Devastating impact of Beirut explosion on refugees
View of the port after the explosion on August 4, 2020 in Beirut, Lebanon. Photo: Alex Gakos
Nearly six weeks ago the port of Beirut was struck by one of the world’s most devastating explosions, sending a powerful shock wave of smoke, dust and debris across the city.
In the weeks that followed we learnt that more than 200 people had been killed and thousands more injured by the blast. The destruction could not have come at a worse time for Lebanon, as the country faces an unprecedented economic crisis that has seen the value of its currency crash.
Refugees among those hardest hit
The port was home to many refugees in the nearby area of Karantina. Refugees were already struggling as a result of increasing COVID-19 cases and the economic crisis, and they are among those hardest hit by this crisis. Many have lost shelter and livelihoods, and the basic necessities provided by international organizations have been interrupted as a result of the explosion.
In the aftermath of the blast volunteers had to override COVID-19 precautions to aid those impacted, while those left homeless are even less able to protect themselves from the virus.
As the weeks have gone by, more bodies have been uncovered underneath the rubble and identified as victims of the blast and have been named – sons, mothers, sisters, fiancées. Many of these individuals had fled neighboring Syria to the relative safety of Lebanon, only to be met with more danger.
Economic impacts forcing refugees to make impossible choices
Out of the 1.5 million refugees currently living in Lebanon, over 70% live below the poverty line (United Nations Lebanon, 2020). Poverty is expected to increase after the bomb’s destruction of businesses in an already dire economic state. Since the bomb, many refugees have been forced to return back to their home countries, including Syria, given the situation. Yet most yearn to travel abroad for the safety and opportunity a legalized status can offer them.
"We [Syrians] used to work just enough to eat and drink, and pay rent, now there is no food, drink or money, and no country - in Syria or in Lebanon.” - 21yo Nasr speaking in the aftermath of the blast about its impact on refugees)
Support to recovery efforts
Local organizations have emerged in response to the crisis, mobilizing and organizing youth in recovery efforts and coordinating with larger organizations who have redirected their efforts to relief and medical aid since the blast. The influx of money transferred from international bodies and from the international community has allowed the volunteers to get the supplies needed to clean the streets, feed those in need, and attempt to rebuild some of the destroyed buildings.
TBB partner NGOs like the Union of Relief & Development Associations have provided food parcels, hygiene kits, and psychological support to thousands of refugees while leading massive volunteer clean up efforts. Much is still needed to sustain recovery efforts. Below are some of the reputable organizations gathering donations for immediate and long term support:
Union of Relief & Development Associations
Humanitarian Coalition in Canada
What Talent Beyond Boundaries is doing
The situation in Lebanon highlights just how critical it is to provide refugees with safe routes to stability.
As the current conditions make mobility for our candidates increasingly challenging, we are redoubling our efforts to provide resources to assist candidates to prepare for international employment. Just last week, we welcomed two more TBB candidates from Beirut - both critical care nurses and Palestinian refugees - to begin work in Toronto.
TBB is also assisting over 80 additional refugees currently in the visa pipeline for relocation to Australia and Canada. TBB and our employer partners are doing all we can to help candidates progress and move safely towards their new lives and careers.
If you are interested in supporting the work of Talent Beyond Boundaries work please donate or consider hiring refugee talent through our program.