A Precarious Existence: The Shelter Situation of Refugees from Syria in Neighbouring Countries

More than three years into the Syrian conflict which has led to a protracted humanitarian crisis with regional dimensions, over 2.8 million people have sought safety and protection in neighbouring countries and North Africa. According to UNHCR, the average rate of monthly registrations continues to exceed 100,000 so far in 2014. Of these, it is estimated that 85% live outside of refugee camps. Neighbouring countries have exhibited solidarity in hosting unprecedented numbers of refugees, yet even before the Syrian crisis they were experiencing a shortage of affordable housing. The lack of affordable housing has led to hundreds of thousands of refugees from Syria living in substandard, overcrowded and unsuitable accommodation without security of tenure (3) and exposed to risks of exploitation and forced eviction. Cycles of secondary displacement in countries neighbouring Syria have been increasing, as refugee families move from place to place in search of adequate and affordable shelter. Neighbouring countries, in particular Lebanon and Jordan, have noted that these risks are not limited to Syrian refugees as the refugee influx is starting to impact the ability of the poorest segments of host communities to meet their housing needs.