31 nothing, just sitting at home. Negative feelings. at Aleppo University. I joined most of them. one hour from Tel Kelekh to Dabussy. On the I felt some euphoria but all my friends We fi nished our exams and went straight to Lebanese side I did not have any problems at I left from Damascus on the 15th of October were in jail, people were getting killed, watch- the demonstration. I did not tell my fi ancée all. I came from Aleppo to Homs and then to Tel 2011. I took a taxi and a main road from Damas- ing news. It was not easy. I couldn’t feel anything that I was going to those demonstrations. Kelekh. From there I went to Dabussy and fi nally cus to Beirut. I had no problems at the border. in Damascus, the city I liked so much before. My fi ancée has decided to come here I managed to get to Tripoli. I spent ten days in I was worried that something would happen We all know that the regime will in a few days and then we are going to get Tell Kelekh to see what was going on. At that but it was ok. There was something funny that change but I know it will not be easy, a lot of married. time Aleppo was still calm. Those ten days were happened though. Before I left I had a strange people will be killed, and a lot of blood will be unbearable. Yes, Tel Kelekh was bombed in the feeling. There is this land between the bor- spilled. Joanna, 21 early days. Despite that we stayed on the second ders: between the Syrian gate and Lebanese fl oor of the house because it was safe. After one. When I was crossing the border to Leba- I came to Lebanon 13 months ago because that bullets started going through every wall non, I passed the Syrian gate and we entered of the continuous bombing in my hometown in our house. Our neighborhood was attacked a kind of “no man’s land”. When I got there I by the regime’s army in Tel Kelekh. I used to because we had a fi eld hospital in our street, felt some kind of relaxation because I was come to Lebanon because I have relatives here. across from our house. I had the thought that I worried before. Suddenly, in the middle of This time, however, is diff erent because now was going to die in the next moment. There was this “no man’s land”, I saw Syrian soldiers with we are refugees. We used to go for ten days no way I could have a life in this house. We heard guns, and it made me feel depressed again. 16 Trapped in Disaster Trapped in Disaster 17

Trapped in Disaster Iraqi Refugees in Syria

Kelsey Lundgren

Rural Aleppo, 2012

The world is watching as Syrians fl ee en masse However, after the Falluja bombings in 2004 legal status vis-à-vis the Syrian government, deportation; harassment and discrimination to neighboring countries to seek shelter and as and the Samaraa al-Askeri Mosque bombing in which for its part was mostly forgiving of those because of illegal and/or non-citizen status; and the fi ghting continues in-country with a death 2006, Syria saw a huge infl ux of Iraqi nationals Iraqi refugees who overstayed and/or failed the risk of sexual and gender-based violence and toll of over 100,000, an estimated six million crossing the Iraq-Syria border, most of whom to renew their visas. Moreover, Iraqi refugees discrimination, sometimes resulting in coerced internally displaced and approximately two were fl eeing sectarian violence that became lived under a protective framework because sexual activities, sex traffi cking or sex work.8 million Syrian refugees abroad.1 There has been commonplace in their country. The period the Syrian government deferred to UNHCR Given these hurdles, the only really much debate over how to increase support for immediately following these bombings is on considering Iraqi refugees prima face4 durable solution, and the main goal for them, is Syrian refugees in the neighboring countries considered the height of the Iraqi refugee crisis, refugees, and thus their refoulement back to to be resettled permanently in a third country, and those trapped inside with limited access to and the Syrian government estimates that 1.2 Iraq would be a violation of international law.5 such as the US, Canada or Australia. Each of clean water, electricity and other basic neces- million Iraqis came to Syria at this time.2 This Iraqi refugees who obtained a refugee these countries has their own resettlement sities. While the death and displacement of estimate includes any Iraqi national that crossed status card from UNHCR ostensibly had access program that requires refugees to complete a Syrians is extremely disheartening, a critical the border into Syria – some may have been to the same basic health and public services series of interviews, and medical and security perspective from inside Syria is mostly forgot- temporarily staying with family in order to wait as Syrians, and Iraqi refugee children were checks in order to assess their credibility ten: The perspective of those who once came out the Iraq war, but with full intentions to return. allowed to access education through local and eligibility for resettlement. The largest to Syria as refugees. There has been some atten- This article, however, focuses on the experience schools. However, due to a range of reasons – resettlement program for refugees worldwide tion to Palestinian refugees, particularly after of those Iraqis who were given refugee status documentation issues, lack of money for school is the US Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) the shelling of the Yarmouk Camp in Damascus by the United Nation’s High Commissioner supplies and the need for children to work in which in 2008 welcomed 60,108 refugees at the end of 2012. A widely neglected aspect for Refugees (UNHCR) in Syria – the UN body order to support the family – only an estimated worldwide, 23 percent of whom were Iraqi.9 is, however, the situation of the hundreds of charged with protecting and fi nding durable 10 percent of Iraqi refugee children residing thousands of Iraqis who were inside the coun- solutions for the displaced. Refugee status in Syria in 2007 were registered to attend try when the uprising began and who often fi nd was given because it is determined that they school. The Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) The Syrian uprisings and its themselves in an even more diffi cult position meet the international, legal definition of also reported deteriorating living conditions now. With the continued violence in Iraq, they being refugees, “a person, owing to a well- for Iraqi refugees, citing many of them living unintended consequences can hardly return but face even more diffi cul- founded fear of being persecuted for reasons in overcrowded and unsanitary housing, with As of January 2013, the Syrian government Kelsey Lundgren is a human rights ties than Syrian refugees in being accepted in of race, religion, nationality, membership of a limited access to food and health care. These estimates that 480,000 Iraqi refugees are still and refugee advocate based in Istanbul, Turkey. She has worked for third countries. What are the challenges Iraqi particular social group or political opinion, who conditions, along with deteriorating funds residing in Syria, of whom 51,300 are assisted eight years on the protection and refugees in Syria face? How was their situation is outside the country of his nationality and is and financial support from UNHCR, were by UNHCR. This is a marked diff erence from the resettlement of vulnerable refugee before the revolution and what options remain unable or, owing to such fear, is unwilling to leaving many Iraqi refugees in dire conditions.6 2008 fi gure of 1.2 million Iraqi refugees inside groups who are displaced in the 3 10 Middle East and North Africa (MENA), for protection and safety as the Syrian confl ict – avail himself of the protection of that country.” Iraqi refugees are not legally allowed the country. Given the decrease in security and as well as Turkey. Most recently she and their displacement – continues? Until the uprising began, Iraqi to work in Syria and according to a 2006 UNHCR increase in persecution that Iraqi refugees face was the Overseas Project Manager for refugees living in Syria were considered “guests” survey, 55 percent of male Iraqi refugees and 80 in Syria, it is no surprise that many of them chose the Iraqi Refugee Assistance Project, 7 a non-profi t organization that and given a three-month tourist visa upon percent of female refugees were unemployed. to leave the country. But for those who chose to provides legal assistance to refugee arrival but were eligible to renew the visa in Without a proper channel to enter the formal remain, what protection concerns do they face? populations seeking resettlement to Fleeing Iraq order to legally reside in Syria. Despite having labor sector, and meager assistance from Although the lives of Iraqi refugees in the West. Her area of specialization is increasing the protection sphere for Historically, the overwhelming majority of access to formal residency, some Iraqi refugees local organizations, due to a lack of resources, Syria were far from perfect before the uprisings lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender migrants residing in Syria are Iraqi by origin. spoke of their fear of being illegally deported many Iraqi refugees attempt to work in the began, after the uprisings, their lives took a and intersex (LGBTI) refugees in the MENA region. Her work has Prior to the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq back to Iraq – where they would face signifi cant informal labor sector, which leaves this already dramatic turn for the worst. Iraqi refugees been published by Migration and the fall of Saddam Hussein, most of the danger, persecution and lack of basic services – vulnerable population open to other forms of began to bear the brunt of the xenophobia Policy Institute and used for policy Iraqi nationals fl eeing to Syria were political if they came forward as a refugee. Due to this harm and exploitation: Working long hours caused by the paranoia that Syrian President recommendations targeting the US government and agencies of the dissidents from all religious sects and ethnicities well-founded fear, some Iraqis did not attempt for little or no wages; having no recourse for Bashar al-Assad managed to stoke in selling United Nations. – Sunni, Shia, Christian, Arab, Turkoman and Kurd. to renew their visas and instead lived without violations of labor law; fear over the risk of the uprisings as the result of foreign infl uences 18 Trapped in Disaster Trapped in Disaster 19

permanently resettled to another country.18 this closure came a moratorium on refugee resettlement interviews by a US government official – a necessary and important step in the resettlement process. Without this Running out of options interview, a refugee cannot be processed for a security clearance, issued a visa and is With no foreseeable option of returning therefore, ineligible to resettle in the United to Iraq, no chance at local integration in States. Thousands of refugee resettlement Syria, and now being directly targeted, Iraqi fi les were frozen as a result. We get a clearer refugees are stuck “between a rock and no idea of what a devastating blow the eff ect of place.”19 Currently, the three options available closing the US resettlement program from to Iraqi refugees in Syria are: 1) To wait inside inside Syria had on Iraqi refugees by looking Syria until the confl ict subsides with the hope at the numbers. In 2008, the US government Trapped in darkness of being resettled to a third country; 2) to resettled 5,528 Iraqi refugees from Syria, while become doubly displaced and seek refuge in a in 2011 and 2012, respectively, the US resettled and not a response to his policies, brutality or They also speak of a great fear over being neighboring country, such as Jordan or Turkey; 1,896 and 1,866.23 There are currently an his method of ruling the country. President “disappeared” due to the rise in kidnappings or 3) to risk their lives and repatriate to Iraq. estimated 20,000 Iraqi refugees in Syria who Assad stated during a speech broadcast live occurring in the areas they populate. Most Iraqi refugees when discussing are at some stage of the resettlement process on state TV that the uprisings were the result When refugees do leave it is only for their current options for protection argue that to the US.24 These people will continue to wait of regional, including Iraqi, and international necessary tasks such as renewing visas, but the conditions in Syria are dire and that legally for the necessary clearance, which they will “external conspiracies,” and that regional forms after the Syrian uprising began, refugees were obtaining entry into another neighboring not receive in the near future, leaving them in of “terrorism” needed to be handled with being denied a visa renewal and given 24 hours country is diffi cult and almost impossible. One a state of permanent displacement. One such an “iron fi st.”11 On the other hand, Iraqis were or less to leave the country without any legal single mother, who also belongs to a religious family, hoping to leave any day, said they had also accused by opposition forces, like Jabhat basis. One Iraqi refugee who was interviewed minority inside of Iraq, was turned away at the their suitcases packed “for months.” There have al-Nusra, of supporting President Bashar about his experience living in Syria, stated Jordanian/Syrian border, after being held for been other reports of Iraqi refugees showing al-Assad and his regime.12 he was deported immediately after trying to over 24 hours, because she was a registered up at the airport in Damascus and demanding Facing threats from both sides of the renew such a residency permit. He was forced refugee in Syria. She was told that the Jordanian conflict, Iraqi refugees living in Syria report to return to Iraq – from where he originally government could not accept any more Iraqi being under a kind of self-imposed “house fled due to political persecution – to live in refugees and was forced back into Syria.20 "Why would we return to the place we fear the most arrest” because of the increase of xenophobia hiding, and at the same time leave his elderly Those wanting to legally enter into Lebanon are and fled? I would rather die with my children than and violence against them; including being mother alone in a suburb of Damascus.16 required to show proof that they can fi nancially return to Iraq." followed, beaten and harassed by Syrian state Compounding these problems, most support themselves while there, in the form of security offi cials. Additionally, as armed gangs, humanitarian organizations were either forced $2000 USD, per person.21 For a single refugee both pro and anti-Assad, increased their power to shut down, or severely limit their services, due this would already be tough, but for a family and presence in and around Damascus, Iraqi to the confl ict, leaving Iraqi refugees without of four, fi ve or six, it is simply not an option. refugees became trapped in the areas they various forms of support. Those refugees that Some Iraqis made the diffi cult decision to board planes bound for the United States. populate, such as Sayyida Zeineb and Jaramana. still obtain assistance in the form of food or to return to their home country, which can result Not surprisingly then, some refugees described In these neighborhoods, fearful refugee families goods, state that they are forced to sell their food in losing credibility regarding their refugee being trapped in Syria as a “slow death.”25 pulled their children out of school, could not rations or donated goods in order to pay rent, a and resettlement claim. However, due to the In an eff ort to solve the issue of not leave their homes for medical care and were cost that has skyrocketed due to the confl ict, as fact that they cannot obtain legal entry into being able to complete a mandatory part of subjected to targeted threats. One family cannot well as more important needs such as medicine. another country besides Iraq, and the refugee the resettlement process in the US, refugee safely take their father to seek treatment for Eight hundred refugees who were would rather face the devil they know than deal advocates have been demanding a solution. stage-four cancer because their neighborhood able to find jobs, illegally or legally, in Syria with the instability and uncertainty brought One such solution is completing these is under siege.13 In another case, an Iraqi woman were surveyed by UNHCR in February 2012. about by remaining in Syria, many did just this. interviews by video-conference. However, was beaten and dragged into a corner by a man The survey shows that 40 percent have seen About his experience returning to UNHCR representatives say this is not a feasible attempting to rape her. Only a few days later, a a decrease in monthly income and 13 percent Iraq, one refugee said, “I couldn’t get a visa to option for such a large group of people.26 Syrian armed group broke into her home and lost their jobs altogether since the start of the Jordan. The border was closed to Iraqi refugees. Another unprecedented eff ort came in the form threatened her life if she did not return to Iraq.14 Syrian conflict.17 There are also complaints I had already spent six years in Syria waiting of the US government allowing Iraqi refugees In July 2012 alone, 23 Shiite Iraqi refugees from refugees regarding corruption within to go to another country. I couldn’t stand to in Syria, who have been referred to the US for were killed, some of whom were beheaded. international, regional and local organizations risk my life in Syria after the war so I returned resettlement, to complete their case processing The UN reported that in one particularly inside of Syria. Some workers at various to Iraq because I had no other option.”22 In from inside of Iraq.27 However, the onus is on gruesome case, a family of seven was killed organizations are being accused of taking addition to Iraqis having no options for gaining the refugee to return to their country, fi nd their at gunpoint in their Damascus apartment.15 advantage of a desperate situation and asking protection in Syria or Iraq, the United States, own secure housing, make it to Baghdad for the Many refugees speak of suff ering from severe for money or other forms of bribes in exchange which receives the majority of refugees for necessary interviews and processing and still trauma and depression due to living in the for goods, services or the promise of assistance resettlement worldwide, was forced to close its prove they are refugees under international unsafe conditions generated by the uprising. in getting a refugee outside of Syria and embassy in Syria in January 2012. Along with law, despite being inside their country of 20 Trapped in Disaster Fleeing Towards Another Death 21

origin. Many refugees with whom this option lic,” UNHCR. 2013. Available via http://www.unhcr. org/pages/49e486a76.html. was discussed directly refused to return to Iraq, 11 “ Syria's Bashar al-Assad blames 'foreign conspiracy,'” even if it meant their cases would be completed BBC. January 10, 2012. Available via http://www.bbc. Fleeing Towards Another Death since: “Why would we return to the place we co.uk/news/world-middle-east-16483548. 12 “Iraqi refugees fl ee Syria to avoid sectarian revenge,” fear the most and fl ed? I would rather die with The Times of Israel. July 31, 2012. Available via http:// Syrian Palestinians in Lebanon my children than return to Iraq. I cannot even www.timesofi srael.com/iraqi-refugees-fl ee-syria-to- return there [to Iraq] for one hour.”28 avoid-sectarian-revenge/. 13 Farah (not her real name). Personal Interview. June 18, 2012. Mitwali Abu Nasser A state of permanent 14 Sally (not her real name). Personal Interview. October 10, 2012. displacement 15 “Iraqi refugees fl ee Syria to avoid sectarian revenge,” The Times of Israel. July 31, 2012. Available via http:// Despite the international efforts involved in www.timesofi srael.com/iraqi-refugees-fl ee-syria-to- the confl ict in Syria and its direct humanitarian avoid-sectarian-revenge/. 16 Mohammed (not his real name). Personal Interview. consequences, namely the Syrian refugee crisis, October 6, 2011. the confl ict, as well as the Iraqi refugee crisis, 17 “Analysis: Syria's forgotten refugees,” Integrated Re- still burns. October 2013 was the deadliest gional Information Networks (IRIN), UN Offi ce for the Coordination of Humanitarian Aff airs. April 23, 2012. month burns Iraq with over 1,000 casualties Available via http://www.irinnews.org/report/95336/ as a result of targeted bombings, kidnappings analysis-syria-s-forgotten-refugees. and killings.29 Iraqi refugees clearly are trapped. 18 Sally (not her real name). Personal Interview. October Unlike in almost all other Arab countries, his way to Lebanon’s General Security agency 10, 2012. They cannot return to their home country in the 19 “Unrest and American Safety Concerns Strand Iraqis Palestinians who settled in Syria with the to obtain a further one week for free. After this, near future, and in Syria they face enormous in Syria Awaiting Visas for U.S.,” The New York Times. first wave of 1948 refugees – and those the individual might renew the residency visa protection and security issues caused by the January 23, 2012. Available via http://www.nytimes. that arrived later – were treated like Syrians for another two weeks, after payment of 50,000 com/2012/01/24/world/middleeast/unrest-strands- confl ict. Many of them have run out of options, iraqis-in-syria-awaiting-american-visas.html?_r=2&. in most areas of life, with the exception of liras or about $33 (USD) per person. However and until the international community focuses 20 Sally (not her real name). Personal Interview. October rights related to elections and eligibility the dire fi nancial circumstances in which most 10, 2012. some of its energy on this vulnerable group for membership of Parliament. refugees find themselves, and the fact they 21 "Facts of Obtaining Entry into Lebanon," Lebanese of people, they seem to be facing a dire fate: Embassy in Washington, D.C. Consular Aff airs. Ac- According to the United Nations cannot predict with any degree of accuracy permanent displacement within the region. cessed November 29, 2013. Available via http://leba- Relief Works Agency’s (UNRWA) statistics, there when they will return to Syria, led many of nonembassyus.org/consular_aff airs/visas.html. 22 Ahmad and Malek (not their real names). Personal were 825,000 Palestinians in Syria as of January them to forgo renewing their visas and to stay Interview. July 24, 2012 and December 21, 2012. 1, 2013. While some live in the nine offi cially on in Lebanon illegally. UNRWA and various 23 "Figures on Iraqi Refugees in Syria," U.S. Bureau of recognized refugee camps the majority live Palestinian organizations and authorities Population, Refugees and Migration Public Aff airs Offi ce. August 28, 2013. outside these camps, scattered throughout all were placed under huge pressures to fi nd a 1 “Syria death toll now above 100,000, says UN chief Ban,” 24 “Unrest and American Safety Concerns Strand Iraqis of Syria’s urban centers1. Palestinians did not more sustainable solution to the problem of BBC. July 25, 2013. Available via http://www.bbc. in Syria Awaiting Visas for U.S.,” The New York Times. start leaving Syria in large numbers until almost residency, and so it was that UNRWA concluded co.uk/news/world-middle-east-23455760. January 23, 2012. Available via http://www.nytimes. 2 “Iraqi refugees in Syria,” Forced Migration Review (Iraq com/2012/01/24/world/middleeast/unrest-strands- a year after the start of current events, due to a deal with the Lebanese government Special Issue). 2008. p. 19. iraqis-in-syria-awaiting-american-visas.html?_r=2&. the confl ict’s gathering ferocity and its growing whereby Palestinians were exempted from 3 “Handbook on Procedures and Criteria for Determin- 25 “Analysis: Syria's forgotten refugees,” Integrated Re- proximity to their camps, especially those in all costs connected with extending their ing Refugee Status under the 1951 Convention and gional Information Networks (IRIN), UN Offi ce for the the 1967 Protocol Relating to the Status of Refugees, Coordination of Humanitarian Aff airs. April 23, 2012. Damascus and the surrounding countryside. visas and were granted free extensions for HCR/IP/4/Eng/REV.1.,” United Nations 1979. p. 72. Available via http://www.irinnews.org/report/95336/ UNRWA estimates that the number of three months, up to a maximum of one year 3. 4 “Resettlement of Iraqi Refugees,” United Nations High analysis-syria-s-forgotten-refugees. Palestinian refugees who have arrived in The Lebanese government has Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). March 12, 26 “Analysis: Syria's forgotten refugees,” Integrated Re- 2007. p. 2. Available via http://www-tc.pbs.org/now/ gional Information Networks (IRIN), UN Offi ce for the Lebanon from Syria will reach 80,000 individuals yet to close its borders to those fleeing shows/318/UNHCR-Iraq-Refugees.pdf. Coordination of Humanitarian Aff airs. April 23, 2012. by the end of this year, with most going on to Syria. However, due to the large number of 5 “Note on Non-Refoulement,” High Commissioner on Available via http://www.irinnews.org/report/95336/ live in one of Lebanon’s twelve main camps 2 individuals streaming into the country and the Human Rights. EC/SCP/2. August 23, 1977. Available analysis-syria-s-forgotten-refugees.

