Berlin Conference to ease Syrian refugee crisis

Pledge of long term financial assistance for Lebanon

The international community pledged to provide long-term financial assistance to Syria’s neighboring countries, including Lebanon, but did not set a determined amount.

During a conference held in Berlin this week, U.N. refugee chief Antonio Guterres said: “Donors will try to bring more support for the upcoming years, based on needs to be specified.”

Germany has promised donations of €500 million ($636 million), in the next three years, while the US will increase humanitarian aid in the amount of $10 million. The Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation announced a contribution of €800 million ($1 billion) for the Trust Fund, which was formed by the World Bank.

Prime Minister Tammam Salam told the conference of foreign ministers and representatives from 40 nations that the status quo was unsustainable. In addition to placing heavy strains on the country's hospitals, schools and other institutions, the refugees also are taking jobs from Lebanese workers, creating resentment, he said.

“The massive influx of Syrians into poor communities that are totally unprepared to cope with such a sudden burden has had a destabilizing effect, with a variety of challenges and threats that constitute a fertile ground for extremism and violence,” he said.

Salam made clear that the financial support has not reached the sought amount, since Lebanon's losses have been estimated at about $7 billion by the World Bank.

The conference called for setting up a safe region in Syria, under international supervision, to hold the largest possible number of the war wounded.

“There is also the suggestion to set up camps in safe Syrian regions, but it was not met by support from countries and international organization,” said Salam.

Germany has been one of Lebanon’s strongest supporters, with regards to its refugee burdens, providing much needed assistance. “Germany now has over 55,000 refugees,” said Salam.

Lebanon, whose population is less than five million, is hosting about 1.1 million refugees, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).