When the fighting became so intense that he and his 14 children and their families were forced to flee, Mohammad brought his entire family to Lebanon in search of safety. But Lebanon has proven very different from their home country: it’s very expensive compared to Syria. Six years into the crisis, Mohammad’s family has spent all their savings.
They’re not alone. According to a UN assessment, the majority of Syrian refugees are adopting resorting to selling their land, houses and assets. They’re also turning to early marriage, child labour, and taking their children out of school. The average debt of a Syrian household in Lebanon is USD 857. Seventy-one percent Syrian households are living below the poverty line.
The children in Mohammad’s family have difficulty going to school. The men aren’t working and the majority of the family members don’t have valid residency permits, which limits their movement.
Desiring resettlement
In this turmoil of events, Mohammad speaks of the only possible option for his family to live a decent life: resettlement. He already has personal experiences at hand. His son was resettled to Britain. One of his daughters is also in the process of being resettled, completing the final phase of interviews with her children.
Mohammad is hoping for the rest of the family as well. He only receives positive news from his resettled son.
“It’s safe and my grandchildren are going to school again. He’s learning the language and his wife is studying,” he says. “They are so happy. For that, I am so grateful.”
Reclaiming peace
Mohammad is pursuing resettlement for the rest of his extended family. “Resettlement would give us peace again,” he says.
He’s heartbroken that his children and grandchildren have disrupted their education. He wants them resettled so they can safely go back to school.
There’s another pressing issue: his wife is terminally ill with cancer, and her treatment isn’t covered by UNHCR. They can’t afford the chemotherapy she needs.
“I can see how my wife is fading in front of me,” Mohammad says. “Resettlement to Europe would at least give her a greater chance to survive.”
I can see how my wife is fading in front of me. Resettlement to Europe would at least give her a greater chance to survive.