via http://www.unesco.org/new/en/social-and- 27 Letter to refugees registered with the UNHCR offi ce This article will look into the government’s concern that new permanent human-sciences/themes/international-migration/ in Syria, International Organization for Migration. circumstances of those Palestinians who Palestinian camps might be established, it has glossary/refoulement/. October 1, 2012. Available via https://www.jordan. come from Syria to Lebanon, in an attempt recently begun to place hurdles in the way of 6 “Iraqi Refugees Seeking Stability in Syria and Jordan,” iom.int/refi nfo/SyriaLetter.aspx. Institute for the Study of International Migration, 28 Fatma (not her real name). Personal Interview. Sep- to understand the challenges they face and Palestinians - and even Syrians - wishing to Georgetown University. 2009. p. 17. Available via tember 19, 2012. thus contribute to finding solutions to their enter Lebanon, particularly now that it seems http://www12.georgetown.edu/sfs/qatar/cirs/Patri- 29 “October Iraq's deadliest month in fi ve years," problems. that the Syrian crisis is unlikely to end any time ciaFagenCIRSOccasionalPaper2009.pdf. Aljazeera.net, November 1, 2013. Available via 7 “Assessment on the Situation of Iraqi Refugees in Syria,” http://www.aljazeera.com/news/mid- soon. About three months ago, the decision UNHCR. March 2006. p. 21. Available via http://www. dleeast/2013/11/october-iraq-deadliest-month-fi ve- was taken - unoffi cially - to prevent the entry childmigration.net/fi les/wfp119686.pdf. years-201311174923619284.html. 8 “Dancing for Their Lives,” Foreign Policy. March 9, 2010. Legal limbo of Palestinians into the country by requiring Available via http://www.foreignpolicy.com/arti- the Immigration and Visa Authority on the cles/2010/03/09/dancing_for_their_lives. Mitwali Abu Nasser works as 9 "Iraqi Refugee Processing Fact Sheet", United States The issue of residency is one of the biggest Lebanese border to permit entry only to those journalist for several Arabic Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS). June 6, problems facing Palestinians fleeing from Palestinians who could prove that they would and foreign newspapers and magazines. He is a Palestinian 2013. Available via http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/ Syria to Lebanon. It was formerly the case that leave Lebanese soil within a week, particularly uscis/menuitem.5af9bb95919f35e66f614176543f6d1 theater writer whose plays include a/?vgnextchannel=68439c7755cb9010VgnVCM1000 the Lebanese Immigration Authority granted those who had a visa to travel on to another Dream but? in 2007 and Seven 0045f3d6a1RCRD&vgnextoid=df4c47c9de5ba110Vg Palestinians from Syria permission to stay in the country (the only viable point of departure Minutes are Enough in 2008. He won a prize at the International nVCM1000004718190aRCRD. country for no more than one week, after which being Beirut Airport), or those in need of 10 “Country Operations Profi le for the Syria Arab Repub- Monodrama Festival for the time the Syrian-Palestinian was obliged to make medical treatment, with a few other permitted Autumn Memories text in 2011. 22 Fleeing Towards Another Death Fleeing Towards Another Death 23

exceptions at the discretion of the Immigration Palestinian groups and the various branches and Visa Authority. of the Lebanese security services—must The next hurdle that refugees will face, come together to fi nd a political solution, one and one which will give rise to major diffi culties adopted by the political leadership and put into at the end of this calendar year, is the renewal practice by the organs of state bureaucracy, the of their annual visas. Lebanese law states that a judiciary and the security services. sum of $200 USD must be paid by, or on behalf of, every Palestinian from Syria after they have stayed in Lebanon for one year, with the further The housing crisis condition that they must exit the country then cross back in. This matter must be resolved as The problem of finding so many refugees quickly as possible because by the start of the adequate housing was not readily apparent next year (i.e. 2014) the overwhelming majority during the first wave of Syrian-Palestinian of Syrian-Palestinians in Lebanon will be living immigration into Lebanon, since many of the there illegally. It is this issue that Abu Iyyad refuges were housed by relatives living in the

al-Shaalan spoke of when he said: “The group camps. However the reception which camp Homeless Palestinian Syrian leaders met with [Lebanese] Parliament Speaker residents extended to these refugees began family, Shatila camp, Lebanon Nabih Berri, and among the issues raised was to change due to a number of factors, the that of residency and the urgent need to fi nd most important of which were the length of Abu Jaber, a political relations offi cer boys have sisters. They are in school right now a solution to this problem. Unfortunately, the confl ict, the rising population density in for the Popular Front movement, said: “We are and their younger brothers cover their costs.” however, there is a law in place that neither the camps, the lack of space and the tough currently trying to locate shelters in cooperation A second problem is the gap between Parliament nor the government can circumvent. economic circumstances. Together these factors with UNRWA. It is UNRWA’s responsibility to the Lebanese and Syrian curricula, particularly The problem has to do with the Lebanese legal pushed the guest families to fi nd somewhere underwrite the families’ monthly rents until when it comes to foreign languages (i.e. English code. In any case, the Palestinian groups should else to live, resulting in a rise in prices and such time as the crisis is over, but even though and French), subjects in which the student from form a delegation to meet with the government, making it diffi cult to fi nd places to rent or to we have tried to extract a promise from them Syria often lags far behind. Many students in and if a solution to the problem is not reached, secure money for rent, especially since the they have refused to do so on the grounds that their third year of the secondary school science then it is our job to secure the sums required camps already suff er from overcrowding due they are unable to bind themselves to such an track are forced to switch to a Humanities for residency since immigrants from Syria do to the fact that the cost of living is cheaper obligation. The chief issue here is the size of the track, since some scientifi c courses are taught not have the means to pay them. UNRWA, too, there than elsewhere. This has led to a number sums that need to be paid.” in English. Many others drop out of secondary should shoulder its share of the responsibility.” of problems, sometimes within a single family, school altogether because they are unable And indeed, failure to reach a solution might or otherwise between the host family and their to keep pace with the Lebanese curriculum, result in the following: guests, prompting some families to take up Educational disadvantage especially when it comes to foreign languages. 1. Between 45,000 and 50,000 Syrian- residence in isolated encampments, garages One should point out here that some civil society Palestinians in Lebanon could be placed on or abandoned and uncompleted buildings. Still Most of the students who have come from organizations have tried resolving this issue by wanted lists; others have returned to Syria. Syria missed out on the second half of the 2012 setting up academic booster courses during 2. Processing such a vast number of people in Engineer Nidal Ameiri from the academic year, due to their constantly moving the summer holidays, but such programs are one go could throw the relevant authorities Yarmouk Camp, explained: “I was forced to fl ee from one area to another and the inability limited in their eff ect and largely unorganized. and the Lebanese security services into a state with my family to Lebanon because of the daily of the both UNRWA and Lebanese schools Finally, there is the issue of university of chaos, which could lead, of its own accord, to bombardment of my camp back in Syria. When to take them in when they fi rst arrive. At the students, many of whom arrived in Lebanon a state of emergency being declared; I arrived, I went to live in the Ein al-Heleweh start of the 2013 academic year, UNRWA took with their degrees still uncompleted. These 3. Intensive waves of detentions and forcible Camp and the people there welcomed us in responsibility for guaranteeing places for all students face a number of obstacles, principally expulsions could create tensions between with open arms. They gave us whatever we students up to the secondary school level and the fees, which, while not excessive (we are only supporters and opponents of the policy; needed. I already knew that the Lebanese- emphasized that it was vital that all children discussing government universities here), are 4. Those who have broken the residency laws Palestinians lived in wretched circumstances enroll in the educational system. A number of beyond the means of most families. Then there could become criminals on the run, pushing and that the majority of young men were problems immediately became apparent, most is the problem of the limited number of places them into the refugee camps and thus reviving unable to work due the restrictions placed on signifi cantly the problem of child labor, and at government universities and the prohibitive the old problem of the Palestinian camps them by discriminatory Lebanese laws. The the fact that many children were dropping costs of private institutions. In addition, some being viewed as “dens of crime” and havens for diffi culty is that the camp itself suff ers from out of school to work and help their families of these students are also their families’ only wanted criminals; major problems - fi rst and foremost a lack of secure income, especially those in the 10-15 breadwinner, and so many are forced to go 5. Those who fall outside the law will be space and extreme overcrowding - and we years-old category who accept employment job hunting instead of enrolling at university. unable to move around the country, thereby have just added to their problems.” for extremely low wages. This was confi rmed Then there are other problems to do with the preventing them accessing the resources they Furthermore, many Syrian- by one refugee, Umm Nasser Helawa, who curricula and courses on off er. need to face the hardships of exile; Palestinians still have difficulty paying their lamented: “I have three children. Two are still 6. Their financial and social problems will monthly rent and rely on aid and hand-outs young, less than fi fteen, and they left school increase because they will be unable to obtain to meet their obligations, while those living in to bring in food for the family. My eldest son, A living wage the aid assigned to them by the UNRWA. areas unfi t for accommodation have to endure Nasser, was in his final year of a sociology Confronted by this developing reality, the heat of the summer and the winter cold and degree, but now he works in a restaurant. It’s Lebanese law makes it illegal to work without the relevant parties—such as the Palestinian- all the diseases and health issues this brings in true that he has someone covering the costs a work permit, a document that is usually Lebanese Dialogue Committee, UNRWA, the its wake. of his degree, but we’re a large family, and the only dispensed to Lebanese citizens or those 24 Fleeing Towards Another Death Fleeing Towards Another Death 25

with residency visas of longer than one year. 50 percent of the costs of any surgical procedure. Consequently, the majority of Palestinians UNRWA’s main diffi culty is its health who come to Lebanon from Syria are unable to budget, which has remained unchanged obtain a work permit, since they hold “tourist” despite the growth in the number of its visas valid for only three months. The Syrian- benefi ciaries. The refugees from Syria are on the Palestinian refugee’s job opportunities are thus whole unable to pay medical costs, particularly limited to the black market, most of which the 50 percent required for surgical procedures. operates within the Palestinian camps where Mohammed Nasser, who emigrated to the Lebanese government has no jurisdiction. al-Rashidiya Camp from the Sabina Camp It is important to note that according in South Damascus, explained: “My mother to a joint study by UNRWA and the American needed a heart operation, which cost around University in Beirut published in August 2010, $3000. UNRWA pays half and we have to pay the 4 the unemployment rate among Lebanese- other half. Where am I going to get the money Palestinians stood at 56 percent. The basic from, seeing as I don’t work? We haven’t been economic conditions within the camps are able to fund the operation so far, and nor will we.” Building full of Palestinian therefore dire and have been made worse The refugees who are most active on Syrian families, Bourj el- by the arrival of Syrian-Palestinian refugees this front belong to al-Badawi Camp in Northern Barajneh camp, Lebanon with all the resultant pressure on basic Lebanon, where they mount a protest every services, accommodation, daily provisions and week to pressure UNRWA into increasing the the 1975-90 Lebanese Civil War and fear over was $54 million, $8 million of which was to be competition over job opportunities that are level of health coverage. Mohammed al-Aswad, Palestinians being naturalized as citizens, a set aside for refugees in Lebanon. However, by largely manual labor, day-hires (i.e. painting, a Syrian-Palestinian refugee who holds the move that would upset Lebanon’s fi ne-tuned, October 2012, only $250,000 had been collected. construction, pipe laying, etc.). Furthermore, the health portfolio for the al-Badawi Camp’s demographic and sectarian balance between Despite the fact that Syrian-Palestinian sole and essential source of income for many popular committee, said: “Broadly speaking, Muslims and Christians on the one hand, and refugees benefitted from the same services Syrian-Palestinian refugees is UNRWA, which most cases in al-Badawi and al-Bared are between Sunni and Shia on the other (the vast as Lebanese-Palestinians, especially health even now distributes monetary payments patients with chronic conditions. Two months majority of Palestinians are Sunni Muslims). and educational services (plus emergency (with only four pay-outs being made to date) at back there were six cases of cancer where the For this reason, the Lebanese state has supplies for refugee families, such as kitchen unpredictable intervals, thus confusing many patients had to leave the camp and return to by and large failed to shoulder its responsibilities implements), and despite UNRWA setting up a beneficiaries, particularly in regards to the Syria because of the high cost of treatment towards the new Syrian-Palestinian immigrants, rights offi ce for Syrian-Palestinian refugees, the payment of monthly rent. It is this that Montaha in Lebanon. Some other cases with nervous instead shifting the burden onto the relevant needs of the refugees far outstrip their limited al-Aswad from the Nahr al-Bared Camp talks conditions also had to leave. When it comes to international organization (UNRWA) and resources. Ghaleb Nasser, an official at the about when she described her predicament: specialist doctors, patients here end up paying offi cial Palestinian organizations represented Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, argued: “I fl ed the war in Syria out of a fear for my children for treatment, because specialists, like surgeons by the Palestinian Authority and the Palestine “There are real violations of and came to Lebanon. My husband looked for for instance, are generally not working for Liberation Organization (PLO). The Syrian- Palestinians’ human rights taking place in work but he couldn’t fi nd any. In the last nine UNRWA or at the other medical centers.” Palestinian refugees in Lebanon have even Lebanon, especially those of the immigrants months he’s only worked a few days and the Samar, an employee of UNRWA, been called by a variety of diff erent names— from Syria. Legally speaking, UNRWA is money that UNRWA hands out is not even added: “The agency’s clinics open in the displaced persons, immigrants, guests— but responsible for protecting the refugees, and enough to rent an apartment. The problem is morning and there are those who come in not refugees, for fear of the legal obligations by protecting, I mean that UNRWA is obliged to that UNRWA doesn’t give us our money every on a daily basis, children in particular. The and requirements regarding refugee rights. In provide them with everything they need to live: month, as it should. We’re forced to ask friends real problem comes when you have, say, this way the government can avoid providing To guarantee them food, clothing, education for money to cover the rent and we rely on food a child who gets ill in the evening, or a refugees with the basic rights enshrined in and accommodation. There are many days when that is handed out by some of the organizations, refugee kid who is injured in an accident.” international law. these immigrant families don’t have anything though of course, that only happens on high Another problem that these to eat, and many of them are thrown out of days and holidays. My little girl only drinks milk Palestinian immigrants fi nd almost impossible rented accommodation because they cannot fi ve times a month and my other kids have left to solve is the issue of dental treatment. No one UNRWA, limited pay the rent. They spend many days wandering school to help us get a bite to eat. That’s the provides free dental treatment and the costs the streets or sheltering in civil society centers thing that worries me most: I don’t know how involved are very high. As a result, the majority In general terms, UNRWA is in the same position waiting for someone to take pity on them and their future will turn out. I want to educate of the families we met have not visited a dentist as many other international agencies and give them enough cash to rent out another them, but what little money they bring in is only in the last nine months. organizations: It is simply unable to absorb the modest apartment. Isn’t this an example enough to keep us alive.” vast number of Palestinian refugees arriving of UNRWA abdicating its responsibility?” from Syria. This is due to a number of reasons, Although a joint committee has The Lebanese state and its including the unexpected influx of large been formed with representatives from the A broken healthcare system numbers when the front-line moved next to PLO, UNRWA and the Palestinian Embassy in “self-distancing policy” the Syrian camps, plus the agency’s inability to order to coordinate and communicate with As far as UNRWA’s health services are concerned, The special conditions that pertain to the gather the sums it needed to execute its rapid the Lebanese security services, the issue of Syrian-Palestinian refugees are treated much Palestinian presence in Lebanon have response plan (which it launched in April 2012) rapid response and direct coordination with like their Lebanese counterparts: There are determined the nature of the Lebanese that was to cover emergency relief operations for the Lebanese and Palestinian authorities is still clinics that provide primary medical care to government’s treatment of Palestinian refugees Palestinian refugees within Syria and those who in urgent need of review and development. patients, fully-subsidized treatments for chronic from Syria.5 These special conditions arose had made their way to neighboring countries Abu Amer, a political relations offi cer conditions such as diabetes, and UNRWA pays from the involvement of the Palestinians in (i.e. Lebanon and Jordan). The sum required with the Popular Front, lamented the lack of 26 Fleeing Towards Another Death Fleeing Towards Another Death 27

