Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Highlights Strain of Syrian Refugee Crisis on Nation

Lebanon’s foreign minister, Abdallah Bou Habib, expressed concerns on Sunday regarding the significant burden that Syrian refugees are placing on Lebanon, describing it as a major threat to the country. The Syrian refugee crisis places considerable strain on the country’s resources, infrastructure, and social fabric.  He said the financial strain of hosting a large refugee population far exceeds the aid provided by the international community.

Bou Habib noted that the cost of accommodating Syrian refugees in Lebanon is estimated at around $6 billion annually, much higher than previous calculations. Lebanon currently hosts the highest number of refugees per capita, with approximately 2 million Syrian refugees residing in the country.

The minister also criticized countries that he said were obstructing repatriation efforts out of concern that refugees may seek asylum elsewhere.