Syrians have endured nine years of war, nine years of displacement, and nine years of interrupted education. Many Syrian parents endangered their lives fleeing Syria to Lebanon in order to secure a better life for their children. Despite their bravery, the Syrian refugee children have not received the basic education to which they are entitled.
THE RIGHT TO EDUCATION IS CODIFIED IN INTERNATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS LAW
The right to education was introduced in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and is codified primarily in the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) The ICESCR establishes a right to primary education, accessible secondary education, and equitable opportunity for higher education.
MORE THAN HALF OF SCHOOL-AGED SYRIAN REFUGEES ARE DENIED A BASIC EDUCATION
According to a recent publication by the UNHCR, more than half of the Syrian refugees in Lebanon between the ages of three and 18 receive no formal education. Less than ten percent of those children are enrolled in secondary schools. Without education, the children grow up not only lacking the basic numeracy and literacy skills, which are essential to enter the professional workforce, but they also lack access to the safe and protective environment schools can offer.
This a grave concern; in the face of destruction and chaos, education can serve as an important social and emotional support for children, encouraging them to cultivate hope and aspirations for a brighter future.
STATES AND INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS SEEK TO REINSTATE EDUCATION FOR SYRIAN CHILDREN
The Lebanese government, the United Nations, and various international NGOs understand the gravity of a lost education and seek to reverse the tragedy of the “lost generation”. Although there has been a rise in the percentage of Syrian refugee children in Lebanon with access to education, a lack of funding proves to be yet another obstacle that these families must overcome in order to ensure an education for their children. Host schools that do not receive adequate funding only accept a limited number of refugee students into their public programs.
SUPPORTING EDUCATION FOR REFUGEES BENEFITS BOTH THOSE GIVING AND RECEIVING THE EDUCATION
Striving to increase the percentage of Syrian refugee children with access to education is fundamental. Children without access to education are increasingly vulnerable to child labour, exploitation, extremism, and early marriage.
The international community’s failure to make a serious commitment to address the Syrian refugee children without access to formal education will have long-term pernicious effects on both Lebanon, as the host country, and Syria, if not remedied. Ensuring access to education will not only benefit the children, but it will also contribute to the well-being of the refugees’ host countries, as the children grow up more self-sufficient and prepared to contribute to society.
Sarah is a second year undergraduate student studying BSc Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the University College London. She has a keen interest in human rights - with a particular interest in Middle Eastern Affairs due to her Syrian origins.