[refugees] may come. Our fi rst priority must and we have to help them out, but we’ve resources, plus the inability of the Palestinian be to put pressure on UNRWA to shoulder its got children, too, and we must feed them. groups to take care of the refugees until the war responsibilities.” This is the responsibility of our Palestinian in Syria comes to an end. Perhaps it is this that leaders. Why don’t they work to secure the has prompted many writers and politicians— needs of the Palestinian refugees from Syria?” including Palestinian refugees themselves, The role of Lebanese and Umm Mustafa, a Lebanese Palestinian whether those who have been trapped in the from the Bourj al-Barajneh Camp, added: “For Syrian camps for the last ninety days without international civil society one month now, my boy has been looking for food or medicine, or those who have fl ed to organizations an place so he can get married and he can’t fi nd Lebanon in fear of their lives—to demand one. It’s become impossible to fi nd an empty that responsibility for the refugees be taken Lebanese civil society organizations played house on the market, and when you do fi nd away from UNRWA and handed to the United a central role in providing emergency relief them, the rents are prohibitive. Why have the Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. to Syrian-Palestinian refugees. The Sidon rentals gone up like this? I’m telling you, it isn’t Perhaps such a move would mean Emergency Committee, for example, grew out the refugees that are the reason, it’s the greed that international protection would be of a broad-spectrum meeting of Lebanese and of people who make money off other people’s requested and delivered. If this demand Palestinian civil society organizations with the misery. You could get a place for $150 and it cannot be met, however, the Lebanese aim of providing emergency relief to Palestinian would be fully furnished and equipped, but state must review its decisions and and Syrian families. An emergency committee suddenly they’re all for $300! It’s a crime, no?” policies in order to ensure the following: in Tyre also saw Lebanese organizations such As for the ordinary citizen’s attitude to 1. The law that bars Palestinians from working Palestiniam Syrian girls results that followed when his movement “had as the Amel Association working alongside this infl ux of Palestinians into Lebanon, there is in over seventy diff erent professions, and keeps from Yarmouk, Shatila suggested to UNRWA that they form a crisis Palestinian groups. a wide divergence in views, split along political the Palestinian camps—where the majority of camp, Lebanon unit and grant greater powers to the PLO in International organizations have also and religious lines. There are those that see it residents live below the poverty line—in their Lebanon, especially the popular committees made a positive contribution to helping Syrian- as a humanitarian issue, and believe that the present dire economic circumstances, must be that are in direct contact with the immigrants Palestinians. The Norwegian Refugee Council Lebanese people should stand by the refugees changed; circumstances, and furthermore to set aside a has reequipped and repaired more than thirty regardless of where they come from or what 2. The state’s policy towards the camps, which permanent budget for Syrian immigrants.” homes, making them fit to accommodate religion they follow. Others say that the borders treats them as “dens of crime” must be changed. refugee families, as well as providing rapid should be closed to all refugees, because Work must begin to create opportunities for response aid in the form of clothes and blankets. Lebanon cannot take the numbers that are development, improving circumstances in The popular committees: Italian organizations and associations have arriving. Lena Jorjis, a Lebanese woman from the camps and paving the way for economic also played an eff ective role. Principally active Tripoli, has this to say: “I love the Palestinians development that guarantees an effective Organizations with no in camps in Southern Lebanon, they have and I’m a supporter of the Palestinian cause. Palestinian role in realizing sustainable money distributed food aid and set up psychological For me the problem isn’t the number of development; support programs for children. Majed Keilani, Palestinians; the real problem is the number 3. The state must fulfill its legal obligations When the fi rst Palestinians began arriving in head of the popular committee in the Ein of refugees. There’s more than half a million of towards Palestinians arriving from Syria, Lebanon from Syria, the Palestine Liberation al-Heleweh Camp, emphasized the huge role them. Speaking personally, I’ve been unaff ected, including guaranteeing their safety Organization and other Palestinian groups set played by international and Arab organizations but my friends tell me how difficult it is for and providing them with secure shelter. up popular committees within the camps tasked in supporting local Lebanese and Palestinian them to find work and that they’ve started Finally, civil society organizations, with keeping an eye on the circumstances of organizations to make up for the severe to feel like strangers in their own country.” whether local, Arab or international must the new immigrants, meeting their needs and shortfall in the provision of emergency relief Ashraf Darwish is a Lebanese citizen coordinate with one another and unite their requirements and resolving any difficulties to the refugees. While international, Arab and from Anjar on the Lebanese-Syrian border. She eff orts within the framework of a coordinating they might have. However these committees Lebanese organizations have put in sterling stressed that, “It’s a moral and religious duty. committee that follows a single, integrated have been powerless to fulfi ll their mandate work, the lack of coordination between They are our brothers and we have to give them agenda. Lebanon’s Ministry of Social Affairs because they have no budget from which to them and the absence of any clear and well- a helping hand.” However, “Ghrisyan S,” a young could play an important role in creating this provide aid to the refugees. They rely solely on structured plan to manage the crisis have man from al-Ashrafiyeh in Beirut, disagreed committee and coordinating between the donations which they collect and then hand blunted their eff orts and ensured they have not with them both, saying, “I come from a various organizations involved. out to the refugees, restricting their role to that been as eff ective as is required. neighborhood where the majority of people are of an intermediary. As Abu Iyyad al-Shaalan, Christians and listening to people talk I know General Secretary of the Popular Committees Social attitudes towards the they don’t want any Palestinians coming in, not in Lebanon, noted, “The issue of fi nances is very even Syrians. In my neighborhood the after- 1. http://www.unrwa.org/ar/newsroom/emergency-rep newcomers orts/%D8%A5%D8%AD%D8%B5%D8%A7%D8%A1 important, since most of the demands we face eff ects of the Civil War still linger on, especially %D8%A7%D8%AA-%D9%88%D8%A3%D8%B1%D9 are connected with food, drink and housing. We when it comes to the Palestinian camps.” %82%D8%A7%D9%85 do what we can, but our capabilities are very "Ahmed S,” a Lebanese-Palestinian from the 2. http://www.unrwa.org/userfi les/20130610510.pdf 3. http://www.general-security.gov.lb/news_det. limited, especially since we never anticipated Shatila camp in Beirut, explained, “I’m head aspx?d=75 this huge fl ood of Syrian Palestinians who have of a family and I’m a painter by trade. I used A way forward 4. http://lkdg.org/node/4913 arrived in Lebanon.” to work one week out of every month, but 5. For more information of this subject, see Talal Atrisi: “The Lebanese relationship to the Palestinian,” Shaalan added that the Committee is it’s been a whole month now and I haven’t Palestinian families that have emigrated to Syria Palestine Magazine, Issue 13, 2011. still talking to offi cial Palestinian organizations worked. Things are worse than they used to are living through a real crisis due to the inability about improvements, “but the Syrian crisis has be. I realize our brothers in the Syrian camps of UNRWA to meet even the very lowest level of * Translated from the Arabic by Robin Moger dragged on and we are worried that even more have it bad, and in the end they’re our brothers their basic needs, the result of a lack of fi nancial 28 Haves and Have-Nots in Jordan’s Za’atari Camp Haves and Have-Nots in Jordan’s Za’atari Camp 29

Haves and Have-Nots in Jordan’s Za’atari Camp

Areej Abuqudairi

Syrian shop owner in Zaatari Cano. Prices at the camp remain unregulated

Just over one year ago, thousands of white a store for men’s clothing ranging in price who manages the camp on behalf of UNHCR. middle-income country, so they do not eat tents were erected near the Jordanian-Syrian from 8-20 Jordanian dinars ($11-28) per piece. “Others use them to get more assistance, beans and rice every day,” Jonathan Campbell, border to “temporarily” host Syrian refugees “Some people can afford to including caravans, and then sell them.” a WFP emergency coordinator, told IRIN. who had fled violence in their country. buy this. It is cheaper than any shop in Abu Lina Hourani, who used to be “We are not exploiting our people. Waves of refugees have since flooded the Amman [the Jordanian capital],” he said, a trader in Saudi Arabia, furnished his three We are just helping them out,” said Abu Fawzi, desert camp; Za’atari is now Jordan’s fourth flipping through TV channels as a fan - a purchased caravans with rugs, a satellite the owner of a shop selling aid, including largest city and the world’s fourth largest rare luxury in the camp - circulated air. television, a fridge, a washing machine and a food, kitchen sets and hygiene kits which he camp, home to 120,000 Syrian refugees. Refugees say those who arrived last cooker. He placed the caravans in a U-shape has purchased from Syrians. “They can use To accommodate the population’s year snatched up the market’s best pitches to create a “garden space” like the one at the money to buy things they can actually needs, a market has sprung up along the main and now rent out their shops or even sell his house in Syria. He made a bathroom need.” Jordanian merchants then come road at the entrance to the camp, extending “their” spaces to other merchants. Everyone out of bricks, complete with a toilet seat. to the camp to buy from him wholesale. over several kilometers, with grocery stores, receives the same assistance and medical “We are not here because we are Last month, WFP introduced a voucher clothing boutiques, restaurants, bakeries, cafés, care from aid agencies, but some refugees hungry or poor. We just need a safe place. I system, which refugees can use to purchase electronic shops and barbers all available. also make money, while many others do not. want my daughters to sleep in dignity and things from two shops run by community- This frenzy of commerce has spawned People rent out their spaces for have a private space to hang out,” he said as based organizations. winners and losers, buyers and sellers, haves and 50 dinars ($70) per month, and sell them he locked the metal gate to the three caravans. have-nots, honest traders and outright thieves. for 1,000 dinars ($1,412), says Fadi Abu Dias, His son now runs a small business transporting Such divisions have fuelled the owner of a currency exchange shop. things like yogurt in a refrigerated truck. High prices, no taxes resentment, particularly as those better “You can say we are living in a jungle. Abu Dias estimates there are at off are viewed as taking advantage of the The strong eats the weak,” he told IRIN. least 50 currency exchange places at Za’atari Shop owners do not pay taxes or electricity aid system at the expense of those living in addition to his own. He said many Syrians bills, but goods in Za’atari are sold at the at the edge of survival, in an environment come to Jordan with “a lot of money”, and same price as in other markets in Jordan, with very little security or regulations. Re-sale of aid some use it to start businesses in the camp. and sometimes even higher, refugees There are more than 2.1 million Syrian Many Syrians, especially those originally say, especially vegetables and fruits. refugees across the Middle East, and the UN Tents, caravans, toilet seats, blankets, along from the governorate of Dera’a in southern Many refugees feel they are being expects these numbers to continue rising with other donated items are openly on Syria, have relatives working in Gulf Arab ripped off by the merchants, who don’t pass steadily into next year. sale in Za’atari camp. Caravans donated by countries who occasionally send them money. on the savings accrued by not paying tax Gulf States were meant to replace UN tents, “This contributed to the class division,” he noted. or electricity to their customers. Refugees which are more vulnerable to the elements, According to the World Bank, Syria’s cannot exit the camp unless they are “It is a jungle” but there were not enough for everyone. gross national income per capita was $5,200 in “bailed out” by a Jordanian citizen (though If they move out of the camp to 2012. The World Food Program (WFP) distributes security officials and aid workers say many At a small shop made of tin sheets live in Jordan’s towns and cities, refugees a package of dry rations to each refugee family of the well-connected refugees find ways laid on wooden sticks, Muhammad are supposed to return their tents or every two weeks, consisting of bulgur wheat, to smuggle people and materials in and al-Hariri sells second-hand clothing for caravans to the UN Refugee Agency rice, sugar, lentils, salt and vegetable oil. out of the camp). As such, their customers Areej Abuqudairi is a freelance print and TV journalist from 1-2 dinars ($1.40-$2.80 USD) per piece. (UNHCR). Instead, some caravans sell for as In order to buy vegetables, dairy largely constitute a literal captive market. Jordan, specializing in human “It is for desperate people who need anything much as 200 dinars ($282), Abu Dias said. products and poultry, refugees sell food “They [refugees who earn income] rights issues, especially those pertaining to women, children to cover their bodies, when [the clothes While some poor Syrian families cannot donated by WFP to shop owners in the camp, stand in the same line, just like us, when there and refugees. Currently, she is they came with] get worn out,” he told IRIN. aff ord to buy them, others have more than one. who sell it to Jordanians. This practice is legal is any kind of distribution: food, clothing, working with IRIN-Humanitarian Just a few meters away, Ashraf “Some refugees sell their [registration] and happens in many refugee camps around whatever - you name it,” said Amina Zubi, who News and Analysis. Formerly she was working at Reuters and the Khalil sits inside a “caravan”, a pre-fabricated cards (entitling them to assistance) before the world. came to Jordan with only her children and what Jordan Times. trailer, which he bought and converted into they return to Syria,” said Kilian Kleinschmidt, “Syrians come from a relatively she was wearing. “They are using their brothers 30 Haves and Have-Nots in Jordan’s Za’atari Camp The Syrian Refugee Crisis in Turkey 31

and sisters instead of supporting them. “Some have surrounded themselves To be able to buy groceries from the by Shabihas,” said 20-year-old Issa Lafi , referring Za’atari market, Zubi sends her 13-year-old son to militias supporting President Bashar al-Assad The Syrian Refugee Crisis in Turkey to work. in the fi ght against rebels in Syria, “whom they He stands with a wheelbarrow in hire to steal things from the camp at night Nejat Taştan the middle of the market, offering to wheel and then sell them.” In one night alone, 1,000 purchases or aid materials to residents’ caravans were stolen, refugees and a security homes. Depending on the distance of the trip, staff told IRIN, and police “do not dare do Mohammad Kahir earns between 0.50 to 2 anything.” Another senior security offi cial, who dinars ($0.70-$2.80) per trip. spoke on condition of anonymity, told IRIN the “We have to live. We cannot eat bulgur camp can be very diffi cult to control. Refugees and lentils every day,” he said. “refuse to cooperate…When we try to stop cars Hourani disputes Zubi’s suggestion smuggling Syrians to work in Mafraq, they start that refugees who are relatively well-off are stoning us, even children.” On several occasions, taking advantage of the aid system when they refugees have stabbed Jordanian security benefi t from the free services. “This assistance forces or beaten them with sticks and stones. is ours. Why should we spend our money?” Syrian refugees say those who cooperate with Jordanian police and security forces are “socially shunned” by residents of the Since the start of the confl ict in Syria in early the border and delivering humanitarian aid into “Good money” camp. UNHCR has long been worried about a 2011, tens of thousands of lives have been Syria. lack of law and order in the camp. “Of course, lost, millions have been displaced and the Turkey became party to the Geneva The market does, of course, have a benefi t. It is we have concern about how many people disastrous humanitarian consequences have Convention related to the Status of the the only place where refugees can buy items operate inside the camp with all these reports reverberated across the entire Middle East. The Refugees and the New York Protocol on the that are not provided by aid agencies, such as about mafi as,” UNHCR’s Kleinschmidt said. main objective of this paper is to assess the Status of the Refugees but with reservations. fruits and vegetables, meat, Syrian spices and By improving the general management situation of the refugees from Syria in Turkey According to these reservations, Turkey only desserts. And for many, the market is simply a of the camp and introducing a governance from a humanitarian point of view. Although gives asylum to people arriving from Europe. reminder of the normal lives they were leading structure, Kleinschmidt said that “hopefully” by the paper does not aim to make a political For those who arrive from outside of Europe, in their home country before the war. “Although the end of the year things will be “sorted out”. analysis of the confl ict in Syria, one still has to Turkey grants refuge only until their departure it is located in the middle of the desert, it has The plan is to divide the camp into keep in mind and emphasize that the confl ict to third countries. the feel of the market in Dera’a,” one refugee districts, complete with street names and local that initially began between government forces Turkey, therefore, does not give said, referring to the southern Syrian city from representatives, with whom aid workers can liaise. and the opposition, in time, also converted refugee status to refugees from Syria, but which many of the refugees originated. “Strengthening local governance will into a conflict between different ethnic and does provide temporary protection which There are also camp residents who help us ensure better control of each district religious groups in Syria. This is a situation that includes open gates, no forced refoulement, no acknowledge they benefi t from more affl uent in the camp.” At some, point shop owners will has a direct impact on the refugees leaving limitations for their duration of stay in Turkey refugees’ enterprises. Some earn a decent wage, also be expected to pay for shop licenses and their country, the humanitarian policies of the and humanitarian aid inside the camps. for example. One waiter said the restaurant that electricity bills, he said. receiving countries and the consequences The government of Turkey has employs him earns about 200 dinars ($282) per of these policies. It will also facilitate our assigned AFAD, the Prime Ministry’s Disaster week, selling sandwiches and grilled chicken. understanding of the situation in Turkey. and Emergency Management Department, as Another Syrian, who also spoke on condition of With the start of the confl ict in Syria, the institution in charge of the coordination anonymity, said he earns about 15 dinars ($21) *This article fi rst appeared in IRIN October 8, 2013. It is the governments of Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq, of the works related to the refugees from here reprinted by courtesy of the publisher. IRIN’s per day from working at a café owned by a “rich” webpage is accessible at: http://www.irinnews.org/ . Jordan and Turkey announced their plans to Syria. The Ministries of Interior, Foreign Aff airs, Syrian refugee living outside the camp. “It is apply an “open gate” policy for humanitarian Health, National Education, Agriculture and good money, especially when you do not have purposes. Open gates soon turned into open Rural Aff airs, Transportation as well as Finance, to pay for rent or anything else,” he told IRIN. borders, which made it impossible to keep the General Staff , the Presidency of Religious records of the refugees crossing the borders. Aff airs, the Undersecretary of Customs and the Nejat Taştan was born in 1964. In the meantime, with the rapid increase in the Red Crescent Organization all collaborate under Since 1986 Taştan has been an activist in the human rights Promises of change number of refugees, some countries started to AFAD’s coordination. The Prime Ministry also movement. He is the author take measures to make the border crossings assigned a governor, on September 21, 2012, to of: “Report of the Independent In addition to the different social diffi cult. The government of Turkey, confronted coordinate the activities in the region. Election Platform for the General Election of the 24th classes in the camp, refugees say some with the rapid increase in the number of As such, AFAD established shelters Election Period, June 12, 2011,” residents have formed mafia-like groups people seeking refuge in Turkey, the spread for the refugees, especially in the provinces “Employment and Education of Disabled in Turkey” for the involved in organized crime in the camp. of confl ict into the north of Syria as well as the and districts along the border. As of September Konrad Adenauer Foundation, They say a small minority of the bombing that took place in Reyhanlı (March, 2013, there were 21 shelters including 15 and “Monitoring-Report on camp’s residents create chaos in the camp - 2013), partially abandoned its open gates tent camps and six container camps in the Discrimination in Turkey Based on Ethnicity,” Bilgi University by rioting and attacking security officials, policy, especially in the last six-month period, provinces of Hatay, Gaziantep, Kilis, Şanlıurfa, Istanbul, 2011 (co-author with S. aid workers or other refugees - because and tended to take the Syrian border under Kahramanmaraş, Osmaniye, Adana, Adıyaman, Alp). He also participated on the they benefit from the insecurity by stealing control again. Following this change in her Mardin and Malatya. It is known that better editing board for the “Report on Discrimination and Violation of and re-selling aid items, like caravans, policies, Turkey became a partner to the work conditions are provided to the refugees in the Rights of the Disabled in Turkey,” tents, and equipment from public toilets. of establishing campsites on the Syrian side of camps in Turkey compared to other countries. ESHID publications, 2011. 32 The Syrian Refugee Crisis in Turkey The Syrian Refugee Crisis in Turkey 33

