Syria's Refugee Crisis

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates the civil war in Syria has displaced up to 10.25 million people, with 3.45 million of those refugees living in nearby countries. Neighboring Lebanon has accepted nearly one million Syrian refugees, approximately 22% of its population. Jordan's third largest "city" is now the Zaatari refugee camp which holds over 120,000 people. Other nations in the region are experiencing the wave of immigration, and all are struggling to support the massive influx of refugees with inadequate public services and infrastructure that barely met the needs of existing populations. What short and long term impacts will this refugee crisis have on the region, and what is the likelihood, if any, of these displaced persons returning home?

Confirmed Speakers

• Jana Mason, Senior Advisor for External Relations and Government Affairs, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
• Maureen White, Visiting Scholar, Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University
• Mona Yacoubian, Senior Advisor, Middle East and Project Director, Pathways to Progress, Stimson Center
• Aaron Schachter*, Assignment Editor, The World, Public Radio International