Why are Syrians coming to Europe in increasing numbers?

(Baonghean.vn)- Why are more and more refugees trying to reach Europe despite the life-threatening dangers? Melissa Fleming (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR) gives the following 6 main reasons:

1. The war in Syria shows no signs of ending

The situation in Syria continues to deteriorate, with fighting escalating in all regions and the economy and services in a state of collapse.

When people flee war, they hope to return soon. So they often move somewhere nearby, perhaps to stay with relatives or friends in a nearby town, or just across the border. But after more than five years of conflict, many Syrians have given up hope altogether. Their homes have been destroyed, their families torn apart, and there is little prospect of a peaceful future. The growing tensions have driven hundreds of thousands of people to risk everything to find a safer place.

2. Syrians slide deeper into poverty as refugees in neighboring countries

Migrants crammed onto a small boat crossing the Mediterranean to reach Europe. Photo: Internet

For millions of Syrians, their first safe haven is in neighboring countries like Lebanon, Jordan, Türkiye, Egypt and Iraq. But few refugees can afford to pay all the bills, even if they live in small, crowded rooms. Many refugees therefore face deportation.

In many countries, refugees are not allowed into the formal labour market and face sanctions if caught. In Jordan, for example, they risk being returned to refugee camps, and in Lebanon, they are forced to sign a non-work commitment if they want to extend their residency status.

Without income, people are forced to first save and then pay off debts. After years of living and being exhausted by the expenses, many people are forced to leave simply because they can no longer afford rent, food or basic necessities.

3. Lack of international aid to support refugees in the region

Normally, refugees can turn to aid agencies like the UNHCR for help. But the current situation is far from straightforward, and aid agencies are struggling to find funding. Last month, as the number of Syrian refugees arriving in Europe surged, the UNHCR began receiving new pledges to increase aid in neighboring countries. Even so, it has received just over half of this year’s aid for Syrian refugees.

In Jordan, many refugees also lack access to free health care. Nearly 60% of adults with chronic illnesses are living without medication, up from 23% in 2014. Refugees in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt say the lack of aid is forcing them to leave.

4. Children are not educated

Syrians yearn for an education. But Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon and Türkiye are not providing enough education for Syrian children. In Jordan, 90,000 Syrian children are not receiving a formal education, and 20% of refugee children have dropped out of school to work. Many girls are forced into early marriage.

Even in Lebanon, where education is largely free for Syrian children, the cost of travel is prohibitive and many children are forced to drop out of school to support their families. 200,000 children will be out of school this year, and young people have no choice but to pursue higher education. They need life skills and knowledge to return home and rebuild after the war. Syrian parents say their educational needs can only be met in Europe.

5. Countries in the region impose new rules on refugees

Neighbouring countries in the region have been unprepared to take in large numbers of refugees, putting huge strain on infrastructure. The tiny country of Lebanon, which has hosted more than 1 million Syrian refugees, has introduced new rules to limit the number of Syrians arriving. Refugees in Lebanon must pay the equivalent of £130 a year, as well as agreeing not to work.

In Jordan, the government requires all Syrians living outside refugee camps to have new identity documents to access services, but the cost of this is up to £27, too high for many to afford.

6. The allure of Europe's welcome on television and social media

German Chancellor Angela Merkel poses for a photo with Syrian refugees. Photo: Imago/Barcroft Media

Syrians at home and abroad have been following the news, stories of the difficult journey across the Mediterranean, through the Balkans and ending in Austria and Germany, where refugees were greeted with applause, flowers and teddy bears. For Syrians, the thought of seeking asylum in a country that offers safety, job prospects and education is enough to make them brave the risks. They fear that European countries will soon close their doors to refugees, so they must get there as soon as possible.

So what is the solution? Clearly, all countries involved must redouble their efforts to end the war in Syria. But until peace returns, the countries currently hosting 4 million refugees must receive infrastructure and development support while UNHCR and its partners provide basic needs for refugees. At the same time, refugees must enter through more legal channels through increased immigration quotas, flexibility on family reunification, humanitarian issues and student visas. As such, Syrian refugees will certainly think twice before leaving the country and risking a journey to Europe./.

Phuong Thao

(According to The Guardian)