co-operation with the civil society organizations they live in, they also share common problems easily. that want to conduct activities in the camps. such as the lack of adequate housing, health Refugees looking for a job do not According to field studies, the and nutrition facilities, problems originating hold work permits to work in Turkey. Most of refugees express the following reasons for not from cultural diff erences and children not being them do not even have the necessary papers entering the camps: able to continue their education and facing to get the permit. The only available jobs for A desire to fi nd a job and work: Some social exclusion.3 them are therefore low-paid ones with onerous of the refugees believe that they will be more In September 2013, the government conditions. Those who accept to work despite free and better off if they work in big cities extended the free health care in hospitals to these conditions are made to work for at least 10 rather than live in camps. the entire country. Before September, free hours a day and are sometimes laid off without Physical conditions and security: In healthcare in hospitals was only provided in being paid. 5 They have no other option but to some camps, more than one family must stay the nine provinces where the camps are located. accept this situation, as they work informally in the same tent or container due to a lack of This is quite a recent and positive decision, but and have no awareness of their rights. fi nancial means. Camps close to the border bear it is, as yet, unclear how this decision will be Women are employed in daily security risks and are located in regions close to implemented. cleaning jobs and make one fifth of what a the confl ict areas. Until this decision was announced, woman from Turkey earns by doing the same Isolation and restrictions on the the refugees had been receiving healthcare job, or they work from their homes for contract freedom of movement: The entrances to services for a fee. Those who were unable to pay manufacturing, again earning low wages. and exits from the camps are tracked; the the fee were either left without any treatment In Istanbul, a high number of children Junction, Rural Aleppo In the camps, health, education, food and communication between those who take or had to quit in the middle of their treatment, from asylum seeking families are made to work 2012 communication-related needs of the refugees shelter in the camps and the outside is also a particular problem for those patients with under onerous conditions and for low wages. are fulfi lled by the state. under supervision and the camps are closed to illnesses that require continuous treatment, Moreover, for those families that are The exact number of refugees in international civil society organizations or CSOs pregnant women, disabled people, small not able to earn enough money for their living, Turkey is not clearly known. According to from Turkey. children or elderly people among the refugees.4 women and children try to work or collect an official declaration made by AFAD on Risk of discrimination based on ethnic Some of the refugees try to live in money on the streets to make a living for the September 26, 2013, more than 380,0001 or religious identity: Refugees with diff erent parks, shantytown tent settlements or share family and to pay rent.6 These women and refugees have entered Turkey. Out of these, ethnic or religious identities (Christians, Alawites, a room or an apartment with several other children fi nd themselves at a great risk on the around 180,000 have returned to Syria and the Kurds, Romans, Circassians etc.) do not enter families. The apartments rented by the refugees streets since there is no protection mechanism remaining - approximately 200,000 - live in the the camps out of a fear of being discriminated generally do not meet hygiene and health for them. aforementioned shelter camps. These offi cial against since the camps are under the control of conditions but still have high rental prices. The press in Turkey, on the one hand, fi gures only represent the number of refugees the people with a Sunni Arab background. Refugees are additionally exposed to social covers these and other problems related to who have registered at the camps, however. Sexual discrimination and violence: exclusion and, from time to time, discrimination refugees that live outside the camps but, on the AFAD does not disclose data on refugees who The fact that the camps pose a risk for women in their neighborhoods. Local people exclude other hand, they deliver news that leads to their live in Turkey without being registered at a and girls being sexually harassed, assaulted, or reject refugees for several reasons, including marginalization. Such news, generally about camp. Moreover, the number of non-registered exposed to violence and raped, deters women the increase in rent prices after refugees arrive, women and children asking for assistance on refugees is not clearly known. Various sources especially single women, and female refugees children that stay on the streets asking for the streets, uses pejorative names like beggars indicate the number of refugees in Turkey is with children from living in the camps. assistance and problems caused by cultural to describe the refugees. actually 600,000 to 800,0002 persons, a fi gure Reservations related to the differences in general. In some cases, the Finally, according to the results of a that is rising every day. Most optimistically, impartiality of the camps: Many families are apartments on the market for rent are not fi eld survey of refugees living in Istanbul, the 400,000 non-registered refugees are trying to concerned that their children will be pressured rented out to refugees. majority of these people state their desire to survive in large cities such as İstanbul, İzmir, and infl uenced by the political groups in the Those who do not have any chance return to their country as soon as the war ends. Mersin, Ankara as well as in Kurdish cities such camps and will be forced to take a political side. to rent an apartment try to survive in parks, There are, however, those who want to settle for as Şanlıurfa, Mardin, Diyarbakır and Batman. We There are no policies developed by bus stops and under bridges. In the last three good in Turkey or to set off for third countries. have knowledge of around 100,000 refugees the government related to those refugees who months, news related to this issue in Istanbul The necessity to assess Turkey’s that live in Istanbul alone,. However, the lack do not enter the camps due to the reasons started to appear in newspapers and on refugee policies has become very clear when of a registry mechanism for those who do mentioned above. These refugees try to pursue television. The situation is not any diff erent in considering the current situation. The decision not reside in camps makes it impossible to a living with their limited opportunities as the other provinces and the approaching winter of Turkey to open its gates to the people fl eeing determine their number and needs. Unlike well as with irregular, individual humanitarian requires immediate measures to be taken for Syria after the start of the confl ict was necessary in Jordan, Iraq Lebanon and North Africa, the assistance. Since no state aid is extended to the refugees. and correct. However, a series of mistakes have UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) in Turkey does the refugees living outside the camps, no civil Indeed, winter conditions which have been made since the fi rst refugees set foot in not make an eff ort to keep the records of the assistance organization is available either to already arrived in Turkey will make the lives of Turkey: refugees. work for these people. In fact, it is now almost the refugees, especially the homeless, much • Since the beginning, Turkey has perceived the The government of Turkey, for one impossible to determine the needs of the more diffi cult. Winter conditions will also call refugees as a homogenous group and ignored and a half years following the beginning of unrecorded refugees who are now spread over for new measures for rising needs in the tent the ethnic, cultural and religious diversity the refugee movement, has not shown a diff erent cities of Turkey. camps. It is not hard to estimate that alongside of Syria, as well as the relationship between willingness to co-operate with the international Additionally, the majority of the basic needs such as heating and winter clothes, these groups. The camps as well as the services aid organizations and non-governmental refugees cannot speak Turkish and do not know it will also be diffi cult to establish necessary provided there have been designed for the organizations. For instance, the relationship where to apply in case of an adverse situation. hygiene conditions in crowded camps. It is Sunni Arab group, which led many other ethnic with the World Food Program (WFP) was only Although the challenges facing the refugees expected that under such circumstances and religious groups to avoid the camps. Turkey established one year ago. There is still no vary according to the provinces and districts diseases, influenza in particular, will spread has ignored this. 34 The Syrian Refugee Crisis in Turkey On the Circumstances Syrian Refugees are Facing in Lebanon 35

On the Circumstances Syrian Refugees are Facing in Lebanon Rayan Majed

Syria's entrance, Bab al-Hawa border crossing, 2012

• The relationship between the ethnic and • Due to a rejection of co-operation possibilities “Umm Ahmed” is a mother to two boys and a girl. registered every day. The numbers include religious groups in Syria with those in Turkey with international and local civil organizations, She was forced to leave Muadamiyeh ash-Sham those living in prisons, those living in tents has not been analyzed. the humanitarian aid policy that is in place in the countryside outside Damascus when the rented out to them by owners of agricultural • No registration system to track the refugees seems to have caused a humanitarian planes started bombing the village. She and land and those living in stables whose owners crossing the border has been created and tragedy risk for at least some of the refugees. her children sheltered beneath the olive trees, have cleared out their livestock and replaced the possible contribution from international In short, Turkey must, very rapidly, waiting for the rain of rockets to stop, then them with Syrians in exchange for a rent that organizations, particularly UNHCR, as well as establish a long-term, sustainable humanitarian made their way to al-Swairi in Lebanon’s Bekaa varies, according to one Syrian activist, between related NGOs, is being ignored. aid policy for refugees, one that is open to Valley. This was in September 2012. $150 and $200. • The shelters have been established too close to international and civil society co-operation. “At fi rst we stayed in a room on the In all those areas which house the Syrian border and the confl ict regions. They main road, until the owner asked us to move Syrians from less well-off social backgrounds, are completely isolated from the outside world. 1 The exact fi gures are 381,274 persons of which out. We looked for somewhere else but didn’t many of the refugees exist in a state of 181,240 have returned and 200,034 remain. This situation also led to claims that the camps 2 “There are 22 camps in ten provinces which offi cially find anywhere. The neighbors told us there homelessness and face great difficulties are used as logistics centers for the confl ict. accommodate 200,000 people. There are, however, was an abandoned prison in another town. We finding accommodation. When any of them • In the provinces where the shelters are 600,000, maybe even 800,000 asylum seekers in the cleaned it out, fi xed it up and settled there.” comes across an uncompleted building they camps.” This is according to an interview with the established, the local population has not been coordinator governor, Veysel Dalmaz, İHD Border This prison was home to about move in, despite its condition and the risks informed in an open and sufficient manner. Report, September, 2013. twenty-nine families, all from Muadamiyeh, involved. Many spread out their possessions on As in the case of Hatay, the social and cultural 3 “We are not welcome here, they come and throw explained Umm Ahmed. The families were the street and sleep there, roofl ess, with their things inside from the window, they ask why we structure of the region has not been taken into came here.” A refugee named Eminönü, a 56 year- dispersed among the prison’s dark and children. In recent months, there have been consideration while choosing the locations for old woman, quoted in "Report on Syrian Refugees cramped cells. The cells were windowless, with ever more painful scenes in the nation’s capital, the camps. living in Istanbul," Report of the Working Group steel doors, and reeked of rot and sickness and with families living beneath bridges and at road on Syrian Refugees, September, 2013. The working • No sustainable humanitarian aid program group is composed of ESHID (Association for the damp. More than eighty children spent their junctions. has been created which takes into account the Monitoring of Equal Rights), Göc Der (Göç Edenler days and nights in the prison. They did not go In the north of the country, in possibility of a prolonged confl ict in Syria. Sosyal Yardımlaşma ve Kültür Derneği – Associa- to school. Some took religious studies lessons at Akkar and Tripoli, activists and offi cials from tion for the Social Support and Culture of Migrants), • The Turkish government often takes a side KADAV (Women’s Solidarity Foundation), Hayata the town mosque. international organizations working on the in the confl icts between ethnic and religious Destek (Support for Life), Migration Studies Center at “To stop the children fighting they ground report that during the first wave of Istanbul Bilgi University, Istanbul Medical Chamber, groups in Syria. spent most of their time in the cells. There refugees the local residents opened their homes Human Rights Association, Istanbul Branch, Associa- • The Turkish government disregards the tion of Social Workers. wasn’t space for them to play in any case. to them and invited them in. Many families from principles of transparency in the organization 4 “We are seven in total with four children; one girl, Outside the prison there was barbed wire, not Wadi Khaled, whose own homes are scarcely three boys. The girl is very ill, she has a severe cold. and distribution of humanitarian aid and sends One of the boys has a brain tumor. We arrived in to mention cars, with people driving really fast.” big enough to house themselves, hosted Syrian the humanitarian aid to Syria mainly to specifi c Turkey two months ago.” A refugee quoted in "The So said Umm Ahmed, who sent her eldest son, families, sharing their food and taking turns to regions. Neglected Ones, Syrian Refugees in Istanbul," March, twelve year-old Ahmed, to work at the town’s sleep. A very large number of Syrian refugees in 2013. • The refugees outside the camps have been 5 “His two working sons fi rst took a job somewhere else, supermarket. He works there during the day the Wadi Khaled district still live as the guests neglected for a long time and excluded from but they were mistreated, laid off and not paid at all.” and earns 50,000 Lebanese lira a month (the of local residents, while the remainder stay in Rayan Majed holds a Master Degree in Law and Political offi cial statistics. Necessary regulations in the A refugee quoted by Istanbul Research, September, equivalent of $33 USD. communal shelters, warehouses and rented 2013. Sciences from the Lebanese area of health and employment have come too 6 “The family came to Istanbul 15 days ago. They live This is just one example of the apartments. University and Saint Joseph late. in a construction site with too few belongings. The conditions facing the Syrian refugee population University. She worked for several non-governmental • There are no registry mechanisms or social 11-months-old baby suff ers from liver problems. The in the Bekaa Valley, whose numbers, according hospital they went to for treatment told them that organizations on projects related support centers within the Provincial Governor the baby needs blood transfusions to survive. The to the United Nations High Commission for The Palestinian camps to development, women rights Offi ces for the refugees who are unwilling to live family paid the examination fee of 36 Turkish Lira, Refugees (UNHCR) stood at 220,000 registered and youth participation in politics. She is currently a reporter for Now in the camps. Local resources are not deployed but could not take the baby back to the hospital as refugees in September 2013, with 42,000 Despite their poverty and the conditions there, the main treatment costs 4000 Turkish Lira.” A refu- Lebanon, an online news service in a timely fashion. gee quoted by Istanbul Research, September ,2013. waiting to be registered and nearly 1,000 being the Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon located at www.now.mmedia.me. 36 On the Circumstances Syrian Refugees are Facing in Lebanon On the Circumstances Syrian Refugees are Facing in Lebanon 37

have also taken in a large number of Syrian Norwegian Refugee Council in Lebanon Palestinians who have had to endure a repeat (NRC-L). of the tragedy of exile, plus other Syrians fl eeing the killing. Rima Malsi and her four daughters Refugees and their came to the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in South Lebanon at the end of 2012, the last Lebanese hosts face the station of many in her fl ight from Yalda, her same problems hometown in the Damascus countryside. About a month later she was joined by her husband Khaled al-Ikhtiyar, a Syrian activist, explained: Mohammed, who arrived with news of the “The things that Syrian refugees are lacking tragedies he had witnessed at home and started is exactly what the residents of Akkar, Tripoli looking for work to support his family and cover and the rest of the neglected regions lack: the $150 monthly rent they paid for their room Infrastructure and social and educational (itself not fit for habitation) in the camp. A services. In other words, the existence of a

month after arriving in Lebanon, Mohammed strong, democratic state in Lebanon.” Tent settlement, Zahle, committed suicide. He had not found work and ` In fact, this is why a number of Lebanon could not stand the humiliation and the news international organizations are working to that reached him from Syria about his home, support a welcoming environment for the refugees and the Lebanese communities which video clip of a Lebanese security offi cer using which had been razed, and his mother, who was refugees and to pressure the Lebanese state host them, plus support for the local authorities his belt to beat Syrian refugees gathered at a on the verge of death. Rima said that following into requesting additional humanitarian aid of these host regions. checkpoint. the tragedy the camp’s residents had embraced to develop these regions, so that they are able Refugees in Lebanon exist in a state her and her daughters, taking care of all their to absorb the high numbers of refugees for an of extreme fear. They have left their country, expenses and the costs of burial: extended period of time. The problem of their homes, their land, their jobs, the entirety “They didn’t make us feel that we One of the NRC-L’s projects involves of their former existence, to which they long were strangers. The Palestinians here stood by completing buildings where the Lebanese accommodation, rising rents, for nothing more than to return, and they have us like family.” owners are unable to afford the cost of medical treatment and fear come here, to another country, burdened with But even in those districts and camps construction: the horrors of the violence and injustice they that welcomed the Syrian refugees, resentment “In those Lebanese regions,” said Kalis, Quite aside from the issue of emergency witnessed, to live out a present full of pain, and ill feeling grew as time passed and the “where refugees have come from Syria without aid provision and bringing this aid to such a never knowing what will deliver their future to numbers of refugees climbed. According to shelter, we are working with homeowners large number of widely dispersed refugees, them. Many of those arriving in Lebanon are the UNHCR, the overall number of refugees who have not completed construction of the refugees are facing another fundamental also not registered with the UNHCR, have no rose to 760,000 in 2013—with 77 percent of their properties due a shortage of funds. We problem: That of rising rents. This forces them offi cial papers and know neither their rights nor them women and children—while Lebanese complete the building work for them, and to accept any work, for extremely low pay and how to obtain them. As Ikhtiyar explained, one government sources put the fi gure at over one in exchange they agree to house Syrian renders them vulnerable to exploitation. It also group of Syrian activists is currently working to million. families for a one-year period. This project is inflames tensions and sensitivities between set up “The Syrian Refugee Guide” with the aim important because it helps the host society and them and the Lebanese due to the effect of helping newcomers from Syria get a grasp of encourages it to carry on hosting.” cheaper labor has on the market. the basic rules so as to avoid breaking Lebanese They didn't make us feel that we were strangers. The However, the NRC’s work only reaches These resentments, in the absence of law on the one hand, and on the other hand, to Palestinians here stood by us like family a small proportion of refugees, with 44,990 any comprehensive plan that might off er ways lessen their fears, sense of disorientation and shelters secured to date. And yet, Kalis added: of dealing with the issue, fi nd their expression reduce the chances of them being exploited or “How can we secure enough accommodation in xenophobic practices, even in those areas mistreated: to meet the basic requirements of a dignifi ed basically sympathetic to the Syrian refugees “There’s no one body that deals with The Palestinian camps exist in a state existence for 750,000 refugees? In comparable for humanitarian, sectarian, social and political refugees,” he said. “Suddenly you might fi nd of neglect, poverty and overcrowding, and the situations the solution is usually to construct reasons. In addition to the statements made that the Ministry of Social Aff airs is on the line, districts that bear the greatest refugee burden a large camp to hold these huge numbers of by Lebanese politicians from time to time, and another time it’s the Interior Ministry, and then in the north of the country and the Bekaa valley refugees, which costs less and makes it easier the hatred they bear towards Syrian refugees, it it’s the army and intelligence services, or some are also the poorest in Lebanon, and incapable to guarantee basic services for the people has become the norm to ascribe every problem specifi c political player, or some charity. The of dealing with these numbers. These areas are living there. However, since the Lebanese in the country, all the thefts and crimes that sheer number of players involved and the lack also abandoned by the Lebanese government government has rejected that option out take place here, to the Syrian refugee. There is of a single mechanism confuses the refugee and have poor infrastructure and health services of a fear of repeating the Palestinian camps’ also, of course, the shameful signs erected by and prevents him understanding the basic to begin with, so conditions there have only experiment, we are facing a very tricky situation. a number of municipalities in Mount Lebanon rules, his rights and his obligations. Through worsened with the rising tide of newcomers. The refugees are spread out all over the and the South, which forbid “refugees” from the guide, we are trying to inform him of the “In the beginning the Lebanese country, and this makes it much harder both to walking freely at night – a practice that has procedures he must follow: Where must he families thought it was only a temporary guarantee service provision to them and from met with approval in the North and the Bekaa renew his papers? Can he open a bank account, situation, so they welcomed them in and the point of view of costs as well, particularly valley as well. Furthermore, some refugees have etc.? We are also attempting to provide legal sympathized with them. But two years on, since funding is limited.” been subjected to hostile acts and behavior, support and protection by engaging lawyers tensions started to surface,” said Olivia Kalis, This is why a comprehensive rescue which are both unacceptable and constitute a to defend those in prison, because the UNHCR, the Protection and Advocacy Advisor for the plan must be followed, which includes aid for clear breach of the law, as can be seen in the given its limited powers and its inability to put 38 On the Circumstances Syrian Refugees are Facing in Lebanon On the Circumstances Syrian Refugees are Facing in Lebanon 39

