The recent actions of Lebanon’s government reveal a troubling disconnect between rhetoric and reality. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, the administration claims to prioritize quality education for all children in Lebanon, regardless of their background. The new Minister of Education, Rima Karami, has publicly committed to rehabilitating the failing public school system and improving educational quality. Yet, on September 30, this government took a regressive step that undermines these lofty ideals by imposing new restrictions on educational access for many refugee children.
The mandate requiring non-Lebanese students to present valid residency permits or IDs issued by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to enroll in public school “second shift” classes is nothing short of a blatant violation of the fundamental right to education. This requirement, a continuation of last year’s policy, effectively bars thousands of refugee children from accessing the education they deserve. The harsh reality is that, due to the complexities of Lebanon’s increasingly stringent residency requirements, many refugees—especially Syrian children—are left out in the cold.
As it stands, the Lebanese government has a long history of moving the goalposts on residency for refugees. Initially, Lebanon adopted an open-door policy for Syrians fleeing war. However, by 2015, the government began instituting increasingly strict residency criteria that led to the disenfranchisement of a vast number of refugees. The bureaucratic hurdles—exorbitant fees, convoluted application processes—have left only about 20 percent of Syrian refugees with valid residency status. Consequently, a staggering 28,000 non-Lebanese children were denied access to public education last year alone.
This systematic denial of educational opportunities should send alarm bells ringing for anyone who claims to care about human rights and social justice. The Lebanese leadership must understand that education is a fundamental human right, enshrined in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. It is not a privilege to be granted based on arbitrary residency statuses or political whims. The very future of Lebanon, and indeed the region, hinges on the education of its children—both Lebanese and non-Lebanese alike.
Moreover, current statistics paint a grim picture for the educational prospects of Syrian refugee children. As of 2024, 41 percent of Syrian refugee children were out of primary school, and an alarming 81 percent did not attend secondary school. Such statistics should not only be an indictment of a failed system but also a clarion call for action. The implications are dire: a generation of children denied education will perpetuate cycles of poverty and instability, further entrenching Lebanon’s social divides.
Lebanon’s leaders need to align their policies with their professed commitment to education as a national priority. They must break away from the shackles of discriminatory policies that only serve to exacerbate the inequities faced by vulnerable populations. The government must embrace a more inclusive approach that recognizes the inherent worth of every child, regardless of their immigration status.
Education has historically been a pathway to empowerment and social mobility. In Lebanon’s case, it can be the key to revitalizing a nation that has endured years of political and economic turmoil. The government’s current trajectory threatens to deprive an entire generation of children of their right to learn and grow, thus undermining the very fabric of society.
In conclusion, the Lebanese government must be held accountable for its actions. It is not enough to make promises about educational inclusivity; those promises must translate into tangible policies that dismantle barriers to education. Every child in Lebanon deserves the right to education, and it is imperative that leaders recognize this as a moral obligation. The future of the nation rests on the shoulders of its youth, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that all children have the opportunity to succeed—regardless of where they come from.
This article highlights the importance of Education Inequity Deepens.
