“With every passing day I feel like a candle, melting little by little.” experiences of long-term displacement amongst Syrian refugees in Shatila, Lebanon

Abstract

Background Long term displacement and exposure to challenging living conditions can influence family dynamics; gender roles; violence at home and in the community and mental well-being. This qualitative study explores these issues as perceived by Syrian refugees who have been living in Shatila, a Palestinian camp in South Beirut, Lebanon, for at least 2 years. Methods Twenty eight in-depth interviews with men and women were conducted between February and June 2018. Women were recipients of mental health services, and men were recruited from the local community. Interviews were conducted in Arabic, translated, transcribed, coded and analysed using thematic content analysis. Results Our results show patterns of harsh living conditions similar to those described earlier in the course of the Syrian refugee crisis. Lack of infrastructure, overcrowding, cramped rooms and violence were all reported. Participants also described a lack of social support, discrimination and harassment within the host community, as well as limited social support networks within their own Syrian refugee community. Family dynamics were affected by the increased responsibilities on men, women and children; with additional economic and employment demands on men, women assuming the roles of ‘mother and father’ and children having to work and contribute to the household. Participants discussed several types of violence, including parental violence against children and violence in the community. Violence against women was also reported. Reported mental health issues included depression, anxiety, sadness, frustration, hopelessness, self-neglect and a loss of sense of self and self-worth. Some participants expressed a wish to die. Conclusions This study describes experiences of changing gender roles, family dynamics, violence and mental health after long-term displacement in in Shatila camp, South Beirut as perceived by Syrian refugees. A lack of safety and security coupled with economic hardship rendered refugees even more susceptible to exploitation and harassment. Parental violence was the most commonly reported type of domestic violence.

Understanding and Responding to Substance Use and Abuse in the Palestinian Refugee Camps in Lebanon Prior to and During COVID-19 Times

“…Similar to extant literature from other countries hosting Palestinian refugees, our study illustrates the tensions within the camps and between camp refugees and the outside community, along with factors related to drug use such as stress, trauma and refugee camp insecurity and vulnerability to drug use and related health harms (Afifi et al, 2019 ; ANERA, 2019 ; Damiri, 2019 ; Massad et al, 2016 ; Syam et al, 2019 ; Thabet & Dajani, 2012 ; UNRWA/UNICEF, 2018 ). In 1969, after what was called “The Black September” 1 in Jordan, the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) and other armed groups took over the security responsibility in the camps, inhibiting the access of Lebanese law enforcement to camps.…”

Through Her Eyes: The Impact of War on Syrian Refugee Families

“…Studies attributed men's financial and social stressors to be related to war displacement, loss of property, hunger, isolation from friends and family (Rizkalla et al, 2020), and fear of being killed, being detained, disappearing, or being unemployed (Shafi, 2019). Similarly, Syrian refugees in Lebanon reported parallel circumstances, including poor living conditions, food scarcity, safe water shortages, lack of health care services, and children's activities, coupled with a high cost of living to access these services (Syam et al, 2019). The stress from lack of employment, having to work illegally, and the inability to provide for basic family needs led to emotional distress.…”

“…Loss of emotional, sexual, and intellectual intimacy, resulting in violence toward women and children, was reported among Syrian refugees displaced to other Arab countries. Thoughts of escaping the violence led to fear for their safety and financial well-being and so was not considered as a possibility (Syam et al, 2019).…”

Report of the intergovernmental panel on climate change: implications for the mental health policy of children and adolescents in Europe—a scoping review

“…In refugee camps, children and adolescents are at a high risk of violence, discrimination and harassment. If families are not separated, family structures risk being severely challenged [ 42 ]. During resettlement, adaption towards the new setting including language and culture is necessary.…”