legal pressure on the Lebanese government, is capable of absorbing these numbers of Syrian Zeina (a twenty year-old Syrian refugee) is Syrian friends worked with us and we were in less than eff ective in this area.” children, since Lebanese schools are set up living asked her for sexual favors in exchange communication with the Bekaa municipality, Lebanon is not a signatory to the 1951 to absorb no more than 300,000 Lebanese for foregoing rent for her and her family. and we distributed the aid to a number of Refugee Convention that deals with the status children.” Syrian families.” of refugees, nor the related 1957 protocol, and The children that have not enrolled Rabaa, a volunteer for the “Together so is able to sidestep any obligation to protect include those who participate in “alternative” Individual initiatives and for Syria” campaign, pointed out that people refugees. activities set up by international organizations are more accepting and willing to give when Hani Tilfah, who works for the Basma and other associations or work in grim and civil society campaigns they know that initiatives are not political or wa Zeitouneh organization (A Smile and an degrading conditions. They also include On the other hand, and to compensate for sectarian in nature, but are instead individual Olive) which was founded five months ago those who spend their days and nights out the failings in education and numerous other initiatives with a purely humanitarian motive. and carries out projects to assist refugees, on the street, the group most vulnerable to fields, some international organizations and A number of activists report that many commented that in practice, the fundamental exploitation and psychological, physical and associations—such as NRC-L, UNICEF and associations and organizations working in the problem is that the Lebanese government sexual violence. Basma wa Zeitouneh—have staged activities fi eld of emergency aid lack transparency and does not recognize Syrians as refugees in the Mohammed is seven years old and for Syrian children that allow them to interact are also more concerned with their media legal sense of the term and thus does not sells gum at the Burj El Murr junction in Beirut. with Lebanese children, allow them to escape profi les and “political and sectarian” agendas recognize any of the responsibilities that come From morning to late at night he sits there on the circumstances in which they live for a while than assisting the refugees. with such an admission: “In such circumstances, the dividing island between two streams of and encourage them to use play and art to “Together for Syria” is a group made the refugee is forced to renew his residency traffi c, breathing in exhaust fumes. He does not express their repressed feelings, dreams and up of activists and students from Lebanon visa every year. Taking a family of fi ve as an speak and his unfocused gaze makes him seem memories. and Syria belonging to a variety of diff erent example, they must pay $1000 per annum older than he is. His eyes are drowsy. He’s usually A number of individual initiatives sectarian and political backgrounds. to renew their visas, which is a huge sum for to be found with his head cupped in his little and civil-society campaigns have also been “Our motive is humanitarian,” stressed them and they simply cannot manage it. So the hand, asleep, the gum and the few thousand launched and expanded since the start of 2013, Rabaa. “We meet people in a place of their family members have to live here without visas. lira he has earned forgotten at his side. Other using their modest and limited resources to choosing: it might be close to where they live or They don’t send in job applications because of children sell fl owers on the streets of Beirut, in confront the onset of winter storms and the work. We collect donations and distribute them this, they stay put in the same place and their Hamra, Mar Mikhael and other neighborhoods, xenophobic statements and actions directed at to Syrian families in Beirut, the North and the condition deteriorates further and further.” and their numbers are increasing. Syrian refugees in Lebanon. Social networking Bekaa Valley. We’ve been working in emergency Refugees also face great diffi culties Even the very few registered children sites have seen the spread of videos and aid since Syrian refugees started coming to when it comes to medical treatment, since the who attend school face many problems and comments responding to the racist positions Lebanon.” cost of such treatment in Lebanon is very high, their grades are very low indeed. They have adopted by some Lebanese politicians, which It is this same organization that Hani added: “The UNHCR pays 75 percent of arrived in Lebanon after a grueling journey have reached the point of calling for them to resumed its operations with the onset of winter, the cost of medical treatment for refugees that across the border and they come to school be sent back to their country, while signs have announcing that it was accepting donations are registered with it. The remaining 25 percent exhausted, only to be faced with a curriculum been erected in the streets of Beirut welcoming on its Facebook page just recently. However, is borne by the patient, who is mostly unable diff erent to the one they studied back home. Syrians who have fl ed to Lebanon: “Welcome to despite their importance, these individual to supply the required sum. And of course All this leaves many educational obstacles in Syrian refugees in Lebanon and sorry for what initiatives have a limited impact when measured unregistered refugees receive no aid at all.” their way, even for those students who were those racists among us are doing…” against the huge numbers involved and the successful students back at home. Liyana Badr, who works at the sheer diffi culty of the refugees’ circumstances. “An eight-year-old child drops back Research Center, has been launching individual two years because of the difference in the initiatives, along with a number of other The owner of the building where Zeina (a curriculum,” Hani stated. This creates many activists and volunteers, since the refugees fi rst “They want to go back to twenty year-old Syrian refugee) is living asked problems for the student and makes him feel started pouring in: her for sexual favors in exchange for foregoing inferior. These problems are only increased by their country” rent for her and her family. the beatings some of them receive at school “The idea came to us at the start of the new “They want to go back to their villages, to their from Lebanese children, as reported by Syrian year. We noticed that the number of children lives and jobs and daily existences, but they activists. selling flowers on Hamra Street had been need peace,” said the Norwegian Refugee Women and children as It is worth pointing out here that increasing in recent months, so we decided to Council’s Kalis. refugees many Syrian children have been born as collect a small sum of money and we organized However, until they are able to return refugees in Lebanon over the past two years, a picnic for twenty boys and girls in the without risking death, the refugees are here More than half of the registered Syrian refugees some of whom have been registered while Senayeh Gardens. The sight of them laughing to stay in Lebanon: A small, fragile, turbulent in Lebanon are children, around 350,000 in total. others remain without any offi cial document at and playing encouraged us to continue our country. Its ability to shoulder this burden may To these can be added the approximate fi gure all. activities. The next day we handed out toys to be weak, but the state has no option other than of 150,000, which is the number of unregistered “Want to save Syrian lives? Increase other children. When the weather got colder to request international humanitarian aid, make children, as Abir Abi Khalil, a child protection humanitarian aid.” This is the title of an article and stormier it occurred to us that there were a serious eff ort to absorb the massive crisis and officer with The United Nations Children’s written by Hillary Margolis and published on families sleeping in tents in the Bekaa Valley pursue a comprehensive developmental policy Fund (UNICEF), explained to Agence France- the Human Rights Watch website, in which without anything to cushion them from the which will strengthen the host communities, Presse. Moreover, the majority of these children she tells the stories of Syrian girls and women, ground or cover themselves with, and that they making them less fragile and better able to host have not been enrolled in schools. Basma wa living in Lebanon as refugees and enduring must be helped. Using Facebook requests we those refugees fl eeing the regime’s brutality, Zeitouneh’s Tilfah explained: not only the diffi culties of daily life but also asked people to donate blankets to be handed while granting those refugees their most basic * Translated from the Arabic by “Only seven percent have enrolled their vulnerability to violence and sexual out. A lot of people responded and in one week human rights: That they may live with dignity Robin Moger. in school. Lebanon has no basic infrastructure exploitation. The owner of the building where we’d assembled a huge pile of provisions. Our while they wait to go home. Carole Mansour Wants Us to See / Wants to Show Us Something 41

Carole Mansour Wants Us to See / Wants to Show Us Something

Pierre Abi Saab

Its fi rst showing in Beirut fell on the audience like a slap in the face. “Not Who We Are,” tackles a thorny and sensitive issue: That of the displacement of Syrian (and Palestinian) refugees into Lebanon, from the point of view of the refugees themselves. Carole Mansour approaches the tragedy with courage and integrity, as well as a powerful ability to listen. She tells the story through the words of

the witnesses, simple stories, true and painful, removed from any ideologies, party lines or narrow * This article is an updated version of interests. There is an entire population (soon to equal a quarter of the population of the host country, Pierre Abi Saab’s review of “Not Who We Are,” fi rst published on as the fi lm claims, probably even more), who have been torn from their land, their place, from their November 14, 2013 in Al-Akhbar daily lives, from all that is familiar, who have escaped to Lebanon seeking shelter, looking for a Newspaper. It was translated from the Arabic by Lina Mounzer and is temporary sense of security. What have they found in this brother land? How are they living? And republished in this version with the how do they regain their memories, describe their actualities and narrate their estrangement? consent of the author. Some Lebanese deal with the issue of the displaced dismissively and unconstructively, with fear-mongering tones, spreading ignorance and prejudice. Carole presents us - maybe for the fi rst time - with the opportunity to listen. The fi lm is about the plight of women, and the director Not Who We Are is refl ected back at us as she plunges into their intimate lives. “To be a woman in a time of armed confl ict is more dangerous than being a soldier,” she tells us. Five female refugees from diff erent A Documentary About the Lives of Syrian Women Living social and cultural backgrounds share stories that piece together a picture of the present moment as Refugees in Lebanon and its diffi culties. Afra’a, from Halab, is a middle-class woman living in a Beirut apartment with

Directed by Carol Mansour and Produced by Muna Khalidi her sister and some friends; a graduate in English literature, she dreams of acting and singing, In cooperation with the Heinrich Boell Foundation’s Middle East offi ce in and spends her time searching for herself during this “time out” in Beirut, encountering numerous Beirut. obstacles. Umm Omar and Umm Raed live under harsher conditions with their newborns on a piece of land overfl owing with waste, next to a reeking warehouse, where there are fi ve families to At a time when more than 45 million people are displaced by a single tent. Samar (not her real name, and we never see her face) was forced to marry off her two war and confl ict around the world, this documentary sheds light on the teenage daughters, though she had once dreamt of sending them off to university. And fi nally there Pierre Abi Saab is a journalist plight of women who have sought refuge in Lebanon after fl eeing a war is Siham, Palestinian, she of the inimitable personality, who buried her husband after watching him and reviewer who has lived and that has devastated their native Syria for almost three years. The eff ects worked between London, Beirut die at the Yarmouk refugee camp, then picked up her two twin daughters and fl ed to Lebanon, still of war on women are intensely traumatic, for not only are they forced to and Paris. Since the 1980s, he safeguarding his bloodstained clothes and burying them in a fl owerpot. has specialized in Arabic cinema, leave their homes, loved ones and social networks behind, they also face visual arts and theater in North Carole Mansour’s new film tells of these womens’ powerful modesty and dignified accelerated discrimination, disempowerment, and violence. Africa and the Middle East. Abi Through the stories of fi ve courageous characters, we are led stubbornness. A smile often fi nds its way onto a face as it speaks of tragedy. Afra’a sings along with Saab is an attentive observer of literary, artistic and cultural through the "refugee experience" as it impacts the lives of women. Fairuz and Ziad’s (and Cosma’s) “Autumn Leaves.” Umm Omar laments the fact that she is unable to life in the Arab world. In 2001, They open up and share their experiences of displacement and loss, and, in seduce her husband. Siham soldiers on for the sake of her daughters, Jana and Jodie, and works in the he established the magazine the process, we discover their strengths and resilience in the face of daily service of refugees. And Samar, nostalgic for the blackbird that used to wake her up every morning, Zawaya, for which he has the editor-in-chief until 2007. Zawaya, struggles to survive in an often harsh and unfriendly environment. sings along with Asmahan: “O Splendor of Roses, the Beauty of Roses.” Carole takes us right into the a magazine of emerging Arab The women share reminiscences from their life in Syria, they talk intimate heart of the tragedy, introducing us to its real cost, its true victims. Do these people really expression – published in Beirut about their hardships, they speak candidly about issues of intimacy and and dedicated to contemporary live side by side with us? One is left, at the end of the fi lm, with a sense of loss, of embarrassment, of culture – targets a young audience they disclose both their fears and their hopes for the future. failure and anger. One feels obliged to do something, if only to change one’s attitude, to remember in diff erent Arab countries. He also was a co-founder of the pan-Arab always to take these people and their circumstances into consideration in every discussion on the daily Al-Akhbar in Beirut. Currently subject. It should be a requirement for every Lebanese to watch, “Not Who We Are,” a fi lm by Carol he is deputy editor-in-chief of Screen Shot from the movie "Not Who To view the trailer, please fi nd it on the Facebook page: “Not Who We Are” Al-Akhbar, responsible for the arts, We Are" by Carol Mansour Mansour in cooperation with Heinrich Boell Foundation’s Middle East offi ce in Beirut. culture and media section. 42 We Love the Syrians, Yet… We Love the Syrians, Yet… 43

Mikati also asked for more support, saying: with a passport photo attached to each family “The only way possible for Lebanon to address registration form and the person’s civil status. We Love the Syrians, Yet… these problems is through the support of “Culturally, they are no bother,” he assured me. the international community in speeding up He just has, as he added, to go remind them reaching a political solution in Syria which will many times day and night that their neighbors result in securing stability there and the return hear them when they sit on the balcony of the displaced back to their houses, homes, chatting away on their cellular phones. Or land and schools.” when they get up to eat in the morning during Broummana police chief, Maroun Ramadan, forgetting that though their religion Ryme Katkhouda Habsheh, a Christian in a mostly Christian is respected, people in town do not share it. mountain town in the touristic area of Jabal Syrian refugees are not much Lubnan (Mount Lebanon), 30 minutes away trouble for Arnoun’s municipality deputy chief from Beirut, kept reiterating how nice the either. They registered their kids in school and Syrians who came to his town are, how supported the medical needs of the some 44 carefully they park their cars and how politely refugee households that came to this out-of- they talk to everyone. Then he showed me the-way rural area where “rent is high and there how he registered every single Syrian in town, isn’t much work for people.” “We wish for our Syrian brothers and “They are starting to cause serious social sisters to be resettled in a protected zone in concerns,” said Mustapha Akel, the mayor of Syria, “ said Abu Selim, who just came from the El-Minieh, a middle/low-income city in North Bekaa valley in East Lebanon, delivering water Lebanon. “Besides the volume of electrical bottles to the small shop where I had stopped and water consumption, sewage and garbage for breakfast. “They are unsupervised. They disposal problems, the cost of infrastructure have no toilets, no sewers. They take our jobs repairs and the lack of solid waste setup in the and commerce,” added the man who tells us tent settlements, housing costs in town are also that he is tired of the noise, the garbage, the sky-rocketing.” He modestly added: “I want to cheap labor provided by many of the more than marry my son off , but there are no more houses 1.3 million Syrian refugees in Lebanon. available. And the Syrian women who require Initially, several levels of Syrian much less fi nancial security to be wedded are refugees settlements - all registered at The UN competing with our girls. Many are worried that Refugee Agency or UNHCR - received money their daughters will be a spinsters!” to rent garages, shops, empty buildings and Like many municipalities who seem collective dwelling buildings that NGOs helped to be those suff ering the most from the Syrian to fi nish so that they could become livable areas. refugees infl ux – with the Lebanese government Poorer refugees settled near relatives working not paying them much attention or taking in rural areas and built next to those initial fi nancial responsibility for the issue – Mr. Akel tents what is now known as Informal Tented explained how they welcomed their Syrian Settlements (ITS), spread all over Lebanon. brothers and sisters at fi rst and how they even Lebanese Civil Engineer Joumana supported them fully in the fi rst four months Nasser, who worked managing many local out of a “humanitarian and religious courtesy.” development project with an engineering But now, as the Syrian crisis continues with no dimension, reports that the problem today end in sight and the residents are impoverished is that these ad hoc settlements are in places Ryme Katkhouda was the as a result of the lack of external market access where infrastructure was poor to start with but news director of Pacifi ca Radio to the city’s produce and products, the city now municipalities must service almost double Network in Washington D.C. won’t be able to continue in these practices the volume of activity and population without An international reporter, a senior radio/TV producer and a much longer. “The Norwegians are helping much of an increase in funding or in human communication strategist, she out, taking on the task of setting up a sewage resources and with no infrastructure expansion. specializes in Communication and solid waste piping system that would feed “The local improvement needs were huge, even for Empowerment (C4E) & Youth Programs. As a Syrian woman who into the city’s existing network. But no one is though a lot of efforts were expended by grew up in Lebanon, she makes helping us handle the doubling of the garbage international donors to fund infrastructure such sure the story is told fi rst from for instance, which has reached 60 tons a day. as water or sewage networks. For solid waste the voices of people facing the barrel of a gun. Co-Founder of We need more trucks, more money to pay the collection, there aren’t suffi cient garbage trucks Tlehna al-Daw (We Came to Light), extra workers and the warehouses. We surely or bins." Ms. Nasser added: “With the infl ux of she provides this psycho-social support team with executive can use more international support here,” he refugees, these systems have been overloaded support, managing its community concluded. and all the previous 30-year projections for Syrian father and daughter, Haret al- empowerment programs through In October 2013, during a conference Nahmeh, Lebanon improving the infrastructure via specific communication and leadership development for Syrian refugees held by the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue projects have been reached in less than two and their host communities. Committee, Caretaker Prime Minister Najib years.” 44 We Love the Syrians, Yet… We Love the Syrians, Yet… 45

