UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR) OBSTACLES TOWARDS THE PROTECTION OF SYRIAN REFUGEES IN LEBANON IN THE PERIOD 2021-2024

Abstract

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is an international organization mandated to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to refugees worldwide. In Lebanon, there are 1.5 million Syrian refugees who require protection and support from UNHCR. To address the situation of Syrian refugees, UNHCR has implemented various programs aimed at alleviating the refugee crisis in Lebanon. However, from 2021 to 2024, the situation of Syrian refugees in Lebanon has worsened, presenting alarming conditions. In its efforts to implement its programs, UNHCR has encountered significant challenges in providing adequate protection to Syrian refugees in Lebanon. This study employs a qualitative research method to identify the obstacles faced by UNHCR in executing its programs in Lebanon. Drawing upon the theory of effectiveness of international organizations as proposed by Frank Biermann and Steffen Bauer, the study reveals that the challenges to the effectiveness of UNHCR in safeguarding Syrian refugees in Lebanon during the period 2021-2024 are influenced by three structural variables: first, stakeholder involvement, which concerns the involvement of the Lebanese government whose policies often conflict with UNHCR’s mandate to protect refugees; second, availability of resources, which refers to the limited resources, both financial and human (staff), available to UNHCR in Lebanon; and third, problem fit, which is related to the ongoing conflict within Lebanon itself.