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“A Grandmother’s Dedication: Sobhiya and Rola’s Refugee Journey”

Stories

“A Grandmother’s Dedication: Sobhiya and Rola’s Refugee Journey”

30 December 2024
Refugees gathered in the main waiting area of the UNHCR reception centre in Beirut, Lebanon.

UNHCR Beirut and Mount Lebanon Reception Center in Jnah 

Sobhiya and her granddaughter, Rola, began their journey as refugees with UNHCR in 2014 after fleeing the violence in Aleppo, Syria. Rola’s mother had previously passed away, and her father—Sobhiya’s son— had also gone missing during the war. This left Sobhiya as Rola’s sole caregiver. Together, they made a frightening journey, particularly for a small child, to seek refuge in Lebanon, where they now live with one of Sobhiya’s other son and his family in Mount Lebanon.

From the moment she arrived in Lebanon, Sobhiya focused on how to access refugee status and get vital support her and Rola needed. Sobhiya prioritized registering with UNHCR to safeguard her and Rola’s access to essential services and rights.

“I have six children, and Rola is like my seventh. She is so precious to my heart. I raised her, and I take care of her. I would do anything for her. I love her dearly and want what’s best for her,” Sobhiya shared.

Despite the safety they found in Lebanon, life remained fraught with challenges as they adapted to life in exile. The devastating Beirut explosion on August 4, 2020, damaged their home and destroyed vital appliances, including their washing machine and refrigerator. With limited financial resources, these losses severely impacted their ability to meet essential needs.

After registering with UNHCR, Sobhiya began receiving multi-purpose cash assistance, a vital support that allowed her to address urgent needs such as medication, food, and essentials for Rola.

“Living expenses are very high. Water is scarce and expensive, and electricity is rarely available. The [cash] assistance is crucial for me because it helps me contribute to the household expenses alongside my son. It also helps me provide for Rola’s needs. She is a young, growing girl who requires many things,” Sobhiya explained.

Through her registration, UNHCR also referred Sobhiya to a community development centre near their home. There, Rola can do social activities outside of school, including sports, self-defense, and arts and crafts classes, offering her a sense of normalcy and creative expression. Sobhiya also participates in candle-making workshops at the center, providing her a brief respite from daily hardships.

Sobhiya has been committed to renewing their registration certificates with UNHCR to ensure uninterrupted access to critical services, including healthcare, and educational activities for Rola.

Registration with UNHCR is a critical first step in accessing aid for families like Sobhiya and Rola. While not the sole pathway to rights, it facilitates connection to life-saving services and support. In 2024 alone, UNHCR Lebanon verified and updated the personal data of more than 395,000 refugees, ensuring their continued access to essential assistance.

With the support of donors like the European Union, UNHCR and partners are able to provide critical registration and protection services to refugees at its reception centres across Lebanon. This support has been especially vital amidst escalating hostilities in Lebanon and a worsening humanitarian crisis, underscoring the importance of collective efforts to protect vulnerable populations.