Syrians alike.” to take good care of their tenants. The agency Talking about the cultural diff erence then stays in touch with the tenants, providing that exists between his hospitable town them with some feeling of security and an open and the Syrian refugees, Marwan Habsheh, channel to someone hearing their concerns. “Of Broummana’s police chief told me: “They don’t course there are still a few (some ten percent) spend their money like we do. They live on very complaining about the current system. Some little.” He continued: “One Syrian school teacher people are aggravated by their daughters losing quantifi ed this to me. She showed me how each their work to Syrian women workers, but mostly Lebanese spends some 10,000 Lebanese lira a these are xenophobes,” added Chehayeb. day on cleaning and self-grooming. So basically Still, I read in The Daily Star that the Aley caza what we spend in a month would feed a Syrian (district) was the fi rst town to impose a curfew family of fi ve for a month.” on its Syrian “guests” for their safety, with 50-60 “They rent hotel rooms and homes, vigilantes riding in their cars at night to enforce and live a bit… Umm… crowded, not like us it. Many other townships are following suit, Lebanese,” said the police chief of the very despite the fact that caretaker Interior Minister Syrian refugees waiting for food vouchers, near Nabatieh, same town where I lived among 14 people in Marwan Charbel previously told the media Southern Lebanon. a 3 bedroom apartment as we fl ed the Israeli that local municipalities do not have the legal invasion in 1982. He concluded, “We Lebanese right to pass resolutions that infringe on the International donors and NGOs does the job now for $400,” said Bahia, hanging cannot live like that. They have a diff erent way authority of the Lebanese Internal Security are trying to bridge this gap. “The local out near her friend’s shop in Kfar Rumman, a of living than us. They need help, cleaning Forces. The southern town of Jezzine even municipalities are not consulted much nor do village in South Lebanon, with her seven-year- products and assistance for their working family went so far as to forbid Syrians from gathering they lead the effort,” noted Ms. Nasser. “The old daughter in her lap on a school day. “And members who are very stressed from having in public places, something that makes many lack of coordination occasionally results in they keep giving birth in Lebanon. So we don’t to support them in a much more expensive locals feel more comfortable. garbage bins that the municipal trucks cannot know what is gonna happen next.” country than their homeland.” “It keeps them safe. They are beating handle!... International donors can make a “We have three to four children to a “There is no more room for more them sometimes, you know? What do you real diff erence in Lebanon today,” added Ms. family here, while they come here with ten kids. refugees,” said Mr. Nadim Chehayeb, an offi cial expect: There is a lot of them and people Nasser. “If well coordinated, the response to There is no planning there: How will they feed from the Progressive Socialist Party who is don’t know them,” commented one women. the Syrian refugee influx could increase the them, school them or groom them? The Syrians responsible for the Aley relief committee Defending the curfew for Syrians, another investment in Lebanese water and solid waste clearly do not care about education,” said a and coordinating between the Aley region Jezzine resident, Marie, said, “I am scared for infrastructure and a chance to implement all mechanic who employs a ten-year-old Syrian municipality and local NGOs. my children in the school. We don’t know how pending or planned projects for the benefit child in the same village. Aley, located in the mountains above these kids live at home. They are not like us. of both the refugee presence and the local Nevertheless, school directors and the capital Beirut, was the fi rst locality to jump They should keep them near the border where hosting community.” Ms. Nasser, who was a English teachers that I had a chance to talk to to help the Syrian refugees, providing them with they can be watched.” major force behind a formula successfully in Haret al-Nahmeh between Beirut and Saida some $60,000 in areas that they settled in the For Garbeit Banboukian, Haouch implemented between the Palestinian and commended the Syrian students and their Northern Akkar region. The area currently has Moussa’s Armenian mayor in Anjar, a border Lebanese community in the reconstruction parents on their dedication to schooling and some 2,000 households with fi ve people living oasis-like town on one of the biggest crossing of Nahr al-Barid camp concluded: “It is for their seriousness when it comes to education. in each household on average. The municipality roads from Syria, Armenians understand the the implementing agencies and Lebanon’s “They show much less in the way of attitudes considers the impact of the Syrian refugees as experience of having to flee a country. Yet government to develop win-win projects to that need to be disciplined and they are positive since they believe it has created more geo-politically speaking, he considers the act make both communities understand that their learning fast,” said one English teacher who says opportunities for the Lebanese to have an of fleeing a problem since the region today well-being is jointly tied, so both accept the that some of the refugees used to cry when she income, especially those who have rented their is under the threat of the same conspiracy of other and cooperate to bring these projects would enter the room initially. houses. Last year in fact, it supported some partition. They are trying to redraw the region’s to fruition. This would ease the tension that In one town where Lebanese parents 5,000 families’ health care needs in full, assisting map, he exclaimed. “I took precautions to is building up to a critical threshold between are not aware of which grade their children are 1,700 mothers who gave birth safely, with 100 ensure there is still room for the Armenians who these two communities." in and some 200 report cards are waiting for the percent of the infants surviving. might have to fl ee Aleppo & Damascus in Syria Job loss complaints and fi erce market parents to bother to come pick them up, Syrians Indeed, there are widespread as we have limited resources and limited space competition are trends substantiated by the were banging at the door trying to register their reports of extraordinary acts of generosity and here in Anjar.” unemployment figures that have risen from kids. The diligent director of this impoverished kindness by Lebanese towards Syrian refugees. As such, he is critical when it comes ten percent to 25 percent affecting more school simply added more seats and tables. “Many in town rushed to help individually and to institutional aid for the refugees, some than 250,000 males, figures derived from According to the town’s deputy mayor, are supporting the ‘respectful, well-mannered of whom who I saw selling Syrian groceries, a government commissioned World Bank Mr. Cherbel Matar: “Today, there are more than middle and lower income good people’ who novelties, underwear and Chinese plastic toys study cited most recently by caretaker Energy one thousand students in this public school came from Syria,” said Chehayeb. These Lebanese and knick-nacks off of carts. “If you support Minister Gebran Bassil. Moreover, wages are made for 600.” The offi cial who said, “there is have established and funded a school for some them economically, it is like you are sanctioning being driven down, as a Syrian worker demand much more prostitution in town and theft since 435 Syrian refugees, with Syrian teachers and a their immigration! You are legitimizing their only 35 percent of what the Lebanese charges these refugees came,” added that he “has no Syrian curriculum. They also threw a mixer party presence and business competition,” declared for the same construction job. problem with Syrians who came a long time that brought in Lebanese youth for New Year’s Hourch Moussa’s mayor in Anjar. “Our shops are “My friend, an accountant that made ago, have build large factories like the first Eve that helped tremendously in opening up closing. Grocery shops and small businesses I nearly $600 USD in Kfar Rumman near Arnoun Commodore Fridge factory and are spending kids to one another. The relief agency also gets am telling you, because the Syrians are on the in South Lebanon lost her job to a Syrian who money on both the neighborhood and the many calls a day from landlords asking them street, noisy, selling everything out of a make- 46 We Love the Syrians, Yet… We Love the Syrians, Yet… 47

not sailing. Lebanon is our homeland.” is a highly sensitive issue. “Excuse me but we Jamal, who needs a quick bite before must say it; they are mostly Muslims, Sunni he goes back to his family so his son Tony, “can Muslims. The Christians are going to Europe take the boat out one last time in this beautiful and other well-to-do countries,” declared Marie, November weather,” chimed in: “You might a modest home-maker picking up her kids from not have much of a homeland soon. The ship school in Jezzine. is sinking, can’t you see? The president said so Under a banner that read “Our Pride himself: Our very existence is at stake.“ and Victory is in Karbala,” one elderly lady in Back in September, Lebanon’s the village of Kfar Rumman, dressed in black, president Michel Suleiman spoke of the crisis signaling far too many losses in a place often in his country, addressing the United Nations bombed by Israel, declared, “What needs to General Assembly in New York, and said it had happen is for everyone to sit at the same table an “existential dimension.” soon. The Syrians, Iran, Russia, the US and China This anxiety though is a real fear and work for Syria’s peace. Meanwhile, we have Syrian refugee children in for many ethnic and Christian, middle-class to bear the refugees. We are all Arabs, living in Informal Tented Settlement by minorities in a country where sectarian balance similar circumstances, having the same needs…” the Litani River Banks, Lebanon.

shift unlicensed cart, meanwhile the Lebanese hard to believe, as Syrian and Palestinian-Syrian has to pay taxes. You do the math.” refugees can be seen everywhere. They seem Shortage and Overfl ow Another concern of mayor Banboukian at ease in a commercial corridor town where is that Syrian workers, who used to live with no many Palestinian-Syrians settled and brought health care, no education or housing support prosperity. Close to Zahle in Lebanon, there is the for years and who are working for less than On the national government side, only official refugee camp of the country the Lebanese – thereby depressing Lebanese Ramzi Naaman, director of the national that was licensed for Saudi Arabia. On wages – are now in the business of asking for poverty program and Syrian refugees aff airs the barren ground, about 40 tents have more support. “They are registering in many at the Council of Ministers indicated that some space. The inhabitants need to go to a townships and cheating the system.” Describing Lebanese are actually benefiting from the facility about 200 meters from the camp his own measures to deal with this, he added, “I Syrian refugees infl ux, and gain at least some to obtain water. On a clear, hot day in took the fi ngerprints of all 1,500 persons, and a profi t since International fi nancial aid is spent August, 2013, the fields right on the copy of their family ledger. I have increased the in Lebanon. He acknowledged, however, that other side of the camp's walls are being guards and the street cameras. I even forbade poor Lebanese families are suff ering the major splendidly irrigated. motorcycles in the streets past 6:30pm, and brunt of this infl ux, especially those who have when people try to gather to smoke water children and who are competing for meager pipes, lie down or hang out on the boulevard, fi nancial aid and school subsidies. It is also a the town security guards shoo them away. They strain on 30-50 percent of the uneducated can go in the public parks to socialize for free Lebanese, particularly women and youth and not be an eye-sore. As a municipality, I have competing in the job market with the new to ensure the safety of the town fi rst. I know it arrival of unskilled laborers. He concluded is a sectarian way of managing things, but all of that what is really needed is for the Lebanese us work like this in Lebanon.” government and the humanitarian agencies to “The power fuses are popping. More develop aid that benefi ts the poor in Lebanon, power cables need repairs, and the water whether Syrian or Lebanese, given projections consumption has tripled since refugees are for 1.7 million poor Lebanese citizens by 2014. breaking pipelines to get water and they leave The concerns of the Lebanese working poor the water running,” explained Saadeddeen fi ghting for survival in a rough job market can Ibrahim Maita. The mayor of Bar Elias, a seem “minor” though in comparison to some of town on the refugees’ main passage-way what I usually hear in Beirut among the middle through Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley added, “We class. have discussed these problems with other “They are swallowing our country. municipalities and we all need more resources Soon, there won’t be much room for us here,” fast, or our services will halt soon. We can barely said George while sipping a quick espresso in a serve our own people now.” The United Nations nice coff ee shop in Saifi , near the port of Beirut, Development Programme has documented as he rushes to make another delivery for his some 17,000 Syrian refugees in this particular small business. “It is a conspiracy I tell you, to town but Maita believes, “it is more like around have us Lebanese leave town so they can settle 50,000 Syrian refugees now, give or take the refugees.” 5,000. They are as many as the initial residents.” “Like in 1982, remember?” added an Although, like most mayors, he relies on his older man. “They tried settling the Palestinians own surveys and outreach, such fi gures are not then. But we aren’t going anywhere. This ship is 48 Syria's Children Seek Another Childhood in Lebanon Syria's Children Seek Another Childhood in Lebanon 49

Syria's Children Seek Another Childhood in Lebanon

Emma Gatten

A destroyed school in rural Aleppo, 2012

Eleven-year-old Solaf laughs when she is asked provides a vital structure and stability in their Lack of schooling locations and adding fuel to the fi re. what she misses about Syria. The other children lives. educational restrictions aren’t the only thing Located in a small town in the in her class, a remedial summer school in Beirut “If these children are to have any keeping Syrian children from education, mountains just outside Beirut, Home of Hope run by the charity, Jusoor, say they miss their hope, it is in education,” said Ketty Sarufi m, a though. Many families don’t consider sending isn’t exactly as inviting as its name sounds. A neighborhoods, their schools and their friends. child psychologist at the Lebanese American their children to school to be economically locked front door leads to a rundown reception But to Solaf, the question seems a little absurd. University. “Children under conditions of viable. area, the walls covered in art and quotes from Our homes are gone, she says. There is nothing hardship generally become stronger. We “Two days ago I spoke to the father of the bible - the shelter is run by the Lebanese to miss. actually do not give them enough credit. They one child, and told him his son had a place, he Evangelical Society and teaches Christianity, It is perhaps something of an don’t crumble as we think they might.” But just had to pay registration fees of $60, which although most of the children that pass through achievement that Solaf can look to a future. For cultivating this resilience requires returning would be paid back by the United Nations High it are Muslim. Downstairs, behind another now she, like her fellow students, is focused on normalcy to their day-to-day lives. In the Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). He said locked door, are the dorms, where the children learning English, so she can attend a Lebanese uncertain situation Lebanon’s Syrian refugees he needed the money for rent. He didn’t have are preparing for a camp trip. The dorms are public school. The school term starts soon, fi nd themselves, education is the simplest way $60 to spend,” said Jesri. sparse, but as home-like as can perhaps be but not for the majority of the kids here today to do that. It provides a constant in their lives, as The dire economic situation for expected. On a typical day, the kids take classes who have either been unable to fi nd a place, well as giving them a vital space to play. School, Lebanon’s refugees is having a darker impact between 8am and 3pm. Most of them arrive at or haven’t passed the entrance exams, which essentially, can help return their childhoods on the next Syrian generation, with child labor the center illiterate. include sections in French or English, languages to them, and hopefully help break a cycle of on the rise among the refugee community. Jesri These are some of the most at-risk of not taught in Syrian schools. violence they may otherwise fi nd themselves in. says they’d like to open the school to pupils Syria’s child refugees, particularly while they Lebanon is now home to 748,000 Children with higher IQs have also been proven over the age of 14, but the reality is that “a lot are still on the street, vulnerable to abuse and registered Syrian refugees, in a country of just better able to deal with traumatic situations. of families rely on these kids for work.” In Beirut, with no guarantees of food and shelter. Some over four million. Of these are 400,000 school- “Some of the students are aggressive, children as young as six or seven can now be even deal with serious trauma. All of this can age children, only around 100,000 of whom especially when they fi rst come to us,” said Jesri. seen on every main street, selling gum, roses lead to aggression. Maher Tabarani, the director attend some kind of school, according to the “They have been out of school sometimes for or nuts, off ering to shine shoes, sometimes just of Home of Hope, said he was forced to turn United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). one or two years and their only option is to go begging. away the extremely violence children, who are We are facing an education crisis,” out on to the streets.” normally older, because of the risks to others at said Hani Jesri, refugee education program “We consider education vital, to the shelter. director at Jusoor. He believes it is too soon to prevent crime, terrorism, poverty and so A shelter for children “I can’t keep extremely violent kids. If tell what the impact will be on a generation on,” said Soha Bou Chabke, a senior program I see that, and I do every day, I can’t keep them of Syrians with minimal education, given how assistant at Lebanon’s Ministry of Education. Home of Hope is Lebanon’s only shelter for here,” he said. “Children need a place they can long the crisis situation is likely to continue. The ministry has told all public schools they street children. Currently housing around 70 call home. They need somewhere they can say must accept Syrian students, and has opened children, they have seen their numbers double ‘this is my home, my territory’,” particularly after afternoon classes in some areas with a high over the past year, the vast majority coming they have faced upheaval.” refugee population. But it is running out of from the infl ux of Syrian children. The kids arrive The Lebanese government has so The burden of trauma resources. During the last school year there via a court order, after being picked up on the far refused to create refugee camps for its Emma Gatten is a journalist were 30,000 Syrian children enrolled in streets by police. Most are eventually collected ever-growing Syrian population, in large part based in Beirut and a graduate Some of the more immediate impacts can be Lebanese public schools, at a cost of $27 million by family members, but according to the home’s because of its experiences with Palestinian of City University’s newspaper journalism Masters program. predicted though. All of the Syrian children USD for the government, according to Chabke. directors the children are increasingly targeted camps during the Civil War, meaning makeshift Previously a reporter and editor at arriving in Lebanon have faced upheaval. Many If enrollment goes up to even a quarter of the by child traffi ckers, who try to forge IDs to claim accommodations have sprung up in and around Lebanon's Daily Star newspaper, have witnessed violence fi rsthand, infl icted on school-age refugee population, “we’re not the children, and put them back to work on the villages and border towns. The temporary she now works as a freelancer. You can follow her on Twitter @ family members or even themselves, and now going to be able to cover the costs, because we street. Child labor has long been a problem in nature of this life is particularly difficult for emmagatten. face an uncertain future. In this context, school just don’t have the money.” Lebanon, and the current refugee situation is children, compounded by the closeness of war 50 Syria's Children Seek Another Childhood in Lebanon Syria's Children Seek Another Childhood in Lebanon 51

“In Syria, the streets were wide, there been looking for a school ever since I left my "Junior Heroes" at Beirut's Monot Library were trees and gardens,” Ahmed recalls. school in Syria.” For the fi rst few months here, he was Although she passed the entrance lonely, having left all of his friends behind, and exams to enable her to go to public school, her more obviously troubled by the pain of leaving parents have so far been unable to fi nd a school Many Syrian children dropped out of school in Syria behind his home and family. Now he goes to that will accept her. But Miriam is determined. and not all can register in Lebaneses schools. These two youngsters are the most loyal visitors of Beirut's a school run by UNRWA, and has friends his “If there was no school, I would be sad, but I must Monot library, that is run by the Lebanese organization own age. Nonetheless, he sees a psychologist keep going. Maybe I can fi nd a language center Assabil for public libraries. "They come here every day, weekly, and his father, who in Syria was a history and learn English,” she said. and even when we occasionally open for an event on a Sunday, they show up," the librarian said. Whenever professor but now works as a day laborer, says Like Ahmed, Miriam said she is tired she has time, she dedicates herself to introducing the cramped home life is highly disruptive. of remembering the past. “What was then them to the means of learning, be it print or electronic While the family once lived in a seven-room and what has happened since, I don’t want to resources. apartment, they now share one room, a remember.” Ultimately she wants to return to concrete construction on top of another Syria and to help rebuild her home and schools. apartment building. The lack of privacy is hard She hopes to become a doctor, to help children for a teenage boy, especially with so many and others. sisters, his father said. She isn’t fond of Lebanon. Her family Ahmed is also very aware of the live in a one-room apartment, in a building and insecurity within Lebanon itself. house, and celebrating Eid at a neighborhood secondary treatment Palestinians in Lebanon occupied by other Syrian families. They share “Ultimately, nothing will be the same mosque. He has clearly worked hard to block receive. His dream is to be a dentist, like his three bathrooms between six families. “I’m not - that is traumatic in itself. They are losing their out some of the more painful memories of what uncle, but he knows that he can’t achieve that sure the Lebanese like Syrians,” she said. identity, what it means to be a Syrian,” said happened to him: He sayid his worst memory if he stays in Lebanon, where Palestinians are With the Syrian situation in crisis Sarufi m. “The best thing for them would be to of Syria is when his father got into an argument barred from many professions. mode, there is little planning for the inevitable fi nd them homes, to make them live in a normal over an unpaid bill. “The situation here for Palestinians is long-term scenario, including the future of the situation. But that doesn’t exist in Lebanon.” With no family likely to claim him, defi nitely worse. There’s no social mobility,” he 400,000 children in Lebanon. The consequences Abdallah may well stay with Home of Hope said. He knows this is the government’s choice are incalculable especially as the situation until he reaches 18. He doesn’t want to return and thinks people should campaign against it. deteriorates even further: Indeed, a whole Abdallah: No memory of to Syria, associating the country almost entirely But Ahmed is positive, and looks to the future. generation is at risk of being lost. with the war. In a strange way, he’s actually He intends to go back to Syria one day, and before the war lucky: His young age means it will be easier for lights up when he describes the regular calls Abdallah doesn’t know exactly how long he him to move on from his past, especially now he makes home to his remaining family there. spent in Lebanon before he arrived at Home that he is in a stable environment. In the meantime though, “I try to forget. I don’t of Hope earlier this year. The nine-year-old fl ed talk to my friends or family [about the war]. the Syrian city of Idlib with his uncle, the last We’re all trying to forget.” remaining member of his family, after shelling Ahmed: Growing up before hit his home, killing his parents and younger his time brother. He remembers being left by his uncle Miriam: Even here we are with some distant relatives, somewhere outside Thirteen-year-old Ahmed has had to grow up of Beirut, and being taken by them to local quickly since his family left the Khan Eshieh not feeling safe charities to claim aid. Then, they told him he Palestinian camp in Syria early last year. In the Even in Lebanon, 14-year-old Miriam doesn’t wasn’t welcome and he was forced onto the days before they left, he and his three sisters feel safe. She worries about fi ghting around streets. had been sleeping under the stairs of their her home near the Chatila Palestinian refugee He crept into a nearby restaurant family home, out of a fear of shelling. camp. She worries about the fact that every to sleep and stayed there until one of the Back then, his main concerns were Friday the army closes the main roads as a restaurant workers brought him to Home for playing with his friends and his schoolwork. precaution against violence. She worries about Hope. Now he talks of the rising rent prices in Lebanon, the car bombs that have happened in Lebanon Now, he says, he is happy. Wearing a of the disadvantages he faces as a Palestinian recently. Home of Hope t-shirt so big it reaches down to here and of the eff ect the cramped conditions “I only go to particular places,” that his knees and a shy grin, he said he likes it at the of south Beirut’s Burj el-Barajneh camp are she knows are safe, she said. “It’s kind of the home “because here nobody hurts me.” having on his state of mind. same as in Syria.” Illiterate when he arrived, Abdallah “In Syria, I would play with my friends She arrived from Syria eight months said he now loves learning to read. He wants to and I would clean my body of all my problems. ago, after leaving her home in Jowbar, in be a mechanic when he grows up, “because my Here, there’s nowhere to play and I can’t do Damascus, with her parents and older brothers, dad was a mechanic and taught me how to fi x that anymore,” he said. Space is an issue for and started coming to classes at Jusoor in the cars before he died.” all residents of Burj al-Barajneh and Lebanon’s summer. She missed several months of school Adallah’s memories of Syria are a little other Palestinian camps, exacerbated by the while in Syria and until she found Jusoor had hazy. He doesn’t remember a time before the infl ux of tens of thousands of refugees, but for been staying at home in Chatila while in war, although he fondly remembers picking the newcomers it’s even worse, and stands in Lebanon. “I was happy when I came and I saw oranges and apples from the trees around his stark contrast to what they left behind. the teachers and the students,” she said. “I had 52 Female Syrian Refugees Female Syrian Refugees 53

