Rashida Jones Visits a Syrian Refugee Camp (Shot in 360) | Vanity Fair

Summary

The video highlights the struggles of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, where over 1.5 million have sought refuge since 2011. The narrative focuses on the harsh living conditions they endure, including makeshift housing, lack of official refugee camps, and financial hardship. Children, though full of dreams and aspirations, face barriers to education and are often forced into work. Despite limited aid, the resilience and hopes of the refugees remain strong. The video emphasizes the need for better support and resources to improve their lives and future prospects, underscoring the importance of global action.

Takeaways

• 😀 The population of Lebanon has grown by 1.5 million due to the arrival of Syrian refugees, making up one-quarter of the total population.
• 😀 There are no official refugee camps for Syrians in Lebanon, forcing many to live in informal shelters like unfinished buildings or tents.
• 😀 Refugees often face severe financial strain, as they have to negotiate rent with landlords or do unpaid labor in exchange for shelter.
• 😀 Syrians in Lebanon are unable to work legally without a residency permit, but the high cost of obtaining one makes it nearly impossible for many to work.
• 😀 Winter conditions, with snow and cold temperatures, make living in makeshift shelters even more difficult for refugees, especially families.
• 😀 Refugee children face obstacles to education due to high costs of transportation and school supplies, often resulting in them being sent to work instead.
• 😀 Despite their hardships, refugee children still have dreams and aspirations, such as becoming teachers, engineers, or doctors.
• 😀 The lack of proper aid and support from other countries is a major challenge, as Lebanon bears an immense burden with little external assistance.
• 😀 The refugees’ resilience is evident as they hold onto hopes of returning home, but after several years of conflict, many are uncertain about their future.
• 😀 Aid and support are urgently needed to help Syrian refugees, as the situation continues to deteriorate with limited resources and opportunities for the refugees.
• 😀 The video urges global awareness and action to improve the living conditions of Syrian refugees and provide them with the help they desperately need.

Q & A

What is the current population of Lebanon, and how has it changed due to the arrival of Syrian refugees?

The population of Lebanon in 2011 was 4.4 million. Over the past five years, 1.5 million Syrian refugees have arrived, bringing the total population to 6 million, meaning one in four people in Lebanon is now a Syrian refugee.

Why did Rashida Jones visit Lebanon?

Rashida Jones visited Lebanon to observe and discuss the current refugee crisis. She was motivated by the increasing fear, apathy, distrust, and lack of information surrounding refugees, and wanted to witness firsthand the living conditions of those displaced.

How do refugees in Lebanon secure housing?

Refugees in Lebanon typically negotiate directly with landlords to secure housing. They may pay rent or, in some cases, provide unpaid labor in exchange for shelter. This creates a significant financial strain on the refugees.

Are there official refugee camps for Syrians in Lebanon?

No, Lebanon does not have official refugee camps for Syrians. Refugees often have to find whatever space they can, living in unfinished buildings or makeshift accommodations.

What is the situation of Syrian refugees living in unfinished buildings?

Syrian refugees living in unfinished buildings face dire conditions, including mold, crumbling walls, and inadequate sanitation. They often live with limited access to basic utilities like electricity, water, and gas.

Why can't refugees work legally in Lebanon?

Refugees cannot legally work in Lebanon without a residency permit. However, obtaining a residency permit is expensive, and many refugees do not have the financial means to secure one, leaving them in a state of dependency and hardship.

What challenges do refugee children face in terms of education?

Although refugee children in Lebanon can attend public school, they often cannot afford the cost of transportation and school supplies. As a result, many children end up working instead of attending school to help their families financially.

How do the living conditions for refugees deteriorate over time?

Over time, the conditions for refugees worsen as they run out of resources, savings, and opportunities for work. As a result, many families are unable to provide for their basic needs, and their living conditions continue to deteriorate.

What kind of hope do refugee children express for their futures?

Despite their difficult circumstances, many refugee children have dreams for the future. Some want to become teachers, engineers, or other professionals, showcasing resilience and optimism despite the harsh conditions they live in.

What is the role of aid in supporting refugees in Lebanon?

Aid plays a crucial role in improving the lives of refugees in Lebanon. However, there is a call for better, more sustainable aid as the refugees' living conditions have been severely strained over the past five years of conflict. The need for lasting and substantial assistance is critical.