Female Syrian Refugees Violating Rights in the Name of Protecting Women

Haid Haid

Syrian girl oustide her family's pre-fab caravan in Zaatari, Jordan

The father sells his daughter’s honor. It was the subject of sexual exploitation is never far and forced to turn to prostitution to secure a Poor economic circumstances beneath this dramatic headline, that on behind. Sexual exploitation always fl ourishes in living. Rana, a Syrian female rights activist, said, September 9th, 2013, the notoriously pro-Assad times of war and crisis, but what sets Syria apart questioning the sincerity of the interest in real Although refugees in general suffer from Syria News Channel broadcast the fabricated from similar situations elsewhere in the Arab protection: “Where were these guys when Iraqi reduced economic circumstances, the following “confession” of a sixteen-year-old girl called world 3 is the legitimization of this exploitation women were being sold for a few dollars? Why points aff ect Syrian women more acutely than Rawan1: That her father had pressurized her to and its transformation into a socially acceptable didn’t they marry the Sudanese and Somali most: engage in sexual relations with a number of phenomenon, which has led to it becoming women when they turned up in their countries militia members, as part of what the channel even more widespread. This article will attempt as refugees, where many of them died of • The majority of the Syrian population are called “sex jihad.” In November 2012, the girl had to shed light on this phenomenon and the hunger?”4 At this point we might address the from the middle-class, meaning they rely on been abducted from an army checkpoint on her reasons behind its legitimization and growing most important factors that have led to the a monthly salary without having large sums way home from school in city of Nawa in the popularity, as well highlighting some specifi c creation and legitimization of this phenomenon: saved in the bank. Their savings are quickly Daraa Governorate, as a way of putting pressure cases. exhausted as the cost of living in Syria is on her father to turn himself in. The failure of The stereotypical view of the Syrian considerably cheaper than in neighbouring Rawan’s father to surrender nearly a year later woman countries (i.e. Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon and did not convince the Assad regime that it The pretext of protection Iraq), and the devaluation of the Syrian pound was pointless to keep holding her, but rather The Syrian woman is seen, in the collective accelerates the process. encouraged it to look for other ways of making Many Syrian refugees tell of how, in the majority mind of the Arab community, as white-skinned • In none of the neighbouring countries are use of her. One of these was to force her to of the countries where they end up, they are and beautiful, capable of keeping her husband Syrians eligible for work permits which forces record a televised confession, which was used constantly being asked the question, “Do you happy and never disobeying him, and working them to moonlight and, as a consequence, as part of its media war against its opponents. have any brides?” whether they are walking in night and day to serve him. One of the most makes them vulnerable. In some cases, women This incident is just one of many instances of the the street, taking delivery of aid and assistance signifi cant means that have helped to foster fl ee alone with their children, their husbands systematic use of sexual violence as a weapon or even in their own homes. The usual this image are the TV serials that are broadcast having perished, stayed back in Syria to win at in the Syrian confl ict. justifi cation for this is soutra, the concept of during the month of Ramadan and widely least some income or out of a desire to guard Sexuality is one of the most taboo providing protection or social cover for women watched all over the Arab world. Where Egypt the family possessions, going back and forth. In and morally loaded topics not only in Syria but through marriage. Although it is well-known is considered to be the hotspot of Arab cinema other cases, men are ashamed of seeing their also in the Arab world. Apart from the actual that women in the Arab world are stereotypically and movies, Syria, in the last decade, built family in poor circumstances and of not being physical humiliation and abuse many women regarded as “deficient” or as having limited its reputation on its especially entertaining able to fulfi l their self or socially ascribed role as (and men!) in confl ict are suff ering, there are rights (in other words, that they require the Ramadan serials. One of them conveying the breadwinners and they leave their families. many other ways to use sexuality as a weapon. protection of a male relative, whether father, above described image is presented by history- • Finally, there is no sizeable, foreign-based One of them is to destroy the reputation brother or son and subsequently a husband) based Syrian television series such as Bab Al Syrian community that can provide an of a woman and her family, the aim of the the unprecedented boom in marriages to Hara (The Alley’s Door), this stereotypical alternative source of income. above propaganda - along, of course, with female Syrian refugees on the pretext of soutra view of the Syrian woman is contributing to demonizing the adversaries of the regime. has no equivalent in otherwise comparable motivating young men to try and get hold The economics of marriage Even though it is not known to what refugee movements in the Arab world. The of a Syrian girl and thereby fulfi l the popular Haid Haid is a program manager extent it is taking place inside Syria, the fear region has witnessed a number of waves of proverb: “Atgawaz Shaamieh bitaaish Ishaa Many refugees are forced to marry off their at the Heinrich Böll Stiftung’s of it is - according to reports by international mass emigration involving Arab women (e.g. Haniyeh” (Take a Levantine wife and live the daughters since they are unable to provide offi ce in Beirut. Prior to that, he worked as a senior community organizations - one of the main causes of Iraq, Lebanon, Sudan, Somalia and others), but good life). Even though it is not only fi ction, the for their daily needs (food, water, clothing, services-protection assistant at Syrians fl eeing the country. 2 However, taking the issue of “protecting” or “providing cover” plot is set in a totally diff erent time: It caters medicine, accommodation, etc.). This is UNHCR – Damascus offi ce. He refuge in neighbouring countries does not for these women has never come up, despite to the wishes and dreams of an audience and especially true of large families or those families holds an Masters degree in social development and a Bachelor render these women immune to exploitation. the many stories of these woman and children refl ects their desires, and thereby it shapes the whose members have special needs. They degree in sociology. When female Syrian refugees are mentioned being subject to widespread sexual exploitation image of Syrian women. marry them in exchange for very small sums, 54 Female Syrian Refugees Female Syrian Refugees 55

cannot be soutra marriage, since no problem God willing this time she will be more fortunate can be solved by creating another problem; and she will get a nice boy who will look after rather, these female refugees must be provided her and stick with her.” with a safe space in which to live, where all their material and other needs can be met. A crust of bread dipped in blood Marrying to survive A number of aid-workers and refugees tell of the many men and marriage brokers who Majda is a Syrian woman who was forced to fl ee exploit the dire circumstances in order to Syria around six months ago. She lives with her fi nd wives. Hasaan, a Syrian aid-worker, said four daughters, whose ages range from eight to that, “many men, most of them from the Gulf, fourteen. Majda talks about the terror she has distribute aid in the camps and other places experienced in the camp, no less severe than where female refugees are to be found as a way that she lived through in Syria: “In the camp I of searching for a wife, or wives, though these Arsaal, North Lebanon. 8 Syrian women seek refuge in the lived in fear, especially at night. I couldn’t sleep marriages usually last a few weeks at most.” house of one of the villagers. a wink until I had made sure my children were Nour, a Syrian refugee living with her daughter all right.” 7 The reason for this was the widely in Lebanon, says that she was contacted by one sometimes as low as $100 USD, and some do daughters as the only way to protect them. disseminated stories about the abduction and man who described himself as a philanthropist, not receive any dowry at all. Hasana, a refugee and mother of two, said: “I rape of young girls in the camp. “A while back and who had obtained her number from a Men who otherwise feel they cannot swear we don’t want to marry off our girls, but they abducted three girls from the camp,” she charity. He asked her about her circumstances afford a marriage are now in that position at the same time we have to keep living here. continued. “They raped them and dumped and needs, then abruptly inquired if her face – and might even be encouraged by their Who knows what will become of us here, and them here when they were done with them. No was as pretty as her voice, and did she want to surroundings, claiming they were doing a good I don’t think it’s an option to take them back to one could do anything because we had no idea marry: “The Saudi told me that he will set me deed by becoming a “protector.” As in other Syria because I’m worried what would happen who the kidnappers were.” Though incidents and my daughter up like princesses if I marry spheres of life, however, they might not respect to them.”5 of sexual harassment in the camp do happen him. I refused and told him I don’t want you or and appreciate what came cheaply for them. Despite the absence of precise during the day, the majority of the terrible your aid and ended the call.” 9 Abu Abdullah, statistics for the spread of this phenomenon stories she tells take place at night. Majda is a Syrian refugee, said that many men come Religious exhortation (a result of the fact that most wives are outraged that despite what is happening there calling at the mosque where he works, looking unregistered) the National Council for Women is no guard posted by the women’s toilets at for wives: “‘Do you have any girls looking for Preachers in a number of Arab countries have in Egypt announced that 12,000 marriages night, and that they are unlit and in a state of used their pulpits to promote marriage as a way between Syrian refugees and Egyptian men perpetual darkness: “I’m a big woman but I to give soutra to female Syrian refugees. While took place in the space of a single year.6 couldn’t go to the toilets on my own at night. The issue of sexual relations following marriages some of these sheikhs confine themselves Furthermore, the phenomenon has become I would always wait until the morning before involving underage girls is perhaps the greatest to promoting the concept of marriage and a part of daily existence for people in those going.” It took three months for Majda to reach worry felt by refugee mothers... enumerating its benefi ts, others have drawn countries that host Syrian refugees, providing a stage where she was able to live without her up marriage lists, and have visited the homes an indication of just how widespread it is. constant fear for her four children’s wellbeing of refugees, advising them to marry off Indeed, it is not uncommon to hear some young at the camp. She needed to provide for them their daughters in order to preserve their man joking, “I had better slow down a little! If I and fi nd a secure place for them to live, but she soutra?’ they ask. They think they can exploit us honour. It’s important to highlight here that carry on like this I’ll end up married to a Syrian!” was unable to leave them by themselves and just because we don’t have any money. Once, his phenomenon has not been created and Or men boasting that they could marry four go and look for work. One day, while Majda was this man turned up and asked me if I knew of promoted by a specific prominent preacher. Syrian women at once. Others use it as a threat collecting her aid packages with her daughters, any Syrian families that were all women. He told Many preachers, in diff erent countries, started to resolve marital disputes: “I’ll go and bring a a Syrian woman asked her if she wanted to me he was prepared to pay all their expenses using the soutra concept on the local level to Syrian woman home to live with us!” It should marry off her daughters. After giving it much and house the lot of them. I mean, he must have justify and promote soutra marriage using be noted, however, that people’s positions on thought, Majda agreed to marry off her eldest thought I was an idiot. Someone like that, what diff erent fatwas and Quranic verses. the issue vary. Some regard marriages between daughter Sara, who was seventeen years old: do you think he wants with all those women?” Syrian women and Arab men as quite normal, “I didn’t know what to do. I mean, I told myself 10 Although the camp managers are aware of A lack of security something that has taken place both before that by marrying off one of the girls I could take these incidents of sexual exploitation they say and after the outbreak of the revolution, and care of the whole family and we could escape they are unable to close their doors to anyone Widespread reports of the sexual violence to that current concerns are just the media this fear we were living in.” It did not take long who is willing to provide aid, since demand far which female Syrian refugees are exposed distorting the truth, while stories about poor until a groom was found: A man in his seventies outstrips their resources and there is no way (including, but not confined to, harassment, Syrian families being exploited in order to get who paid a dowry of $3,500. Majda used the they can refuse any off er, no matter how small. abduction and rape), particularly in the enough to eat are just rumours. Others believe money to leave the camp and rent a place to camps, has created a deep-rooted anxiety that in these circumstances, and regardless of live. Less than a month later, Sara came back to over preserving honour among refugees. The whether or not both parties have given their her family after her husband had divorced. “I Exploit or be exploited fear and despair that result from these families’ consent, marriages involving female refugees know I did the girl wrong,” Majda said, “but it’s feelings of impotence and their losing hope in are invalid, especially since the families and better to sacrifi ce one than sacrifi ce everybody.” The phenomenon of marriage brokers - or any immediate resolution of their crisis, have girls are consenting out of need, not out of their Majda doesn’t hide the fact that she wants Sara “matchmakers” or “guides” - is not new to Arab caused a number of refugees to marry off their desire to start a family. The solution, they say, to marry again: “It’s all a question of luck, but culture in the context of traditional marriages, 56 Female Syrian Refugees Female Syrian Refugees 57

last. The girls are soon divorced and are then only become more widespread and that its remarried to other men, with many of them damaging and destructive consequences living out an existence of perpetual rape by will grow ever more complex and tangled. It temporary husbands. Others are traded: Forced confronts us all with the responsibility to create into prostitution. Some refugees say they hear a safe space for Syrian refugees, where their of many cases where young Syrian girls are rights can be protected and their needs met lured into cosmetic marriages, then forced to until they are able to return to their country, work as prostitutes by their husbands. without their having to live with their greatest fears on a daily basis.

Conclusion 1. “Rawan Qaddah: The Girl Who Was Raped Twice,” Al Who knows what fate awaits Rawan, with Akhbar, September 25, 2013 available via http:// whom this article started and who remains www.al-akhbar.com/node/191959. Arsaal, North Lebanon. Two locked up in the prisons of the Syrian regime. 2. “Syria: A Regional Crisis,” IRC Report, January, 2013. young Syrian girls pose for the Available via http://www.rescue.org/sites/default/ photo in front of the house they Perhaps it is not so diff erent compared to the fi les/resource-fi le/IRCReportMidEast20130114.pdf are staying in. fate of those Syrian women who were lucky See also the “Women Under Siege Project” available enough to escape the cells only to be exposed via http://www.womenundersiegeproject.org/ content/search?q=syria but the role these brokers play in the context free to divorce her whenever he wishes. Umm to various forms of physical and psychological 3. This phenomenon was witnessed in the 1990s, albeit of exploiting female refugees is very diff erent Wafaa says that she is unhappy about her job: “I abuse in Syria and abroad. When it comes to on a smaller scale, with the arrival of female refugees to their former one and is tailored to meet the swear I don’t want to be doing this. But there’s sexual violence in confl ict, often only the worst from Bosnia-Herzegovina. There was rash of religious edicts at the time exhorting believers to marry such requirements of their customers. Formerly, the no work. I can either be a broker or a bride, forms in the confl ict zone itself are considered. woman using soutra as a pretext. The majority of broker’s job was to locate a bride to match there’s no third way! We are denied everything, After 2003, many female Iraqi refugees were these wives were underage and many were coerced the expectations of the groom’s mother (who you see, and the most important thing we’re turned into prostitutes and treated as such into illegal activities. 4. Author’s interview with a Syrian female rights activist had the fi nal say once she had seen the girl), denied is our dignity. God damn these times for in the neighbouring countries. What is new on August 16, 2013 in Lebanon. whereas today the broker deals directly with what they’ve turned us into.” 11 and diff erent about the Syrian situation is the 5. Author’s interview with a refugee on August 17, 2013 in Lebanon. the groom, who inspects (and sometimes does amazingly high level of social acceptance child 6. "Escalating debate in Egypt about the marriage of more than inspect) the bride before delivering marriage and soutra now enjoy: Religious female Syrian refugees," Az-Zaman, March 31, 2013. his verdict. As for the “sweetener,” the term for authorities have not only spoken out to create available via http://www.azzaman.com/?p=30237. What can I say? 7. Author’s interview with a refugee on September 10, the matchmaker’s fee, this never used to be legitimacy for it, some also are actively involved 2013 in Zaatari camp, Jordan. agreed on beforehand, but today it has become The issue of sexual relations following in matchmaking or promoting the marrying off 8. Author’s interview with a Syrian aid-worker on an integral part of the marriage agreement. marriages involving underage girls is perhaps of Syrian women, always under the pretext of September 10, 2013 in Zaatari camp, Jordan. 9. Author’s interview with a refugee on August 16, 2013 These brokers were once exclusively women, the greatest worry felt by refugee mothers who protection. in Lebanon. something that allowed them to see the bride fi nd it very diffi cult to discuss the details of the And there are parents who find 10. Author’s interview with a refugee on September 11, and enter people’s homes unimpeded, but now sexual aspect of marriage with their young themselves in moral dilemmas: They want the 2013in Jordan. 11. Author’s interview with a refugee on September 11, that the ultimate purpose of this profession has daughters. Samar, a mother of fi ve who fl ed best for their children, they feel they cannot 2013 in Jordan. changed, this is no longer the case. from her home in the Damascus countryside, protect them or even earn enough to feed the 12. Samar’s story is taken from the documentary, Not Umm Wafaa is a thirty-year-old Syrian said of the suff ering she had endured over this family and then they decide to sacrifi ce the who we are, directed by Carol Mansour and funded by the Heinrich Boll Foundation. refugee who lives in Jordan with her two issue: “It’s made me lose ten kilos this month rights of their underage daughters. daughters. Two years ago she was forced to fl ee alone. I swear, I don’t know what to do.” 12 Samar The absence of any likely resolution Syria and has been providing for her children has two girls, fourteen and seventeen and to the Syrian crisis in the foreseeable future, * The names of all refugees and activists mentioned in the article have been changed to protect their with the fees she makes as a marriage broker. both engaged. Although they are about to get something that would otherwise secure identities. The man who wants to “marry” will contact her married, Samar is trying to put off discussing the rights of Syrians and facilitate their and give a description of the kind of woman the details of conjugal intimacy: “It’s incredibly return, suggests that this phenomenon will * Translated from the Arabic by Robin Moger he wants, a description that is usually no more diffi cult to sit a girl down and explain to her, than that she be petite, pretty, and, if the man 'This is what’s going to happen.' I just tell myself has enough money, a virgin, too. Umm Wafaa it’s down to chance what becomes of them. Just then tells him about the girls she has available take his hand and go and live with him.” But the and their prices. If the man wishes to view the problem of sexual ignorance is not the only girls he must pay a fee of around 50 dinars (the problem facing these underage girls. Many price can vary according to the customer, the of them are not registered by the courts, as in broker and the bride) per visit. This buys him the many countries the legal age for marriage is right to see her and drink coff ee with her. If he set at eighteen, and in some cases the husband wants to see more he must pay more. Should refuses to allow it. As a result the families are the girl be to his satisfaction, he must settle all forced to draw up unoffi cial marriage contracts outstanding details with the broker, then draw for their girls, which means that none of their up an unofficial (i.e. unregistered) marriage rights are protected. In cases where marriage contract through a sheikh and pay the dowry to underage Syrians is contracted for the sole to the bride or her father. This completed, he is purpose of sex, the relationships tend not to 58 Wed in Refuge Wed in Refuge 59

inside and outside Zaatari,” said Judge Ashra Faced with the opportunity to Omari of (CIJD). In Jordan, the minimum age marry without the combined million Syrian Wed in Refuge for marriage is 18 for both spouses, but in some liras - about $7,000 USD - needed to cover circumstances exceptions for 15-year-olds are the costs of a dowry and gold, many young, Syrian Women and Girls in Jordan allowed. impoverished Syrian males who otherwise would remain bachelors are taking advantage of their new life in refuge. “There is no way I Traditions continued or a could have gotten married back home even before the crisis,” said Mohammed Naimi, a Areej Abuqudairi form of exploitation farmhand from the southern region of Khribet Many Syrians defend the practice of early Ghazal. He added that he married his wife in a marriage, contending that the phenomenon is simple ceremony with his friends and father for merely an extension of an integral part of Syrian a $100 price tag. In Syria, there were rich people culture and tradition rather than exploitation. and poor people: “As refugees, we are all equal.” “In our country, we get married very early. I was “They say it only costs a ring nowadays. eighteen when I married my wife who was Why not get married?” said Zuhour, a Syrian fourteen,” said Samir Hourrani, a 32-year-old “matchmaker” who arranges marriages between Syrian resident of the camp. Syrian refugees from her temporary home in Located some 15 kilometers from the Syrian- Fifteen-year-old Najat was one of A community assessment by UN Duleil in northern Jordan. Jordanian border at the edge of the northern dozens of young Syrian women preparing Women in Jordan, indicates that 51.3 percent Daraa-born cleric Younis Bargaandi Jordanian desert, Zaatari has emerged as a for her wedding day in the Zaatari refugee of females and 13 percent of males who (from Southwestern Syria) says although the world’s second largest refugee camp and camp. Inside a pre-fabricated unit, or “caravan,” participated in the study were married before marriages are happening among Syrians, the a stirring symbol of a humanitarian crisis that converted into a hair salon by an international the age of 18, and most prior to their arrival trend has left the door open to exploitation has driven over 2.25 million Syrians from their NGO, Najat sat surrounded by her mother, in Jordan. The report entitled, “Interagency with girls left with very little rights. “In this camp, homeland. Fires, riots, protests, child deaths, sisters and mother-in-law to be. They were Assessment on Gender-Based Violence and girls are being bought and sold with a single hunger, sandstorms, dust, heat and fl oods in applying henna on her hands and arms while Child Protection Among Syrian Refugees in word,” said the cleric who unlike many of his the desert camp have all placed Zaatari in the the hairstylist applied heavy make up to her Jordan with a Focus on Early Marriage,” was fellow Syrian clerics insists on documenting the headlines of media outlets across the region childlike face. “We could not wait for another based on interviews and questionnaires with marriages he performs in writing - a stipulation and around the world. But one issue that has year to marry her off . This is the right age for Syrians inside Zaatari and in host communities. he said has led many families to turn away his particularly made the camp notorious is the a girl to get married and have children,” said In 2009, The United Nations Children’s services. alleged exploitation of Syrian women and girls. Najat’s mother. Fund (UNICEF) provided a Situation Analysis of Weddings in the refugee camp have been used Children in Syria (SITAN), which noted that 13 as polarizing symbols - media reports warn percent of women between the ages of 20 and Many Syrians defend the practice of early marriage, of “temporary marriages” arranged between 24 had married before the age of 18 in Syria. contending that the phenomenon is merely an Syrian girls and wealthy visitors from the Arab Marriages in numbers Syrian lawyer and women’s rights activist Daad extension of an integral part of Syrian culture and Gulf preying on vulnerable families in desperate Mousa reports that early marriages were “very tradition rather than exploitation. need of money, while others have used videos There are currently no accurate figures common” among Syrians before the war. “In of weddings and bridal showers to showcase regarding the exact number of underage girls Syria, girls are married as young as 13 or 14, the “resilience” of Syrian refugees. who have been wedded in Zaatari, with various especially in agricultural societies,” said Mousa. A few minutes in Zaatari or one of Muslim clerics within the camp claiming to Tradition and socio-economic In ceremonies in Zaatari and the dozens of Syrian refuge neighborhoods receive an average of 20 requests to wed girls conditions were the major reasons behind elsewhere in Syrian refugee communities, the popping up across Jordan and one quickly under the age of 18 each week. Yusef Hilal, early marriages inside Syria, argues Mousa, standard dowry, about 100,000 liras or $700 learns that the phenomenon is much more owner of one of the camp’s three bridal dress something that Syria’s Personal Status law is no longer paid by the groom at the actual complex - with far-reaching consequences for shops, tailors an average of 15 wedding gowns allows. Indeed, it sets the minimum age of wedding ceremonies, but pledged in a verbal both the Syrian community and host countries each week – some to girls as young as 13. marriage at 17 for boys and 16 for girls, but agreement between the bride and groom’s across the region. “Sometimes mothers come in and allows an exception for religious authorities to family to be paid upon their return to their Despite the media focus on so-called claim that their daughter is 17 or 18 years old,” approve informal marriages for girls as young as homeland. With that amount – well below arranged marriages between Syrian brides and Yusef said as he tended to his third bride-to-be 13 and boys at 16. the standard 500,000 Syrian liras or $3,500, foreign visitors, the bulk of marriages in Jordan in less than four hours. “But it is clear that many Rather than tradition, Syrians in for dowries back home and the marriage occur among Syrians themselves. Yet even of the girls coming in are no older than 14 or 15.” Jordan say they have seen a spike in marriages agreement not even written on paper, a debt within the most close-knit refugee communities, As for marriages happening brought on by more modern fi nancial concerns. is created that clerics say few families will be a troubling trend has begun to emerge that outside the camp, the Islamic Chief of Justice Far from their home towns and villages, and expected to repay. “Can you imagine marrying Areej Abuqudairi is a freelance print and TV journalist from poses a challenge to Syrian women: Most Department in Jordan (CIJD) says there are associated social pressures, Syrian refugee off your daughter and leaving her rights as a Jordan, specializing in human marriages involve underage brides and remain more than 2,000 marriages of Syrian women families are much more willing to marry off debt?” he added. rights issues, especially those pertaining women, children and undocumented. Relief offi cials, rights activists to Syrian men that were registered in Sharia their daughters without asking for a dowry or The cleric says many families refugees. Currently, she is working and even Syrians themselves warn that the courts in Jordan as of November 2013 – more other fi nancial securities in return - exempting approach him to approve marriages of girls with IRIN-Humanitarian News trend may leave a generation of young women than 20 percent, some 500, involved women prospective grooms from providing a home, as young as twelve in a bid to better their and Analysis. Formerly she was working at Reuters and the Jordan subject to exploitation, impoverished and below the age of 18.“We know there are many furniture, gold and even wedding costs - all economic situation. “These are children. In an Times. without legal marital rights. more marriages, which are not registered both the responsibilities of young men back in Syria. ideal situation, they should be attending school 60 Wed in Refuge Wed in Refuge 61

instead of becoming wives and mothers.” She is under her parent’s guardianship. If they registered marriages in a sharia court remain for each party involved - the bride, groom, “Their insecurities about the future of choose the wrong husband for a young bride, the only written proof officials have of a both parents and the cleric - or a 1000 dinars their daughters make them want to see their then they are cheating themselves. child’s paternity and birth rights. “Marriage ($1400) price tag Syrians say discourages many daughters married at this age,” explained Naima We have done this [early marriages] is not recognized unless it is registered in a from coming forward and registering their Shoban, child protection advisor at the Save the for generations, and the prophet himself sharia court. So, if a woman seeks divorce, she informal marriages. Another factor behind Children organization. married a bride as young as nine,” he noted. and the children will lose all of their rights the rise in informal marriages is a unique legal as we cannot track their descent,” he said. and cultural tradition stretching back decades Although the practice of informal before the current crisis. Early marriages: The Unregistered marriages: marriages is illegal in Jordan and widespread According to clerics and Syrian legal among Syrians, authorities have yet to report experts, many couples - particularly those confl icting views of clerics Lost rights any arrests in connection with the practice. hailing from the rural countryside - were only Mohammed al-Saud, a 55-year-old cleric who Activists, clerics and judges warn of the adverse However, those who have already performed required to register their marriages in court fled his hometown of Daraa for Jordan one consequences of these unregistered marriages an informal marriage in Jordan, and who wish after they had their fi rst child in order to receive year ago, warned that although the marriage which may leave women abandoned and to legalize their union after the fact, face a a birth certificate under Syrian law. Gender of girls as young as 15 remain permissible prevent couples from claiming rightful legal price. Under Jordanian law, Syrians who wish experts warn that long-held traditions built under shariah law - the absence of religious custodianship of their children. The practice to register their marriage post-ceremony face around this legal loophole, along with pressure authorities in the camp and community is illegal in Jordan, Judge Omari explains, as a fi ne of 200 Jordanian dinars or about $280 from Jordanian authorities are dissuading oversight has left the door open for “widespread thousands of Syrian women and girls from abuse” of young Syrian girls. “From a religious documenting their marriages - robbing them aspect, if both families consent and the groom of basic marital, parental and human rights at is prepared and able to provide and respect time when they are the most vulnerable. his bride’s marital and civil rights, the union is “Girls are being married here while not only acceptable - it is blessed,” said Saud, the situation inside Syria is worsening. Some who performs an average of ten weddings a men join fi ghters and leave their wives here, week in the camp. “But in Zaatari, families are and some can simply abandon them,” Laila marrying off their daughters without informing Naff a of the Arab Women Organization (AWO) a cleric or even their relatives - God only warned. knows what will happen to these girls in one Due to the undocumented nature or two years. Here there is no monitoring or of their unions, Syrian women remain at the penalties if a man abuses or abandons his bride.” mercy of their husbands, who legal experts While some clerics like Saud and Bargaandi and clerics warn can divorce and abandon remain concerned by the rise of unlicensed their wives without facing any legal, social or and underage marriages, others continue the religious consequences. One Syrian woman practice in earnest in Zaatari and elsewhere speaking on condition of anonymity said that across Jordan in a bid they claim “protects” the after a few days in Jordan, she already began to rights of Syrian women. face threats of divorce from her husband over Mohammed Abu Tayyeb, a Tafas-born mundane arguments. “He says if he could marry cleric (also from Soutwestern Syria), claims he with a word, he can divorce me with another has sanctioned the unions of brides as young word.” as 12 in Jordan as part of a “religious duty” to Syrian couples who were already protect his community from “exploitation” and married in Syria without registering their what he describes as the “vices of a refugee life.” marriages are already faced with legal “Many of these girls are arriving in challenges regarding their children’s paternity, Jordan without their fathers, brothers or uncles,” activists say. “We have met Syrian families who Abu Tayyeb said from the northern city of Irbid, cannot prove they are a family. Of course, it is Jordan where he claims to perform some 50 even tougher for female-headed households,” marriages each month - over half to underage Jordanian lawyer Rana Abu-Sundus of the local brides. “Until they are married they are left to women’s rights group, The Sisterhood Is Global exploitation by men - Jordanians and Syrians Institute, said. - who can sense that they are weak and without a voice. The only way to save them from a life of prostitution or abuse is to ensure they have a Child mothers husband to defend them and take care of them. We are defending Syria’s next generation.” Najat, who was wed seven months ago, is due One Zaatari cleric, who preferred to to have her fi rst baby sometime before the end remain unanimous due to security concerns, of this year. She, like the rest of young Syrian said he does not even meet the bride in person Children in a tent settelement outside of Zahle, brides, faces the pressures and expectations to verify her age and the authenticity of the Lebanon of becoming mothers shortly after their marriage. “My job is to bless the wedding, only. wedding ceremony. Inside Zaatari and in host 62 Wed in Refuge Wed in Refuge 63

mother, far away from her family or traditional Jordanian authorities are in the social support networks in a foreign land. process of opening an offi ce of the country’s If she was back in her homeland, Saud sharia court in the Zaatari camp to register said she would share her child-rearing duties marriages, ensure they conform to Jordanian with her mother and grandmother - both and Islamic law, as well as to provide basic of whom were killed during shelling of their counseling for newlyweds. “We are aware it is home village of Nawa outside Daraa earlier this diffi cult for people to leave the camp and go to year. “My mother would have taught me how to court, but they need access to court a nd advice,” raise a baby, how to put them to sleep, hot to said judge Omari of the CIJD. tell if they are hungry or ill,” she said. “It would Meanwhile, aid agencies and activists have been a lot easier.” on the ground in the camp and elsewhere With the fate of her husband unclear are working with the local community by and her legal custodianship of their unborn launching a series of awareness campaigns child in question under Jordanian law, Saud, warning against the practice of early marriages. Arsaal, North Lebanon. This group like an entire generation of young Syrian newly- Through the assistance of community leaders of refugee women decided to pose for photos after telling their weds, struggles to fi nd resolve amid an ever such as religious clerics and tribesmen, Save the heartbreaking stories. uncertain future. “Back in Syria, we didn’t know Children is one of many organizations reaching if we would live to see the next day,” she said, her out to Zaatari residents to warn against the communities, The United Nations Population number of Syrian women and girls being wed eyes fi xated on her hands as she methodically consequences and long-term costs of early Fund (UNFPA) has clinics providing reproductive to rebel fi ghters within Zaatari, although the knits a hat for her unborn child. “Here we have marriage in exile. health services including counseling, family camp‘s branches of the Syrian Tribal Council and to learn how to go on and live.” “It took us quite a bit of time to get planning deliveries, as well as treatment for the Higher Military Council estimate that some there. It is very challenging to prevent this infections. 150 current and recently recruited fi ghters are practice as it is a tradition,” said Naima Shoban Underage girls constitute more wed each month in the camp - more than half Syrian child brides: An of Save the Children. Yet despite the warnings than 10 percent of the recipients of the clinic’s to brides who are under the age of 18. uncertain future and risks, marriage will continue to remain an services in recent months, with the majority Most of the young couples knew attractive option for safety, stability and security seeking help with deliveries and treating each other before their flight to Jordan or As hundreds of Syrians continue to trickle over for hundreds of young Syrian girls grasping for illnesses preventing pregnancies, UNFPA staff hail from the s same village back in Syria, the 370-kilometer Syrian-Jordanian border each certainty while facing an increasingly uncertain said. “Very few women and girls seek help with with the ceremonies receiving the blessing day, relief offi cials and Jordanian authorities future. family planning. They are mainly interested in of both families - far from the exploitive expect the phenomenon of early marriages to “The war has taken my family from me,” becoming pregnant,” said gynecologist Reema image conjured up by the term “fi ghter bride.” grow as the confl ict in their homeland contin- 16-year-old Shireen Hariri, an orphaned refugee Diab. On average there are 30 births every Despite the conventional marriages, ues. With over 400 Syrians crossing into Jordan from Daraa, said as she browsed wedding week in the Zaatari camp, half of which involve Saud says the lives of fighter brides are each day, and the UN projecting the refugee gowns at Hilal’s Zaatari store weeks ahead mothers under the age of 18. notnothing but longing for a reunion with population to pass the one million-mark before of her pending marriage to a Free Syria Army “It has physical implications, especially totally consumed living in hope for their the end of 2013, authorities and aid agencies fi ghter in October. “Now I will have the chance premature pregnancy and childbirth, which husbands returned. She spends her days like are working fast to prevent and save what some to start a new one.” entail increased risks of maternal mortality,” most of the growing number of rebel fi ghter are calling Syria’s “lost generation” of women warned midwife Munira Shabaan. Pregnancy- housewives in the camp - preparing tea and and girls. related deaths are the leading cause of coff ee for her brothers-in-law and husband’s mortality for 15-to-19-year-old girls worldwide, parents, awaiting the occasional visit by according to fi gures provided by UNICEF. relatives, following the latest developments in Syria on Al-Jazeera TV. Still, amid the domestic duties, Fighter brides underage Syrian fi ghter brides such as Saud say they spend most of their days waiting - for Fatima al-Saud is one of a growing number of news of their husbands’ safety and eventual young girls in Zaatari who marry only to fi nd return. their husbands whisked away to the battlefi eld Saud said she has not heard from back in Syria days after their ceremony. her husband since he travelled from his home “We were married on a Friday, village of al-Shajareh to the Damascus area with that next Sunday he was on a bus back to a Free Syrian Army unit three months ago. Syria,” the 17-year-old said while clasping a In the weeks since their last photo of her 24-year-old husband Ahmed in conversation, Saud was taken ill at a camp clinic the residential trailer they shared for their brief where it was revealed that she was pregnant union, fi ve months after his departure. and due to deliver in a little over three months. “I always knew he was with the Free With her due date a few short months away, Syrian Army and wanted to go back and fi ght, Saud now finds herself facing a future she but I never imagined it would be so soon.” and few young fi ghter brides dreamed of when There are no offi cial statistics on the they tied the knot - raising a child as a single Editors: Dr. Bente Scheller, Corinne Deek, Haid Haid, Joachim Paul, Dr. Rene Wildangel

Sub-Editor: Nicholas Noe

Layout: Rachad Chamoun

Cover photograph: Alaa Ghazzal. The Arabic words in the picture mean “I don’t want to be born a refugee”.

Cover Designer: Maya Chami

Photographs: Pages 29 and 53 by Areej Abuqudairi; pages 37, 47, 50 and 60 by Bente Scheller; 42 by Ghina Hashisho, FarikBeirut.net; pages 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 17, 18, 32, 34 and 49 by Haid Haid, pages 1, 12, 13, 14, 15, 54 and 56 by Marta Bogdanska; pages 23 and 25 by Mitwali Abu Nasser; pages 44 and 46 by Ryme Katkhouda; page 26 by Sari el-Halaj; and page 62 by Umama Hamido.

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